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Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Series: Part 42 of Once and Future Stats: Published: 2015-02-13 Words: 876 A Thousand Years by spowell Once and Future Series (SPowell) “Why are we so dressed up, Arthur?” Merlin straightens Arthur’s tie. “Why do you think?” Arthur asks, ruffling Merlin’s hair. “It’s Valentine’s Day and we’re going out.” Merlin steps back, running a hand through his hair to fix it. Seeing Merlin looking so dashing in his tux makes Arthur’s hands sweat even more than they already are. “And you’re taking me to a fancy restaurant?” Merlin picks Aithusa off their bed and sets her on the window sill. “I didn’t say that.” “You haven’t said anything at all except ‘Rent a tux.’” Arthur’s nervous. Really, really nervous. He doesn’t want Merlin to see it, though, so he covers it in exasperation and bustles Merlin out of the flat and down the hall to the lift. Merlin normally enjoys surprises, but he won’t leave Arthur alone about this one, which makes everything worse. Arthur wants to be dashing and self-assured—he used to rule a kingdom, after all. But like with so many things in this modern-day world, he’s out of his depth. “Give me a hint, ” Merlin says as they get into their horrid little car that Arthur despises more every day. The first thing Arthur’s going to do once they get the settlement money over Wolff’s attack— after purchasing a house, of course--is to get them another car. A bigger one. “No.” Merlin whines and sinks down into the driver’s seat. “How am I supposed to drive if you won’t tell me where we’re going?” “I’ll give you directions. Now, start the car. We’ll be late.” “For what?” “Nice try, Merlin.” When they pull up in front of one of the most expensive restaurants in London, Merlin turns to Arthur, mouth open. “Arthur, we can’t…” “I’ve been saving up for this, Merlin. Come on…close your mouth and park the car. There’s a space up there.” “Reservations for Emrys-Pendragon, ” Arthur tells the maître d’, and Merlin gives Arthur a questioning look. Before he can say anything, however, they’re led to a private room. “I know this is a really posh place, Arthur, but tuxes?” Merlin says, looking around as they go. Merlin stops short in the doorway when he sees Anthony, Mary, Jake Winters, Ralph and Will— now someone Merlin frequently talks to-- all standing about with big smiles on their faces. Arthur knows Merlin’s even more thrown by the sight of a modern-day Leon. When Arthur met him recently while planning this surprise, he’d been thrown, too. Evidently, Mary had found herself face-to-face with—quite literally-- the man from her dreams at the laundry mat of all places, and they’d been dating ever since. At this moment, Arthur can’t help but feel that those they cared about have come back in this lifetime to witness this most important moment. “Arthur?” Merlin’s blue eyes are wide and round, and Arthur pulls him in close, kissing him, lips brushing over lips, breath mingling. Arthur’s heart feels near bursting. “Remember, you did say you’d marry me, ” he tells Merlin softly. “You can’t back out in front of our friends.” “Marry you-- …Arthur, ” Merlin’s voice is husky, and for one terrible moment, Arthur’s afraid Merlin doesn’t want this. Then Merlin’s hand comes up to touch Arthur’s face and he smiles—the most beatific smile Arthur’s ever seen. “It’s our wedding day.” Arthur nods. “Yes, it is.” And all at once, Arthur’s jitters dissolve. Reverend Parks steps forward and introduces himself to Merlin, Mary comes forward with pink boutonnieres and tucks them into both Merlin and Arthur’s lapels, and Anthony nudges them toward an archway of flowers and hearts. Merlin stares at Arthur throughout the short ceremony, as though his world begins and ends with Arthur’s every breath, and Arthur solemnly says his vows and listens to Merlin say his before Arthur reaches into his pocket and brings out the two platinum bands he’d bought months ago. He recalls his nuptials with Gwen---a very elaborate affair with hundreds of people present—and the wide smile Merlin had given him just after. Now that wide smile is there again, this time accompanied by happy tears. Arthur kisses them all away, and, after the reverend introduces them as Arthur and Merlin Emrys-Pendragon, and Merlin casts Arthur a look of exasperated love, the loud applause of their friends usher them into the first moments of their marriage The lights lower and there’s a dance. Upon the first strains of the song, Merlin’s tears return. He squeezes Arthur in silent acknowledgment, and Arthur finds tears springing to his own eyes. Arthur chose this song for their wedding dance because shortly after Arthur returned, it had come on the radio and made Merlin cry. Merlin told Arthur it made him think of them. The words resonate in Arthur’s heart as well. As he cradles the man he loves more than life in his arms, moving about the dance floor as their friends watch, many memories of their past together flash before Arthur’s eyes, and he feels with great certainty that he and Merlin are going to be fine; they’d get the money from the settlement, they’d buy their house, and they’d live happily ever after. Somehow, some way, they’d be together, forever. ---END--- Arthur's memories... Vid “A Thousand Years” by Miss Millsonxx Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Published: 2015-02-13
Words: 876

Merlin and Arthur Closeup

Closeup portraits, pencil on paper, 2011.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2011-10-04
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 20
Kudos: 209
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 2,637
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

At Home

Arthur talks to Merlin, and Merlin reacts.
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: post episode 5x13, post canon au
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-13
Words: 1,295
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 230
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,260
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, OC Ralph Clayworth, OC Dirk Wolff

Into the Blue

Arthur is feverish, Merlin snuggles him. Gwen isn't in it much tbh, and you can read it as Merthur if you so wish.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Sickfic, Hurt/Comfort, Fever, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2017-03-05
Words: 1,046
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 139
Bookmarks: 13
Hits: 2,182
Relationships: Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Need

Arthur needs this. So does Merlin.
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, post canon au, Sex, Fluff, bottom!Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2014-09-07
Words: 973
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 229
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 5,385
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Uther

Suspected Jealousy

Arthur can't quite make sense of Merlin's erratic behaviour.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: coda 4.06
Language: English
Published: 2013-11-22
Words: 273
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,442
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

The Water Settles, And Then Trembles

Merlin was a good boy, promise. It's Arthur who thinks he should be doing things that he really doesn't want to do. Like, not spending the entire day at his side, because apparently, pets should be spoiled and pampered and don't need to sit in on boring meetings. Merlin thinks that anything that takes him away from Arthur's side for too long -see, any time at all- is useless and not to be trusted.They're going to have to fix that.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Pet Play, Puppy Play, Animal Play, Alternate Universe - BDSM, dom!Arthur, sub!Merlin, Switch!Morgana, Switch!Gwen, ot4 endgame, Puppy!Merlin, Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Morgana's magic revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Arthur Finds Out, Arthur Knows About Morgana's Magic, Magic Postivity, seer!morgana, Fix-It
Language: English
Published: 2017-03-18
Words: 3,415
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 718
Bookmarks: 36
Hits: 16,292
Categories: F/F, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

The Epic Tale of the Journey to Candy Mountain

Merlin and Arthur decide to take a trip to Candy Mountain
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2009-08-11
Words: 6,333
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 18
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 334
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gandalf | Mithrandir, Charlie the Unicorn, Albus Dumbledore

Season Six

(in which Merlin and Arthur do the New York Waltz)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Crossover, Community: summerpornathon, Dancing, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Team Gluttony
Language: English
Published: 2009-07-26
Words: 738
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 30
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,001
Fandoms: Merlin (BBC), So You Think You Can Dance
Characters: Cat Deeley, Nigel Lithgoe, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

In Wine There is Truth

After a massive party, Merlin has to get a very drunken Arthur back to his room. Hilarity ensues.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drunkenness, Fluff, Mentions of homophobia, Hangover
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-20
Words: 906
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 80
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,568
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL

Determined to win his husband back, Arthur treats him as he should have all along hoping they can get back together and live out their lives together, will Arthur succeed? Read and find out x
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Romance, Angst with a Happy Ending, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-10
Words: 1,163
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 54
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 3,379
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

To See Is To Believe

Arthur and Merlin have been together for months and while Merlin is always telling Arthur how he feels, Arthur never says it back as he doesn't know he loves Merlin, that is not until a family party opens his eyes
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Christmas Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-23
Words: 2,181
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 294
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 6,590
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Dragoon the Great, Dolma (Merlin)

Arthur & Merlin's Journey To Their Happy Ending

Merlin & Arthur's first encounter left a bad impression on Merlin, who was convinced that Arthur was nothing but a prat. When Arthur & Merlin's paths cross again a few years later, Arthur will do anything to change Merlin's opinion of him. But what happens when Merlin is diagnosed with cancer & doesn't tell Arthur, not wanting to be a burden on him? Will they find their way back to each other? It's up to Arthur to set things right.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Cancer, Happy Ending, Hospitals, Angst, Friendship, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hospitalization, Pining, sick Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-12
Words: 22,951
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 176
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 6,966
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin and Arthur

A Poem about Merlin and Arthur
Rating: General Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Team Green, Merthur Party 2013, poem, probably shitty poem
Language: English
Published: 2013-12-27
Words: 183
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 94
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 999
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

For You To Keep

Merlin uses his magic to weld a new crown for Arthur to wear on Yule, and Arthur gives Merlin… a scarf?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Yule, Gift Giving, Roughhousing, Apologies, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-01
Words: 2,563
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 559
Bookmarks: 80
Hits: 5,443
Categories: Gen, M/M
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Speak My Language

Arthur has trouble reconciling the fact that Merlin is both his best friend, and a sorcerer. And maybe something more.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, One-shot, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Post Camlann, Fix-It, kind of?
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-01
Words: 1,093
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 257
Bookmarks: 22
Hits: 3,477
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Mentioned)

Art - Arthur & Merlin's First Kiss

Merlin isn't sure of Arthur's real intentions, but he will find out soon enough. :)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Camelot Drabble Holiday Exchange Fest, First Kiss, Digital Art, Fluff, Romance, Comic
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-02
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 128
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 2,988
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin (Merlin)

A New Year's Kiss

Gwaine lets Arthur in on a secret and Arthur finally decides to act.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Don’t copy to another site
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-07
Words: 805
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 70
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,738
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Warlocks Cheat in Drinking Competitions

Arthur challenges Merlin to a drinking competition and, well, Merlin's a cheater.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: the knights are there too, Drinking Contest, Fluff, Canon Era, merlin is a cheater
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-05
Words: 452
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 117
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,975
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

A Good Man

(Sorrow)Merlin and Arthur have a moment before the Feast of Samhain. 'Missing scene' from episode 401: "The Darkest Hour". Prequel for the bulk of the 'Virtues, Chicken, and Destiny' series.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Season/Series 04, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-23
Words: 854
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 794
Bookmarks: 52
Hits: 9,875
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)

making them be honest the hard way

It started like this.Merlin had no idea how he ended up in Arthur’s bed, wearing Arthur’s clothes and inhabiting Arthur’s body. All he could confirm was that at some point during the night, he had ended up in Arthur’s bed, as Arthur, which meant that…Oh shit.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Bodyswap, Awkwardness, gwen knows, Awesome Gwen (Merlin), gaius accidentally made them switch bodies, possibly permanently unfinished
Language: English
Published: 2017-06-27
Words: 5,179
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 213
Bookmarks: 20
Hits: 3,272
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Time Now To Be The Future

In which Merlin and Arthur tackle monsters, Time and mythical beings. Written for the_antichris for Yuletide 2008.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Arthur/Merlin
Additional Tags: Angst, Time Travel, First Time, Yuletide
Language: English
Published: 2008-12-25
Words: 7,976
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 492
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 6,644
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin

Merlin and Arthur's High School Reunion

Gwen and Merlin both have people they're hoping to see when they make plans to attend their ten-year high school reunion.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Romance, First Love, School Reunion, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2014-01-24
Words: 5,108
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 287
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 4,137
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

What a Mess

Arthur follows the text he got from Merlin asking him to meet at Merlin's room immediately.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Angst, Fluff and Humor, Clothing, Dialogue, Phone Calls & Telephones, Surprises, Crying, Laughter, POV Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-22
Words: 1,561
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 141
Bookmarks: 11
Hits: 2,042
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

If I'm Arthur

They played Merlin and Arthur when they were small, because Merlin was well,actuallynamed Merlin, and if there was a Merlin there should be an Arthur to match.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Growing Up Together, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Non-Magical
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-20
Words: 429
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 166
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 1,543
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Something About You, Merlin

Arthur figures out what it is about Merlin that he can't quite put his finger on, and how Merlin fits into his destiny.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode Tag, The Moment of Truth, 1x10, merlin 1x10, this is my first fic in five years, the last fics i wrote were all doctor who fics, it was a dark time, arthur is perceptive, Pre-Slash, i guess, arthur talks to kilgarrah, not in the fic but in general, Magic Revealed, all characters are only mentioned except arthur, Arthur's POV, arthur's internal monologue basically
Language: English
Published: 2017-07-27
Words: 727
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 154
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 2,206
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Will (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Will (Merlin)

A Little Gentle Persuasion

Gaius may know that Arthur and Merlin are in love, but they don't seem to. They're going to need a little gentle persuasion...
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Love Potion/Spell, Gaius is a huge Merthur shipper, Merthur - Freeform, perwaine, Fluff and Angst, Corny, Cheesier than Quavers, A Valentine's gift to you all
Language: English
Published: 2014-02-14
Words: 3,753
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 346
Bookmarks: 42
Hits: 7,111
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

Hearts and Secrets

Summary:Arthur is left out of the loop on more than one love secret .-Prompt from dirtydreamer:#28. Arthur comes to know that his friend Merlin is planning to ask someone to be his valentine. He is insanely jealous and teases him mercilessly to cover it up. On top of that, Merlin refuses to tell him who the mystery person is... Bonus points for a cute song being involved!-Written for Merlin Writer's Theme: Valentines
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2014-02-14
Words: 1,540
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 44
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 963
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Merlin)

Action figures and beans

"Arthur!" Merlin screamed happily, bright smile still shining on his face. The nurse was right. A very good day indeed.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Other
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Mental Health Issues, Mental Instability, Trauma, Friendship, Hope
Language: English
Published: 2017-08-28
Words: 1,779
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 61
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 717
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)

The Heart of Camelot

At the end of 'The Death Song of Uther Pendragon' what if Arthur heard the exchange between his father's ghost and Merlin? What would Arthur do?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Magic Revealed, Episode: s05e03 The Death Song of Uther Pendragon
Language: English
Published: 2017-10-06
Words: 1,648
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 78
Kudos: 2,118
Bookmarks: 210
Hits: 15,153
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Misunderstandings and Second Chances

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
It took just a few seconds for Arthur to misinterpret what he saw. Will that mistake cause him to lose Merlin for good? Notes Thanks to my wonderful sister kaseyboy for being my beta again. You're the best! This is now my second mute Merlin story. I seem to only be able to write stories with him either being deaf or mute. I don't know why. Please forgive any errors I've made about muteness and sign language. I hope you enjoy and comments are greatly appreciated. -- -- Arthur met Merlin through his sister Morgana. Merlin was a graphic designer in the marketing department of Pendragon Industries and Morgana was his boss. He had been working there for nearly a year and everyone, including Uther, was impressed with his work. Arthur was now back in London after having spent the past couple of years traveling for the company. He was VP and would one day run the company once his father, Uther, retired. He hadn't minded the traveling until Morgana married Leon, his best friend, about four months ago. He saw how incredibly happy they were together and it made him want more than the life he was leading, coming back to an empty hotel room every night. Arthur wanted someone to keep him in London. He wanted someone to come home to every night and talk to about his day. He wanted to find love. -------- Arthur went down to the cafeteria to grab a quick sandwich for lunch when he saw his sister with a gorgeous young guy. After he remembered to breath, he paid for his food and walked over to where the two were sitting. Before he had a chance to say anything, Morgana saw him. "Arthur, it's so nice to see you. Sit down." After he did she said, "I'd like to introduce you to Merlin and Merlin, this is my brother Arthur." Both men smiled at each other and Arthur reached out to shake his hand. When their hands touched, Arthur was afraid he'd let out an audible gasp. It was like an electric current went up his arm and settled warmly inside his body. It was right after they touched that Arthur discovered Merlin was mute and communicated with sign language. This really wasn't a problem for Arthur because he already knew sign since his mother had been deaf. The two became fast friends, which was nice, but Arthur wanted more than just a friendship with Merlin. So after about a month, Arthur asked Merlin out on a date which he quickly accepted. -------- Arthur and Merlin had been dating for four months when they confessed their love for each other. It was that same night that they slept together for the first time and it was magical. Merlin wasn't very experienced so Arthur took it nice and slow, being extremely gentle with him. -------- Almost every Thursday night, Arthur and Merlin met up at the pub with their now shared friends Morgana, Leon, Gwen, Lance, Gwaine, Elena and sometimes Percy and Mithian. It was Thursday, a few days after they slept together for the first time, when Arthur texted Merlin during lunch. "Sorry, but I have too much work to get done for this merger, I won't be able to go tonight." "That's okay, we'll go next week," Merlin texted back. "No, just because I have to work doesn't mean you shouldn't go." Merlin replied with, "I don't want to go without you." "You go and have fun. I'll see you tomorrow night at the party." "Ok but I'll miss you." "I'll miss you too. Have fun. Love you," Arthur texted and when he saw Merlin's texted "love you too," he put his phone down to get back to work. -------- Arthur finished work earlier than expected so he headed straight to the pub to surprise Merlin. When he walked in it was more crowded than usual but after looking around for a minute he spotted Merlin. He smiled to himself but before he had a chance to walk over to him, he watched as Merlin reached up and put his hands on some guy's chest as he was pulling Merlin close for a sloppy kiss. Stunned, Arthur's eyes narrowed and he turned and walked out of the pub before Merlin or anyone else saw him. What Arthur missed by leaving so quickly was Merlin's knee going into the guy's groin causing him to let go of him. The bloke that Arthur saw kissing Merlin was Valiant, a guy that also worked at Pendragon Industries but in another department. He was always trying to get Merlin to go out with him but he always refused. Valiant was drunk and still couldn't seem to take no for an answer so he forced himself on Merlin. Gwaine and Percy rushed over and shoved him away from Merlin and out of the club and told Valiant to stay away from him. By the time Arthur got to his flat, he was furious. "How could he do this to me," he kept repeating to himself. He quickly downed several shots before he crawled into bed. He was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly. -------- "how was work. did you get everything done?" Merlin texted Arthur late Friday morning. When Arthur saw the text, he just glared at his phone and was tempted to throw it across his office but he restrained himself. Instead, he just ignored it along with the other three messages he'd received from Merlin throughout the day. Merlin wasn't really too concerned that Arthur didn't respond to any of his texts. He knew he had a lot going and was probably just too busy to respond. He knew he'd see him tonight at the party Uther was throwing for his employees as a thank you for their hard work. It was an annual event and no expense was spared. -------- Morgana stopped into Arthur's office in the late afternoon to ask him something about the party but he just brushed her off. "I still have lots of work to do on this merger so if you don't mind, I don't have time to deal with your little party issues." "You don't have to be such an arse," she said back as she left his office and slammed the door shut behind her. He wasn't really busy, he had finished the work last night but he was pissed at her for not bothering to tell him that Merlin was cheating on him. He was her brother, she should have told him. -------- Arthur and Merlin had previously agreed to meet at the banquet hall that Uther always reserved for the occasion because Uther expected him and Morgana to be there well in advance of anyone else. The siblings managed to avoid each other, which really wasn't too difficult considering the fact that Morgana was still angry at Arthur from earlier in the day and Arthur was obviously furious with her. Arthur was already at the bar when Merlin showed up. He didn't see Arthur right away but Arthur saw him and moved over to talk to Cendred, a bloke he'd dated a few years ago. Merlin was soon greeted by Morgana. "Have you seen Arthur?" he signed to her. "No, but I really haven't looked for him. I'm sure he's around here somewhere," she said as they both scanned the crowd. "Oh, there he is, at the bar." As Merlin approached Arthur, he heard him talking to Cendred. "So how's the little boyfriend?" Cendred asked sarcastically. "Who, Merlin?" "Yeah." "That's totally over. I got what I wanted and now I'm done with him," he said loud enough so Merlin could hear. Merlin stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't believe what Arthur was saying. Arthur turned around and glared at Merlin as he said to Cendred, "why, you interested?" "Hell yeah," and he slid closer to Arthur who pulled him flush against himself and started giving Cendred open mouthed kisses as he looked Merlin directly in the eyes. Merlin was frozen to the spot as the tears started to pool in his eyes. He needed to get out of there now. He turned and rushed to the loo since it was closer than the exit. He went into a stall so he could try to gather his composure before anyone saw him. Unfortunately, he was spotted by Valiant who quickly followed him into the loo. Arthur watched Valiant follow Merlin, which pissed him off even more. Obviously Merlin's "other boyfriend" was going in to comfort him. He pushed Cendred away and left without saying anything to anyone. Merlin didn't hear Valiant enter because he was trying to get his breathing under control and fighting to stop the tears. As he opened the stall door, Valiant pushed his way into the stall with Merlin. "So Merlin, we meet again," he sneered. He was still furious about the night before when Merlin kneed him in the groin. Merlin was in a panic. He had to get out of the stall and away but before he could even start to fight back, Valiant punched him in the face. This was quickly followed by more blows to the face and several to the ribs before he managed to turn Merlin around and shove him against the side of the stall face first. Before he could go any farther, Gwaine walked in. Gwaine didn't know who was in the stall but he saw blood on the floor and heard struggling so he kicked the door in which knocked Valiant off Merlin. Merlin fell to the floor now that there was nothing holding him up. Gwaine pulled Valiant out of the stall and yelled for help. Thankfully, Percy was heading to the loo and rushed in. As he saw Gwaine fighting Valiant, he grabbed him from behind and yanked Valiant's arm high up behind his back as he put his other arm around his neck before he saw Merlin laying on the floor of the stall. Gwaine rushed over to him and fell to his knees. "Merlin, Merlin, are you okay?! Merlin! Wake up!" He was panicked so Percy kept his hold on Valiant as he shoved him out the door so he could yell for more help. Two security guards came and took Valiant from Percy and called the cops. By this time, all Merlin's friends had filled the loo and everyone in the banquet hall knew something terrible had happened. Merlin finally woke up much to his friend's great relief and Gwaine and Leon were able to get him up. "We need to get him to the hospital," Leon said. "Where's Arthur?" Morgana asked but no one was able to answer because no one knew where he'd disappeared to. She rushed out ahead of them to get to her car. Leon and Gwaine led Merlin outside and to Morgana's car, which she had at the curb waiting for them. She was on the phone leaving Arthur a message as Gwaine and Leon slowly climbed in the back with Merlin. Everyone inside the hall was shocked and sickened after not only knowing it was Merlin that had been attacked but seeing his bruised and bloody body being helped out by his friends. -------- Morgana and everyone else tried to get in touch with Arthur once they were at the hospital but their calls just kept going straight to voice mail. They were all unaware of the fact that Arthur left the party to go home where he proceeded to get drunk. After the first call he got from Morgana, Arthur turned off his phone without even listening to it. Morgana left him a second message telling him to "call as soon as you get this. Merlin has been hurt. We're at the hospital." From Leon: "Hey man, I don't know what you're doing but call Morgana or me when you get this message." From Gwaine: "Listen you arse, Merlin's hurt and needs you. Where the fuck are you?!" From Morgana: "Arthur why the fuck aren't you answering your phone! Call me back!" The friends also tried texting Arthur. Morgana: Call me now!!!!!! Gwaine: where the fuck r u !! Leon: Arthur we took Merlin to A&E. Come as soon as you can Morgana: get your fucking ass over here. Merlin needs you Gwaine: FUCK YOU PENDRAGON -------- Merlin was admitted to the hospital and taken to surgery to repair the broken jaw he suffered. He also had a concussion caused by Valiant slamming his head against the wall of the stall and several cracked ribs. As soon as he was out of surgery and moved to a private room, thanks to Morgana, Leon went to Arthur's flat since no one had heard from him yet. -------- Arthur woke up to pounding on his door at six in the morning. He could hear Leon yelling something but he put his pillow over his head and fell back to sleep because his head was pounding. When Leon told Morgana that Arthur never answered his door, they both were worried that something had happened to him. -------- Around ten in the morning, Arthur once again heard someone banging on his door. He then heard Morgana's voice yelling at him to open the door. He managed to get out of bed long enough to yell at her to "fuck off" before he crawled back in bed. He was quite sure she was there to bitch at him for making Merlin cry and he didn't want to hear it from his traitor sister. She was furious with him but relieved to know that he was at least okay. She'd deal with him later but right now she needed to be with Merlin. No one else knocked on Arthur's door for the rest of the weekend. Saturday night, when he finally turned his phone back on, the first text he saw was from Gwaine, "FUCK YOU PENDRAGON" so he deleted it plus the rest of his texts and voice mails without reading or listening to them. How dare Merlin involve their friends and have them harass him. -------- Monday morning when Arthur showed up at work he got a few surprised looks from people but no one approached him. He was still angry with Merlin and his friends and apparently the scowl he wore on his face made everyone avoid him. He spent the morning locked in his office. When he left to go to lunch he was stopped by several people asking him how Merlin was doing. Arthur and Merlin hadn't flaunted their relationship but he knew people were aware of it. He was annoyed that everyone seemed so concerned about Merlin just because of what Arthur had done Friday night. They obviously didn't know what their beloved Merlin had done to him the night before so his response was either, "how should I know," or "I don't really care." Each of which brought looks of shock or anger or disgust. When he returned from lunch, he got more of the same questions so he stormed straight to Morgana's office. When he got there, her PA told him she took the day off and then told him she was surprised he was there. "And why wouldn't I be here today," he demanded. "I just figured, with everything that happened, you'd be at the hospital," the PA said. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Why would I be at the hospital?" "Well, I thought since Merlin was there, you'd..." but she stopped herself before she said anymore fearing it could end up getting her fired. Arthur stormed back to his office where he slammed his door shut before he called Morgana. After six rings, she finally answered. "Where are you and what the hell is going on?!" "Oh Arthur, so nice of you to finally call," she said with such fake sweetness it just angered him more. "What the hell is going on?!" "Oh, so you want to act like you're interested now?" "Morgana, tell me what's going on," he growled. "Well, let's see. Merlin got through surgery and they should be releasing him soon." "What the fuck are you talking about? Why did he have surgery? Where are you?" "Sorry, but I can't talk anymore. The doctor's coming." She hung up leaving him worried and confused and feeling sick. He still had no idea what was going on so he called Leon. "Leon, please tell me what's going on," he rushed out almost in a panic. "Well hello to you too Arthur," Leon snapped because he was angry at Arthur's lack of concern for Merlin. Arthur knew it must be something bad if Leon was talking to him like that. "Leon, please, I just want to know what's going on," he pleaded. "Friday night Merlin was attacked by Valiant in the loo. He really did a number on him. He broke his jaw, cracked several ribs and gave him a concussion," he told him sadly. "No," Arthur whispered. "They had to do surgery on his jaw that night but Morgana told me a short time ago that they were going to release him from the hospital today, which is good. He looks like shit though. When I saw him last night, the swelling in his left eye still hadn't gone down much. His lip is still swollen and he's probably going to have a scar or two from where Valiant's ring sliced into him. He's really sore and having trouble moving because of his ribs but other than that, he's fine," he finished sarcastically. Arthur collapsed in his chair trying to just breath. 'This can't be happening,' he said to himself. Finally, he gathered his composure enough to ask Leon what hospital he was in before he rushed out of his office. By the time he got to the hospital, Merlin had already been released. He assumed Morgana probably took Merlin back to his own flat, not really thinking, so he rushed there. After spending several minutes banging on Merlin's door, he realized Morgana must have taken him somewhere else so he called her. "Morgana, where is he?" he demanded. "No, I'm not telling you. The last thing he needs right now is to get upset so just stay away from him. I think you've done more than enough damage as it is," she said before she hung up. Arthur sat in his car and put his head on the steering wheel and cried. Merlin was hurt and even though he was cheating on him, he still needed to see him so he went to Morgana's. She wasn't there so he just sat outside her door to wait until she returned. It was around five when she finally showed up looking tired. "What are you doing here?" she asked him as she unlocked her door and went inside. "I need to see him, please," Arthur said as he followed her in. "No, I don't think you do. I believe you hurt him enough already by making out with Cendred right in front of him." "I was only doing that to get even with him." "Get even with him for what?!" "For cheating on me and don't even try to act like you don't know what I'm talking about." "I have no fucking idea what you're talking about?!" she yelled as Leon walked into the flat. "I saw him all over some guy at the pub!" Arthur shouted. "What are you talking about?!" she yelled again. "Oh come on Morgana, I saw him!" "When!" "Thursday night, as soon as I finished with work, I went to the pub and saw him and some guy all over each other. It was really nice of you and Leon to not tell me my boyfriend was cheating on me!" "Oh my god, are you kidding me?!'' She knew instantly what he was talking about. "Did you also happen to see Merlin knee him in the groin to make him let him go?! Oh, and, by the way, that was Valiant, the same guy that beat him up Friday." "What?" "He wanted to get revenge on Merlin for what he did to him on Thursday night." "But...no! I saw him follow Merlin into the loo on Friday. I just thought he was going in there to...No! Oh my god! I watched him go in there so he could hurt Merlin and I just let him." He fell to the floor and sobbed knowing he could have prevented the whole thing. Morgana kneeled down beside him and put her arms around him. "Arthur, you were an idiot but you had no idea Valiant was going to hurt Merlin. You can't blame yourself for that." When Arthur got himself under control, the brother and sister stood up and sat on the sofa. A minute later Leon came in with three cups of tea. They all sat there in silence until Arthur finally asked, "where is he?" "Listen, if I tell you, you have to promise you won't go see him, at least not right now." "No, I have to see him. I have to make sure he's okay for myself. I have to tell him how sorry I am. Please Morgana." Morgana looked over at Leon and he gave her a small nod. "Okay, but listen, I'm going to go with you and if Merlin doesn't want to see you then you have to promise you'll leave." "I promise." -------- Morgana drove Arthur to Gwen and Lance's flat. 'Of course,' he thought to himself. He should have known that was where Merlin would be. Before Morgana left, she had whispered to Leon to call Gwen to warn them that they were coming over. She wanted Gwen to be able to talk to Merlin and check if he wanted to see Arthur or not. As soon as Gwen answered the door, she told them Merlin was sleeping, which he was because of the pain medication he was on. "Can I go and see him? I promise I won't wake him," Arthur asked quietly. "Go on, he's in the guest room," Gwen told him. -------- Arthur slowly pushed the guest room door open. The room was fairly dark because the blinds were closed but even in the dim light, he could see Merlin's battered face and it knocked the breath right out of him. It took a minute before he was able to walk into the room. The light from the hall landed on Merlin's face which made it possible for him to see the bruises, cuts and swelling more clearly and it made him nauseous. He just looked down at Merlin's abused face while tears streamed down his cheeks. Finally, he kneeled by the side of the bed and reached out to hold Merlin's hand. With his other hand he very gently moved Merlin's hair off his forehead and leaned up and kissed it tenderly. That kiss was followed by many more gentle kisses to all the injuries on his face. "I'm so sorry Merlin. I'm so so sorry. I love you so much. I just hope you'll be able to forgive me some day." He then rested his head on the side of the bed never releasing Merlin's hand and cried. Arthur didn't know that Gwen and Morgana were outside the room and witnessed the tenderness he displayed towards Merlin. They finally walked away to give him some privacy. Merlin never woke up while Arthur was sitting with him which he was both grateful for and sad about. He wanted to tell him how sorry he was and how much he loved him but he was afraid of the reaction Merlin would have from seeing him. After a few hours he got up and left the room asking Gwen if he could come back and see him in the morning. "I don't think that's a very good idea. Just give me time to talk to him first," Gwen told him. "Okay, but can I call you in the morning to check on him?" "Of course." Morgana had already left so he went outside and walked around for a while before he called a cab to take him home. -------- Arthur didn't get to see Merlin at all that whole week. Gwen tried to spare his feelings by telling him that Merlin didn't want to see anyone. Arthur knew it was just him that Merlin didn't want to see because Morgana was keeping him updated on his progress. She told him he was still in a lot of pain and was getting antsy and wanted to go back to his own flat and back to work but the doctors wanted him to take another week off. Actually, Morgana was keeping everyone updated by sending the staff daily emails regarding Merlin. She said it was much easier doing it that way because she was repeatedly being stopped throughout the day by coworkers wanting to know how Merlin was. After Monday, no one had wasted their time asking Arthur how Merlin was. He assumed word of his initial replies to those inquiries on Monday had spread and now they all probably thought he was a heartless bastard. -------- The second week was much the same as the first. Gwen would come up with some excuse or another as to why he couldn't see Merlin. Arthur sent him a text each day but never got a reply back. He also sent flowers and even talked to a doctor to see what kinds of foods Merlin could eat and then had that delivered to him. -------- Merlin finally returned to work the following Monday. Arthur wanted to go see him but it was like a zoo around him most of the day with coworkers coming to see him to tell him how glad they were that he was back and how much they missed him. Arthur stayed in the background and watched as people would smile as soon as they spotted him, which made Arthur's heart warm knowing so many people cared about and adored Merlin. When he finally got a clear view of him, Arthur saw that the swelling and bruising was almost totally gone. He still had a bandage covering up the stitches he had on his chin and cheek and was moving slowly but he looked happy to be back. Tuesday, Arthur went down to Merlin's department just before lunch hoping to catch him alone. When Merlin spotted him, he quickly put his head down and acted busy. It was clear that this wasn't going to be easy. "Hey, how're you feeling?" Arthur asked him. "Better," Merlin signed back without making any eye contact with him. "I'm glad. Um, do you think we could go somewhere and talk?" Arthur asked hesitantly. Merlin shook his head no then signed, "I've got a lot of work to get caught up on." "Oh, okay. I guess I'll let you get back to it then." As he turned to walk away, he added, "I'm really glad you're back," and then left. Once Arthur was back in his own office, he shut the door, sat down and put his head in his hands. He felt like crying knowing Merlin didn't want anything to do with him. After Arthur left him, Merlin slowly made his way to the loo so he could try to regain his composure. It was so hard seeing Arthur and he hadn't been ready for it. Arthur continued to make attempts to talk to Merlin but he wasn't successful. -------- Three months had passed since Arthur broke Merlin's heart and he was desperate to talk to him so he went to Morgana to ask if he could join them for their weekly pub night. She didn't give him an answer right away because she wanted to check with Merlin to see if he was alright with the idea. After she'd talked to Merlin, she told Arthur it'd be okay if he came. ------- Over the next several weeks, Arthur slowly started trying to engage Merlin in conversations. They started off with small talk and one word answers but at least it was a start and Arthur could feel the ice beginning to melt just the tiniest bit between them. On one of their weekly trips to the pub, Arthur watched as a bloke came over to Merlin and tried to talk to him but Merlin just shook his head and tried to walk away. The guy then grabbed Merlin by the shoulder and swung him around roughly but before it went any farther than that, Arthur was there between the two of them shoving the man away from Merlin. After they exchanged a few words, the man left and Arthur turned around to face Merlin. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head no but looked a little shaken so Arthur put his arm on the small of Merlin's back and led him back over to their table. When Merlin sat down, Arthur took the seat beside him. They were both quieter than normal after that but if their friends noticed, no one mentioned it. When Merlin was getting ready to leave for the night, he gave Arthur a sad smile and signed thanks. Arthur wasn't about to let him walk out of the pub alone because he didn't know where the guy from earlier was and he wasn't willing to risk Merlin's safety. As Merlin was standing, he noticed Arthur stand also. When he looked at Arthur giving him a questioning look, Arthur just grinned and shrugged his shoulders and walked out with Merlin and led him over to a taxi to ensure he made it home safely. Merlin gave him a small wave which he returned before heading back inside the pub to rejoin their friends. Merlin had a hard time falling asleep that night. He kept replaying the events of the night over and over in his head. He could almost still feel the warmth of Arthur's hand on his back. He was so confused. He thought he was getting over Arthur but now he was doubting that. Maybe he had just been fooling himself all this time thinking he was getting over him. -------- Merlin missed their next couple weeks of pub nights. He told Morgana it was because he had a lot of things he needed to get caught up on but Arthur secretly thought it had more to do with what happened with their last encounter. Arthur had stayed away from Merlin at work per Morgana's request but he had at least that one night a week where he could see and try to talk to Merlin but with his absence, Arthur was going crazy. He missed Merlin so much. -------- Gwen was having a party to celebrate Lance's birthday. It was a large gathering outside their building in the patio area with lots of people Arthur didn't know. Arthur spotted Merlin off to the side signing with Owen, a guy from work. Arthur was concerned that maybe he and Merlin had gotten together so he sought Gwen out. Before he could find her, a blonde bloke approached him and put his arm over his shoulder before whispering in his ear asking him to dance. Arthur removed the guy's arm as he shook his head and continued his search for Gwen. Unbeknownst to him, Merlin had been watching the encounter and grinned to himself when he saw Arthur walk away from he guy. When Arthur finally located Gwen, she explained that, no, Merlin and Owen weren't together, just friends. Arthur let out a deep sigh of relief. Gwen gave him a small smile and patted him on the arm before she returned to her other guests. She and the rest of their friends had finally forgiven him for hurting Merlin. When Arthur next saw Merlin, he was standing off to the side watching people dancing to a slow song with such a sadness and longing in his eyes that it broke Arthur's heart. He walked up to Merlin and asked, "will you dance with me?" Merlin looked at him with sad eyes and shook his head no before he looked down to the floor. Arthur wasn't about to give up so easily. He hesitantly reached out and lifted Merlin's chin to get him to look at him. "Please," he mouthed as he was giving Merlin puppy dog eyes. Merlin hesitated and Arthur took advantage of his indecision and again asked, "pretty please?" This drew a grin out of Merlin. Arthur slowly reached out and took his hand as he looked at him more serious this time. "Please," he said again looking so hopeful, Merlin finally relented and allowed Arthur to lead him over, but off to the side, of where everyone was dancing. When Arthur pulled Merlin into him, like he had done so many times before, it felt right. Oh how he had longed to have this back. He held on to Merlin like his life depended on it. Before he even realized it, he had tears running down his cheeks and soaking into Merlin's shoulder. Merlin pulled back a little and looked at Arthur's face. He slowly lifted his hands and gently wiped the tears off his cheeks with his fingers and gave him another sad smile. Arthur pulled him close again not wanting to give up the closeness. He was relieved Merlin let him. Before either of them had even realized it, twenty minutes had passed and the people that were still dancing were now jumping around to the song now playing while they were still clinging to each other just swaying in each other's arms. Finally, Merlin started to pull away a little which brought Arthur back to reality. He looked at Merlin and gave him a sheepish grin before he released his hold on Merlin and then led him away from the dance floor keeping his hand on Merlin's back. When they reached the other side of the patio area, Arthur asked him if he'd like a beer and when Merlin nodded yes, he left to fetch them both one before returning to Merlin. Arthur knew their friends were secretly watching them but was thankful no one came over to interfere. Arthur handed Merlin his beer before he asked, "can we please talk? There's so much I need to say to you." Merlin looked at him nervously. He didn't know if he was ready to be alone with Arthur and listen to what he had to say yet. But Arthur's next "please" broke any remaining resistance he had. Arthur led him up to Gwen and Lance's flat. He didn't want any interruptions so he took him to their guest room so they'd have privacy if someone else came into the flat. When they reached the spare room, Arthur led Merlin over to the bed to sit and put both their beers on the dresser. He then kneeled down in front of Merlin so he could see him clearly. "I am so so sorry I hurt you. There is absolutely no excuse for what I did. There is no way you could hate me more than I hate myself. I love you so much. I know I have no right to ask this of you, but can you ever forgive me?" Merlin looked at him for a minute before he signed, "I can forgive you in time but I don't know if I'll be able to forget what I heard you say and what I saw you do." He now had tears running down his face. "I thought you loved me but then you said and did those things." Arthur tried to respond but Merlin waved him off and continued. "I always thought you were out of my league and I couldn't believe you would ever be interested in me, but then, the longer we were together, I started to believe it was real and that maybe you did love me. Then when I heard you say you got what you wanted and was done with me, I felt so stupid and humiliated." He had to stop to wipe his eyes of their tears. "You used me and made me feel dirty and worthless. I loved you more than anything and then you did that to me. You got what you wanted and then just threw me away like a piece of trash." Arthur couldn't take it anymore. He reached up and held Merlin's hands to still them before he spoke. "Oh my god Merlin, please, I love you so much. I swear I wasn't using you. Please, you have to believe me. You mean more to me than life itself. I am so so sorry. I would do anything to be able to turn back time and erase what I did." "Why did you do it then?" he signed. Morgana had already told him how Arthur had misinterpreted what he'd seen that Thursday night with Valiant in the pub but all Morgana knew was that Arthur had kissed Cendred right in front of Merlin. She only knew that much because other people had witnessed it and told her about it. She didn't know anything about what Arthur said to him because Merlin had never told her or anyone else because he was too embarrassed and humiliated. "That night, I went to find you at the pub because I finished work early. When I walked in, I thought you were kissing Valiant..." 'But I wasn't. I would never do that to you." "I know that but, at that moment, I just was so angry and jealous, I lost it. I wanted to hurt you the same way I was hurting." Arthur looked down at the floor for a minute before looking back up at Merlin. "I'm so sorry. You are the most important thing in the world to me. I'm willing to do anything to get you back. I love you so much." He was crying by this time and leaned over to rest his head against Merlin's knee. Finally, he felt fingers running through his hair and after a minute of savoring the feel of it, he hesitantly pulled back and looked up at Merlin who signed, "I don't know if I can trust you again. You broke my heart. How do I know you won't do it again?" "I swear to you I will never hurt you again. I would rather die than cause you any more pain. Please believe me." When Merlin made no response, Arthur continued, "I love you Merlin and I will do anything it takes to get you to trust me again and to prove to you that I do love you." Merlin still didn't respond. He just stared at Arthur fighting an internal battle with himself. Part of him really wanted to believe Arthur but the other part just kept replaying the words Arthur had spoken to him that night. "Can we try again? Please?" Arthur signed. Merlin looked at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes and signed, "maybe we can try being friends." It wasn't what Arthur was hoping for but it was so much better than it could have been so he counted it as a small victory. He stood up and then pulled Merlin up and into his arms. He knew he might be pushing it but he just had to feel him in his arms again. Merlin didn't seem to mind the closeness either because he relaxed into the hug. ------ A few months after Lance's birthday party, Merlin and Arthur were friends again. Arthur wanted more but Merlin just couldn't get over his trust issues with Arthur so whenever Arthur broached the subject of them going on a date, Merlin declined. Arthur was determined not to lose hope, after all, he was the cause of this. He patiently waited for the day Merlin would be able to look at him and not see him as the man that had broken his heart, but instead, as the man who was willing to wait for him no matter how long it took. Over the following months, he sat back and waited. He knew Merlin was his soul mate and even though it killed him not to be able to hold or kiss him, he held onto the belief and hope that one day soon, Merlin would realize that too. It took nearly six months for Merlin to finally see that man. Arthur hadn't pushed but he had been there making Merlin laugh, buying him coffee and then surprising him by delivering it to his desk, showing up at his flat with take-out when he knew Merlin had had a bad day and he'd most likely forget to eat, offering him support and a shoulder to cry on when his Mum was very ill and in the hospital. He was also there when Merlin went to the store to buy a new suit for Gwen and Lance's wedding. He helped pick out a shirt that showed off his beautiful eyes. When Merlin came out of the dressing room, Arthur was standing there with a tie for him to try on but, instead of handing it to Merlin to put on himself, he stepped close to Merlin, flipped his collar up, reached around him to grab the other end of the tie before he carefully tied it just right. When he reached up to flip the collar back down, he didn't remove his hands. He looked deep into Merlin's eyes and moved his hands just enough so he could gently stroke Merlin's cheekbones. When Merlin took a startled gasp but didn't pull away, Arthur leaned in and pressed his lips to Merlin's. He pulled back a few inches but when Merlin made no attempt to retreat, he cupped his face in his hands and kissed him like it was the only thing that would keep him alive. He didn't realize until they broke apart that they both had tears streaming down their faces. He gave Merlin a warm smile as he carefully wipes the tears from his face and then pulled him in for another kiss that ended with them just holding each other in the middle of the dressing area. When they parted, they looked at each other and they had matching grins on their faces. Arthur smoothed down Merlin's shirt before he stepped back and looked him up and down, "you look absolutely gorgeous. Merlin, will you be my date for the wedding?" Merlin smiled even brighter and nodded yes. Arthur pulled him in for another hug and ended with a quick kiss before Merlin turned and retreated back into the dressing rooms. Arthur felt like he was floating on air. He wanted to shout at the top of his lungs and throw his arms in the air proclaiming victory. He had just won the best prize in the world, Merlin. As soon as Merlin emerged with his clothes, Arthur took them up to the counter and told the shop assistant they'd be back later in the week to pick everything up after the alterations were complete. He then lead Merlin outside where he couldn't help himself. There, in the middle of the street, he pulled him in for another kiss and hug. Once they'd broken apart, Arthur whispered, "I love you so much." He would've loved more than anything to drop down on one knee and propose to Merlin right then and there but he knew it was too soon. He did know that it would happen this time though. He was never letting go of Merlin again. In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Merlin and Arthur started going on real dates. Arthur would pick him up and take him to dinner. Merlin was still a little apprehensive so Arthur was more than willing to take it slow for Merlin. They decided not to tell their friends just yet. They wanted to wait until after the wedding because they didn't want to take any attention away from Gwen and Lance as their big day approached. Arthur and Merlin sat beside each other during the wedding ceremony. Arthur reached over ever so slyly to hold Merlin's hand. At the reception, they danced together a few times but not enough to make anyone suspicious. The week after the newlyweds returned from their honeymoon, Arthur and Merlin showed up to the weekly pub night hand in hand with matching smiles on their faces. Their friends looked at them and broke into cheers before pulling them into hugs. -------- Six months later, Arthur was once again outside a dressing room standing in front of Merlin, tying a bow tie for him this time. He gave him a passionate kiss and then smoothed down Merlin's shirt before he stepped back and looked him up and down. "You look absolutely gorgeous," he told him. This time, Merlin was standing in front of him in the tuxedo he'd be wearing in less than a month to their own wedding. Arthur had never been happier. Merlin accepted his proposal after they were dating for less than five months and here they were, less than a month away from their wedding day. It had been a long bumpy road that Arthur had to travel down to regain Merlin's trust but he'd finally made it to the end. Arthur knew what it was like to lose his precious Merlin, now that he had him once again, he was going to cherish and love him for the rest of his life. -------- Six years, one flat and one house later, Arthur and Merlin were in the park. Merlin was running around playing with their three-year-old daughter Freya and her new puppy. Arthur watched them from the picnic blanket they'd spread out under a tree and realized he was the luckiest man alive. Every morning, when he woke with Merlin in his arms, he couldn't help but think that he almost lost this forever and he'd hold onto him a little bit longer and a little bit tighter. Then he'd think about his daughter and what he would've missed out on without Merlin's forgiveness so he'd hold on just a little bit longer and a little bit tighter still. The end. Thanks for reading. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Valiant (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Romance, Disability, Muteness, Mute Merlin, Minor Violence, Hurt Merlin, Hospitalization, Light Angst, Getting Back Together, Happy Ending
Published: 2014-02-25
Words: 7643

Arthur and Merlin get caught in a snowstorm

Arthur builds them a cozy little nest, and Merlin makes a fire.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Additional Tags: Remix, camelotremix
Language: English
Published: 2010-10-09
Words: 1,892
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 103
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 2,171
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon

we're like two halves of one heart

we are, we are, we are.-arthur doesn’t know how to dance. merlin teaches him, and some poetry and awestruck arthur later, they realise the true depth of their feelings.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Dancing, Canon Era, besotted Arthur, Idiots in Love, Love Confessions, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, bc i'm fucking tired of angsty magic reveals, POV Arthur, Based on a Troye Sivan Song, Kinda, Waltzing, mlm author
Language: English
Published: 2017-10-28
Words: 2,206
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 34
Kudos: 665
Bookmarks: 87
Hits: 4,589
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mentions of: - Character, Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Total Knockout

Or "Why Arthur Should Stop Getting Knocked Unconscious at Strategic Moments Throughout the Show so that Merlin Can Do Magic Without Getting Caught." It's Arthur's coronation day, but the new king isn't quite… himself this morning.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Crack, Humor, Satire, Friendship, Magic Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2011-04-11
Words: 3,511
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 178
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 1,942
Categories: Gen, F/M
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

i’ll carry your heart with me

Merlin Emrys wasn’t sure what to make of Arthur Pendragon most days. He certainly wasn’t expecting to become best friends with Arthur all those days back in primary, and he definitely wasn’t ready to develop an all-encompassing crush on him.Now if only Merlin could do something about people constantly mistaking the two of them for a couple...(Or, five times people thought Merlin and Arthur were together and one time they actually were. A glimpse into the lives of Merlin and Arthur over the years.)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Growing Up Together, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fluff, Slice of Life, 5+1 Things
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-29
Words: 10,002
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 974
Bookmarks: 129
Hits: 8,830
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Sophia (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Mistletoe Menace

Merlin kisses Arthur under the mistletoe at a Christmas party, and Arthur finds himself hoping it means something more than it probably does because what else does one do when they're pathetically in love with their best friend?Or in which two idiots in love dance around their feelings and keep 'accidentally' ending up under mistletoe.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Christmas Fluff, Mistletoe, Kissing, Love Confessions, Friends to Lovers, a little bit of jealousy
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-25
Words: 7,043
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 315
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 2,815
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Interruptions

No matter how hard they try, Merlin and Arthur just can't get time alone.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-12
Words: 1,849
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 232
Bookmarks: 17
Hits: 2,698
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)

ticklish

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
merlin is mad at arthur. arthur knows merlin is ticklish. cute and fluffy. Merthur one-shot really short “Ugh. Merlin c’mon, stop pouting it was just a movie” Arthur said to his best friend. “No, I have a right to ‘pout’ seeing as you went to see the new avengers movie without me” the raven-haired teen said to his best friend. “Come on please, I hate it when you sulk and not talk to me, I apologized like fifty times and I even bought more tickets for tonight at seven” Arthur whined, he stuck out his bottom lip. He sounded like a puppy. Merlin’s knees threatened to buckle. “Arthur stop, that’s not gonna work tonight” Melin demanded. The raven-haired teen moved to the couch. “Did you actually get more tickets?” Arthur nodded, “I did” “You didn’t have to do that, spend your money on me I mean” Merlin said. Arthur shook his head this time “I didn’t, I used your card” “ I never should’ve given you my code” Merlin growled. “Are you still mad” the blond asked. “Yes!” merlin said exasperated, he crossed his arms across his chest. It was Arthur’s turn to adopt a moue look. “Sorry” Arthur was beginning to worry, Merlin never stayed mad at him this long. Then he remembered. Arthur grinned mischievously at Merlin. “What, what’s that face for…” Merlin’s eyes widened “no.. don’t you dare!” Arthur launched himself across the couch and onto Merlin. The blonds hands quickly found Merlin’s curved sides and he wiggled his fingers brushing the ticklish skin. Merlin pursed his lips determined to keep his laughter in. When Arthur didn’t get much of a reaction he moved his hands to his best friends underarms then back to his sides quickly. Merlin couldn’t help it if he held in his laughter any longer he was sure he’d combust. He opened his mouth and his melodic laugh filled the room. Arthur also began to laugh his atrociously adorable laugh. As he tried to keep it down his laugh turned to giggles while Merlin laughed hysterically. “Arthur… pl-please, please s-stop” Merlin giggled out. “What?” “I’m… sorry-i’m not … mad I..I promise” Merlin gasped. “Are you sure” “Y-yes” “Okay” Arthur dropped his hands. The two teens were lying one on top of the other, sweaty and messy on the couch. As Arthur’s breath came out in puffs blowing Merlin’s ‘too lazy to cut’ long bangs out of the way they stared into one another's eyes. Blue meeting a lighter blue. At that moment Arthur realised how much he had been aching to to taste those luscious tempting lips for forever. The blond leaned down and Merlin’s eyes widened. The space between them decreased at an annoyingly slow pace. After what seemed like forever Merlin moved up and pressed his lips to the blond. He felt Arthur’s lips part as he gasped merlin took advantage and slid his tongue in. After what seemed like forever Merlin moaned and they broke apart. “We should probably get going so we don’t miss the movie” “Yah, okay” they got off the couch and straightened their clothes as best as they could. As they exited Merlin’s house Arthur followed him to the passenger’s seat and opened the door. Merlin got in and before he shut the door Arthur leaned down and gave merlin a quick peck on the lips, Merlin sighed. Arthur never opened the doors for merlin like he had just did but Merlin didn’t care cause it felt good. It felt right Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merthur
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff
Published: 2017-12-22
Words: 567

A Different Kind of Warmth

On a cold winter's night shortly following the return of magic to Camelot, Arthur and Merlin try to get used to a lot of things.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Winter, Magic, Post-Magic Reveal, Established Relationship, Snow, Kissing, Banter, Angst with a Happy Ending, Court Sorcerer Merlin, Canon Era, Fluff and Angst, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-08
Words: 1,680
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 621
Bookmarks: 62
Hits: 5,575
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

Rock Bottom

We're on the right side of rock bottomAnd to you I just keep crawlingYou're the best kind of bad something'Cause we keep on coming back for more...The best expression that could summarize Merlin and Arthur’s relationship would probably be ‘rock bottom’.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drabble, camelot-drabble, prompt: argument, Children, Fluff, idk - Freeform, Merthur - Freeform, AU, Modern AU, Stuff
Language: English
Published: 2017-06-29
Words: 1,230
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 28
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 577
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin)

Your Wish is My Command

Merlin unconsciously makes Arthur do things with his magic. Mind control. "All Merlin knows now is that he looked at Arthur and wished really really hard that he could command Arthur like Arthur commanded him..." MerlinxArthur SLASH. Dub-con.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Drama, Horror, Mind Control, Mindfuck, Dubious Consent, Kink Meme, Community: kinkme_merlin
Language: English
Published: 2009-06-02
Words: 4,035
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 126
Bookmarks: 18
Hits: 4,387
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon

Bumps and Bruises

Arthur notices Merlin’s constant injuries, and decides he needs to step in and protect Merlin.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Implied/Suspected Abuse, Canon-Typical Violence, Protective Arthur, Magic Revealed, Pre-Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-01
Words: 1,696
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 197
Kudos: 16,222
Bookmarks: 2,005
Hits: 107,087
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Indecendy

Arthur receive a phone call from Merlin and goes help him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Percival (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2017-12-31
Words: 719
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,258
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

Let Go

Throughout their entire lives, Merlin and Arthur have a hard time letting go of each other.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Character death at the very end, Modern AU, Fluff and Angst, mentions of Gwen/Lancelot
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-17
Words: 2,996
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 69
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 1,473
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur, Gwen/Lancelot, Merlin/Mordred, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Freya, Gwen (Merlin)

Old Fashioned Romance

Modern Merlin and Arthur story. Arthur wonders what happened to old fashioned romance. But perhaps it's over-rated, after all.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Kissing, Alternate Universe - Party, Drunk!Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-20
Words: 1,336
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 132
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 1,893
Relationships: Merthur, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Bear With Me

As they made their way out of Gaius’ chambers, Merlin hit his leg on the table, the sound of the table leg scraping across the ground ringing out loud in the silence of the room. Arthur jumped, eyes wide, and Merlin grinned sheepishly. “Ah, sorry.”“Be quiet, idiot,” Arthur snapped, and Merlin’s grin dropped.***Merlin's woken in the middle of the night by Arthur, who is acting suspiciously and will give no indication of what's happening.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Magic Revealed, Hopeful Ending, Quest, Romance, First Kiss, Some fluff?? Maybe??
Language: English
Published: 2018-01-25
Words: 2,700
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 41
Kudos: 1,111
Bookmarks: 73
Hits: 8,874
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

For Arthur's Sake

Merlin thinks Arthur taking a wife is an egregious, unacceptable idea. Arthur wants him to realise why.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Oblivious Merlin, good uther, Epiphanic Love Confession, Arthur Trying To Prod Merlin Towards This Epiphany, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2018-02-10
Words: 2,103
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 66
Kudos: 1,171
Bookmarks: 101
Hits: 10,208
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Gone

Arthur and Merlin are in an established relationship. What I think the episode would have ended like if that were true. Tag for S4e1
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-25
Words: 1,675
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 33
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 887
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur, Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan, Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Only A Kiss

Arthur is not the kind of guy who gets nervous. But he's nervous now. On his date with Merlin.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Kissing, First Dates, Fluff, Alternate Universe - College/University
Language: English
Published: 2014-03-28
Words: 1,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 156
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 2,172
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Blanket Hog

Arthur woke to a cold bed and his first thought wasn’t of his absent husband, no, it was that goddamn blanket.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Blankets, Harry Potter References, Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2018-03-13
Words: 722
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 368
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 3,188
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Cat Adventures with Merlin and Arthur

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Merlin and his cat adventures, ones that almost get him killed, do not amuse Arthur. Not one bit! Notes Prompt 304: Saviour by ObsidianSerpent A/N : I intended to write something quite angsty but decided to go in the opposite direction with this one. Disclaimer : Merlin characters are the property of Shine and BBC. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended. Arthur was making his way outdoors to go to the training grounds when Sir Leon ran up to him, out of breath. “Sire, there is commotion at the stables.” When they arrived, it was to see Percival and Gwaine kneeling beside someone lying on the ground. Percival looked up at Arthur, his expression worried. “I don’t think he’s hurt too badly. The cat was on the roof,” were his only words. He looked as if he wanted to say more, but Arthur put up a hand and shook his head. He’d talk to Percival more in- depth later, but he’d heard all he needed for now. He had more important things to worry about. He didn’t need to look down to see who it was on the ground. Percival wouldn’t have given him that look unless it was Merlin. Arthur pushed the others out of his way and carefully picked up Merlin, only worrying afterwards that perhaps he should have left him on the ground until he could be checked out for injuries, but as Merlin was trying to talk, Arthur took that as a positive sign. He visibly relaxed once he saw that the damage didn’t seem too bad, and he briefly wondered whether he wanted to throttle Merlin or kiss him more. He opened his mouth to ask what had happened when he heard a familiar meow. Arthur sighed. He should have known. Damned cat! If Arthur had told Merlin once he’d told him a hundred times to not play with that cat! Hadn’t Arthur told him to be careful, that the cat didn’t like to be cuddled? It was a cat after all, even if it was small and perhaps a smidgeon cute and adorable. Arthur would have to have words with Percival, but first he had to take care of Merlin. Careful not to jostle Merlin, Arthur continued to glare at the cat. He had half a mind to put his sword through it, but he knew that if he did, Merlin would never forgive him, and Percival wouldn’t be happy either. “You are a menace to society, cat,” he said instead, glaring at it, but the look the feline gave him had Arthur thinking that he was the one being reprimanded, not the cat. The thought made Arthur chuckle. “I don’t know who is more the idiot here, you or Merlin.” Arthur made a shooing motion with his hand, but the cat refused to move. Arthur was about to kick it when Merlin opened an eye and cleared his throat. Arthur had been caught. Damn Merlin and his sixth sense! “You leave that cat alone, Arthur. He didn’t do anything to you.” Arthur let out another laugh. Merlin was amazing… an amazing idiot. The amazing idiot that Arthur just so happened to love. “No, but he nearly killed you. Am I not allowed to be upset about that?” Merlin tried to laugh, but grimaced, probably in pain. “If you want to be angry with someone, be angry with me. I was the one who decided to go up there to get the cat. That cat didn’t coax me onto the roof. I am a big boy, Arthur, and I can make my own decisions, believe it or not,” he finished, with more than a little condescension in his voice. All the fight went out of Arthur. As angry as he was with Merlin, and he was plenty angry, he was more thankful. Merlin could have easily been killed in the fall. Silly boy. Hadn’t he been told to stay in bed until he was over the sweating sickness? Gaius had lectured him about how important it was to get his strength back, and he had forbade Merlin to go back to work for a fortnight. The recovery period had seemed excessive to Arthur, but who was he to tell the Court Physician what was right and what was wrong when it came to medical conditions? Yes, he was King of Camelot, but if that qualified him to make diagnoses of the medical persuasion, he hadn’t been informed, thus, until that day arrived he would leave that business to more educated people than himself. “You idiot,” he spat out. “Did you honestly think it a good idea to climb atop the stables and play the hero? What were you doing out of bed anyway? I thought you were on strict bedrest.” Merlin opened his mouth to answer Arthur, but Gaius’s concerned voice rent the air as he called after Arthur and Merlin. “He’ll live, Gaius,” said Arthur, swallowing the words he wanted to say next. “A few bumps and scratches, but I don’t think he was hurt too badly.” Once Merlin was safely back in his bed, Arthur began the inquisition. One question after another, not stopping to take a breath. “Arthur,” Merlin interrupted, rolling his eyes, “Percival’s cat came into my room. I have no idea how he got here, but he did. I decided to take him back. I knew neither you nor Gaius would be happy with me, but I thought I could get there and back before you’d notice I was gone. How was I to know the cat would get away from me and jump up on the roof of the stables?” “So, being the hero you are,” said Arthur, shaking his head in exasperation, “you just had to follow him, didn’t you?” “Yep,” said Merlin, matter-of-factly, obviously quite proud of himself. He put on this cocky attitude far too often for Arthur's liking, but it was one of the qualities Arthur loved so much. “What am I going to do with you, Merlin?” Merlin smirked. “If you want to keep a closer eye on me, Arthur, you could always ask me to stay with you so you can play mother hen.” Such insolence could not be tolerated so Arthur did the only thing he could. He leant over to kiss Merlin. Yes, he would be moving Merlin into his chambers immediately. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Caring Arthur, Hurt Merlin, Fluff, Happy Ending, overprotective Arthur, Short & Sweet, Worried Arthur, Angst, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Tenderness Collections: Camelot Drabble — Prompt #304: Saviour (Art Prompt)
Published: 2018-03-14
Words: 1000

Merlin's Trial, Arthur's Plan and How It All Went Awry

Merlin has to reveal his magic in order to save Arthur and Uther arrests him. This is the story of the trial and Arthur's plan to save Merlin. Neither of which go as expected. No Meant to be funny (you be the judge), also shows how much Merlin is loved in Camalot.Some spoilers, nothing big. Set before Lance's death but after Morgana leaves.
Rating: General Audiences
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: a lot of monologues, bit of a character study, Friendship
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-03
Words: 4,441
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 64
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,060
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

In the woods

“What?” exclaims Arthur, weak with disbelief, because Merlin really just said that there could be no place for magic in Camelot—no matter that this would sentence one of their knights to death.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Episode: s05e05 The Disir, Magic Revealed, Fix-It, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Missing Scene, Nice Arthur, Observant Arthur, Season/Series 05, First Kiss, Getting Together, Declarations Of Love, Love Confessions, Hugs, Arthur pays attention to Merlin's feelings, Arthur Finds Out, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-12
Words: 1,558
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 2,036
Bookmarks: 182
Hits: 19,230
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (mentioned only)

Art of Legally in Red

Arthur Pendragon has it all. He wants nothing more than to be Mr. Pendragon, husband of Sofia Side. But there is one thing stopping her from accepting his proposal: He is not serious. Arthur rallies all of his resources and gets into Harvard, determined to win her back.A Legally Blonde AU in which Arthur is Elle Woods and Merlin is Emmett Richmond/Forrest. There is also a lot of smiles as well as an immense amount of eye-contact and dog cuddles.ART
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Legally Blonde, Romantic Comedy, Eventual Romance, Fluff, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-14
Words: 21
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 40
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,382
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon/Sophia (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Elena/Mithian (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Cedric (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Rhyme or Reason

Arthur leads Merlin to the edge of the forest.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Unhappy Ending, Seemingly unrequited love
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-16
Words: 727
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 232
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,005
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Don't say NO to me!

Arthur could see dirt scattered across Merlin’s face and he just walked up and wrapped his arms around Merlin's waist and buried his face in Merlin’s neck.“I’ve missed you,” Arthur said his voice muffled by Merlin’s shirtMerlin chuckled and it rumbled through his entire chest and Arthur could feel every sound.“I’ve missed you too prat,”“Come home, you’re tired I’m tired and I’m sick of waking up alone,” Arthur said gripping Merlin tighter.“Arthur...” Merlin sighed “You know I want to but I can’t say no to these people, their houses have been destroyed. They don’t have anywhere to sleep tonight...” and just as Merlin made to pull out of Arthur’s embrace Arthur held on to him tighter.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Arthur loves merlin, Court Sorcerer Merlin, This will make you smile!
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-19
Words: 776
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 328
Bookmarks: 28
Hits: 4,458
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Midnight in Arthur's Chambers

Merlin talks in his sleep at night.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Established Relationship, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Somniloquy (Sleep-Talking), Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-19
Words: 566
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 51
Kudos: 2,016
Bookmarks: 187
Hits: 13,454
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Behind Open Doors

Arthur thinks Merlin is cheating, but it turns out he just has a dirty mind.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Misunderstandings, Humor, Jealousy, Arthur has a dirty mind, Poor Merlin, Poor Morgana, Poor Arthur, this is so gay
Language: English
Published: 2018-04-20
Words: 334
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 173
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 4,548
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Kinda)
Characters: Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin, Arthur, the Ass and the Bee

A domestic scene in Camelot
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Drunkenness, Fluff, Gambling
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-13
Words: 499
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 91
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,361

It's Love

Merlin and Arthur talk about love while on a hunt.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Prompt Fic
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-14
Words: 245
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 7
Hits: 387

Small but Perfectly Formed

One of Merlin's spells goes a little bit wrong.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Canon Era, Ficlet, Mini Merlin, Magic, Magical Accidents
Language: English
Published: 2018-05-20
Words: 525
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 20
Kudos: 343
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 2,887
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Albion: Does Not Compute (Plutonia's Birthday Bash Round Robin)

Arthur and Merlin on a hunt when they encounter a strange visitor from the future.Princes, and Servants, and Robots...oh my!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Robots, Time Travel, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Language: English
Published: 2018-05-28
Words: 2,362
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 81
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 935
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Plutonia

His Three Names

To Merlin, Arthur had three names: prat, Arthur, and sire. Arthur was beginning to recognize the difference between them.A/N: It's not slash if you don't want it to be. I'm just saying it is because I want it to be, but you can go all bromance on it if you want.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Implied Slash, Light Angst, No Dialogue, No Plot/Plotless, Friendship/Love, Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2018-06-20
Words: 999
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 23
Kudos: 384
Bookmarks: 32
Hits: 3,258
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin/Arthur - Fandom
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

It's Not Favoritism!

Arthur is finding all sorts of reasons to explain how he is most certainly not favoring Merlin. Obviously, no body is convinced, not even himself.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Implied Slash, No Smut, No Sex, Humor, Oblivious Arthur, Oblivious Merlin, Denial of Feelings, arthur in denial, Canon Era, Friendship/Love
Language: English
Published: 2018-06-24
Words: 2,271
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 1,056
Bookmarks: 76
Hits: 8,787
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin/Arthur - Fandom
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Original Female Character(s)

Bowtie

Fluffy Merthur moment. With suits! And a bowtie, of course.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Cute, Fluff, Suits, Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-23
Words: 661
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 1,156
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Don't Forget the Cake

It's Arthur's birthday, and Merlin bakes for his party while Arthur enjoys his birthday with friends.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Birthday, Baking, Established Relationship, Fluff, Happy Ending, Merthur - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-29
Words: 1,139
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,676
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)

Movies

Merlin decides it's time to show Arthur what a movie is, but it doesn't go according to plan.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, disney reference, Fluff, post reincarnation, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Arthur's trying, Merlin's exasperated, Neck Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-04-30
Words: 804
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 118
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,446
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Next Time We'll Talk

Arthur gets angry because of Merlin's confession to being a sorcerer when he tries to save Gwen. Merlin apologises.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Episode: s01e03 The Mark of Nimueh, Short One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2018-08-11
Words: 200
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 106
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 2,020
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Under Unexpected Circumstances

Arthur kisses Merlin... And Merlin reacts. Kind of magically.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: mild physical abuse, Anger, Angst, Magic Revealed, Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-10
Words: 372
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 170
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,066
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon

The puppet is strung.

Merlin and Arthur are told of an article on them in the recent Band magazine. After finally settling down again, emotions run high and Uther steps up his game more.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Uther is an ass, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anger, Angst, Love Confessions
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-14
Words: 1,828
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 47
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,094
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

Life outside of work.

Arthur and Merlin get ready for an interview, Merlin is nervous and Arthur helps him through it. Uther does not expect the outcome.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confusion, Living Together, Nervousness, Comfort, Jokes
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-09
Words: 1,603
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,231
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Cutting the strings.

Merlin has had enough and makes a life changing choice and Arthur is right behind him and something starts to bloom between the two men.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confessions, Honesty, Slow Build, Slow Romance, Confusion, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-14
Words: 1,337
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 55
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,520
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

Epilogue

Arthur organises a romantic dinner with Merlin at the very expensive and well known restaurant 'The Avalon' but has another surprise up his sleeve.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Confessions, Fluff, Domestic
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-17
Words: 897
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 84
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,052
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Why Arthur hates romcoms but still watches them

Merlin loved romantic comedies. No matter how much Arthur teased him about it he would drag Arthur at any given time to their local cinema to watch some stupid chick flick.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Modern AU, celebrating the Diamond Day
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-14
Words: 529
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 86
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,290
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

The Key to Friendship

It's been exactly 10 years of Merlin living in Camelot and working for Arthur, and he just wants to spend it peacefully and in Camelot. Unfortunately, he's been stuck with Arthur on the road for days. Arthur might seem like he doesn't care, but really, he just wants to give Merlin a gift.Humour/Friendship and sheep :DHAPPY MERLIN TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Humour, Friendship, can be merthur if you want, Bromance, Anniversary, merlin anniversary, 10 years of merlin, merlin 10th anniversary, Banter, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic
Language: English
Published: 2018-09-20
Words: 2,612
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 189
Bookmarks: 14
Hits: 1,508
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sheep - Character

The Blind Prince

Arthur doesn't like wearing his glasses
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Self-Esteem Issues, Shy Arthur, Arthur wearing glasses, Supportive Merlin, Halloween, Trick or Treating, Uther is nice in this, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-09
Words: 625
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 202
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 2,643
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

The Secret Stairwell

The haunted house is not at all what it seems.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Haunted Houses, hurt!Arthur, Hurt, Nice Morgana, Halloween, Blood, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-20
Words: 585
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 30
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 707
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

Day 27 - "I can't walk"

Merlin can't move his legs. Worry and mild panic ensue.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Immobility, (temporary), honestly i have no idea what else to tag this, Mutual Pining, (only a bit), Light Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sharing a Bed
Language: English
Published: 2018-10-27
Words: 1,559
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 316
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 3,771
Relationships: Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), (IMPLIED)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Machines

Merlin tries to teach Arthur how to drive in an empty lot, and finds he's way in over his head.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: okay they say one bad word once, That's it, that's the only reason it's teen and up, Fluff, Merthur - Freeform, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Learning to Drive
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-18
Words: 455
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 88
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 1,196
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Rainfall

I am going to die, Merlin thought. He did not know where Arthur was, but silently pleaded to who or whatever was listening that Arthur would not pursue him.If he’s even alive, Merlin thought. His heart dropped to his stomach. If these brutes killed Arthur, their destinies ended here, and Albion would never come to be.Please be alive, Merlin pleaded.But don’t come for me.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin, Protective Arthur, Near Death Experiences, Friends to Lovers, Canon Era, Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Torture, Captivity, Rescue, helpless merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Saves the Day, Love Confessions, Falling In Love, Kissing in the Rain, Rain, Fluffy Ending, One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2018-11-13
Words: 1,287
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 27
Kudos: 1,186
Bookmarks: 89
Hits: 12,877
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

a Merlin ficlet, Arthur's POV

When Arthur's king, there'll be another way.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Character: Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Blank Verse Blog Week, Poetry
Language: English
Published: 2009-04-23
Words: 392
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 23
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 721
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gaius/Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Secrets

Victorian era AU. Agravaine has discovered their secret.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Don’t copy to another site
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-21
Words: 1,225
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 137
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 1,692

Cuddling a Prince

Merlin leaves Camelot abruptly to see his mother in Ealdor. Arthur is left lonely, sleepless, and in need of a good cuddle. The knights step in to help, because what are friends for.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Additional Tags: arthur misses merlin, and cuddles, the knights step in, Fluff and Crack, Established Relationship, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2018-11-26
Words: 1,548
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 653
Bookmarks: 63
Hits: 6,900
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Knights (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Thunderbolts and Lightning (Very, Very Frightening)

When the largest storm in Camelot history rolls through the city, Arthur has to try and take care of his city before it drowns. Meanwhile, he soon learns he has to take care of his servant as well.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Canon Era, Rain, Thunder and Lightning, Cuddling, Secret Relationship, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2014-05-27
Words: 1,514
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 758
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 8,845
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merry Happy

Merlin tells Arthur he's on his own, but very quickly proves that's not the case at all.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Childhood Friends, Pre-Slash, Tree Climbing, Alternate Universe - Childhood Friends
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-19
Words: 500
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 136
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,258
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

A Goodbye

He watches over Merlin as he throws the sword into the lake. He watches over him as he collects the reeds around the lake to put on Arthur's boat. He watches over him as Merlin places his hand on Arthur's forehead and breaks down.He watches over him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Post-Season/Series 05 Finale, Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, First Kiss, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Arthur-centric, POV Arthur, Hurt Merlin, Immortal Merlin, Heartbreaking, Love Confessions, Canonical Character Death, merthurdaily's Ten Years of Merlin & Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-25
Words: 862
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 316
Bookmarks: 23
Hits: 3,563
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)

Lyrics

Merlin loves to write music, and one day, Arthur catches him writing music right inside Arthur's chambers. He manages to steal a few pages while Merlin runs away embarrassed, but the problem is . . . it's a love song! A love song about Arthur. Oops.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Song Lyrics, embarrassed merlin, First Kiss, Merthur - Freeform, Humor, merlin the song writer, Love Song, Music, merthurdaily's Ten Years of Merlin & Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2018-12-20
Words: 3,089
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 311
Bookmarks: 18
Hits: 2,624
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Little Family

Arthur and Merlin are the proud parents of four puppies a day in the life of their life turns dangerous when something is stalking the little pups.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: wolfverse!, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha/Omega, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-06
Words: 726
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 283
Bookmarks: 26
Hits: 4,286
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Melodies on the Road

Merlin had the voice of a god, and Arthur wanted to hear more of it, but he definitely wasn't going to tell Merlin that. He'd hear it some other way.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Car rides, Singing, driving in the night, porch kisses, Fluff, Merthur - Freeform, Established Relationship, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-04
Words: 1,540
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 141
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 1,898
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

One love of two hearts

Arthur loves hugs! And Merlin doesn't mind the least.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Autistic Character, autistic Arthur Pendragon, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Hugs, Cuddling & Snuggling, Kissing, Neck Kissing, Sharing a Bed, Sleepy Cuddles, Dorks in Love, they´re so in love I can´t, (hints at), Insecure merlin, but I swear this isnt angsty!
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-14
Words: 1,211
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 30
Kudos: 896
Bookmarks: 92
Hits: 8,604
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

No Escape

Both Arthur and Merlin survive the ending battle and life goes on in Camelot. Arthur notes that Merlin seems particularly distracted and won't let him leave until he explains what's going on. Merlin can't bring himself to lie to him anymore.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: such feels, Arthur could have figured it out, even if he is a dollophead, no unhelpful dragons allowed, Panicky Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-21
Words: 2,797
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 91
Bookmarks: 11
Hits: 981
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

we will put the lonesome on the shelf

Merlin falls in love with Arthur. That's clear from even a cursory watch of this show.So let's talk about this story, about how Merlin falls in love with Arthur and his duty and he calls it destiny but that's not why he stays, because he's terrified by Uther but that doesn't matter.Merlin falls in love with Arthur because he's kind, and he's brave, and he's honorable, and he may not be Good with a capital 'G' but then again, who is? Merlin falls in love with Arthur because Arthur isn't a saint but he's not a monster, because Arthur is flawed and beautiful in his mistakes.Merlin falls in love with Camelot because Arthur loves his country and he shows Merlin how to love it too, because a boy with magic sure isn't going to fall in love with the nation that demands he repress what he is or else face death.Merlin falls in love with the people of this city, cowering and standing and kind and brave and broken. He falls in love with the peasants who trade in the marketplace, the knights who will lay down their lives for Arthur, even the cook who bops him on the head every time he passes.Merlin falls in love. Let's call it what it is.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Character Study, Magic Revealed, Arthur Is Not Oblivious, Falling In Love, Developing Relationship, I stan a couple of beautiful boys, Character Development, Happy Ending, Fairy Tale Elements, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Canon, low-key Uther death in background, but who cares?, "this show is gayer than i am", i shout into the void, the happiest "fuck you" to canon i've ever written, Meta, Fix-It
Language: English
Published: 2019-02-05
Words: 1,132
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 32
Kudos: 695
Bookmarks: 95
Hits: 5,362
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), mentions of all your faves, Gwaine (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)

Thousands of Years And I’ve Still Got You

Arthur remembered exactly three days after Merlin. But not much changed for him. His own feelings about Merlin didn’t require much examination after remembering. Arthur of the past had loved Gwen, sure, but Arthur of the past had also loved Merlin. Arthur of the past didn’t ever bother examining what those feelings meant, they hardly mattered, what with Morgana’s betrayal, and running a kingdom, and needing an heir. Merlin had been his manservant and his friend and he had loved him. It really wasn’t particularly complicated. Feelings in the present seemed to require much more examination. He wasn’t sure why his modern day self had to be so angsty, or perhaps his past self had just been rather shallow.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Reincarnation, Alternate Universe - Reincarnation, Retrospective, Magic Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2019-01-16
Words: 1,802
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 254
Bookmarks: 25
Hits: 2,154
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Never Enough

During a meeting with Queen Victoria, Arthur met Helen Mora. She was an excellent singer. After a successful performance that Arthur set up, he was prepared to leave and go on a tour of the country with her. Merlin, upon hearing that Arthur would leave, couldn't help but feel like Arthur was ashamed of him and the circus.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff and Angst
Language: English
Published: 2019-02-15
Words: 1,370
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 84
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,164
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lady Helen of Mora

Walls

Merlin helps Arthur, who was injured in a fight with the very griffin that almost killed Merlin. Hurt, a lot of comfort, and the explanation of just why a prince would throw himself in harm's way for a lowly manservant.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, hurt Arthur, Battle, Magical Creatures, Slash, First Time, kiss, Confession, Love, Arthur is hurt, merlin is guilty, Patrol, Bath, Canon, canon AU, Prince Arthur, Caring Merlin, Happy Ending, happy-ish, Bittersweet
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-10
Words: 2,127
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 325
Bookmarks: 32
Hits: 3,588
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Bad news

When the phone rang, Merlin knew it would be another bad news
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-15
Words: 678
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 63
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,131
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Our New Beginning

When Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic, he does the only thing he can think of to protect him. He sends him away.After his father dies, Arthur sends for Merlin. With a promise for change and a new beginning for both of them.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-15
Words: 2,448
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 808
Bookmarks: 104
Hits: 7,965
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

As A Friend

After The Herald of A New Age, a joking conversation about hugs turns serious as Arthur realizes that Merlin doesn't remember the hug and most of what happened after in A Master of Two Servants. Sickeningly adorable boys.TW: mentions of effects of torture, while it doesn't happen to any character.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Humour, Bromance, Canon Era, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, theyre so adorable, POV Merlin (Merlin), One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2019-04-02
Words: 2,030
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 335
Bookmarks: 44
Hits: 2,298
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Together

Merlin really didn't like Arthur when he first became his manservant, but then ... he falls in love. But he knows it can never be, and even if it could, Arthur would never love him back... Right?Prequel to 'Elizabeth'
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Top Arthur, Bottom Merlin, Sweet Fluff, Getting Together, Love
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-25
Words: 2,519
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 190
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 4,124
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon

Rewrite the Stars

Everything went wrong when Arthur ran into his father while out with Merlin. Merlin claimed that things for them weren't written in the stars. So, why not rewrite them?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Period-Typical Homophobia, Love Confessions
Language: English
Published: 2019-05-01
Words: 1,107
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 105
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 2,049
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

To Protect

Merlin's boyfriend Edwin is in hospital after once again beating Merlin up and the police, after talking to Edwin, go and arrest the one who threatened he would kill Edwin if he so much as touched Merlin again.... Arthur.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Abusive Relationships, Protectiveness, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Friendship/Love
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-19
Words: 2,661
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 212
Bookmarks: 22
Hits: 3,393
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Edwin Muirden
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Edwin Muirden, Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Two Months Ago

Everything changed two months ago, but Arthur can't remember.But everyone else can. Vividly.Alternate Title: "To Live Without You Is Madness"
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Secret Relationship, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Character Death, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Ghosts, Grief/Mourning, Five Stages of Grief, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst with a Hopeful Ending, (implied) Hallucinations, Hallucinations, Yelling, Canon Era, Amnesia
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-21
Words: 5,965
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 472
Bookmarks: 48
Hits: 5,099
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Peace for Our Time

Merlin froze for several seconds before squinting at Arthur across the table. “I feel like I’m definitely misunderstanding the situation here.”Arthur sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “I really don’t think you are.”“You want me to learn magic?”
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Season/Series 05, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Friendship, Whump, Canon Rewrite, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2019-03-22
Words: 91,060
Chapters: 37/37
Comments: 573
Kudos: 3,634
Bookmarks: 807
Hits: 83,971
Categories: F/M, Gen
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Merlin/Mithian (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-04-27

Trickster

Mithian tells Arthur she thinks Merlin is a god. It's a joke, until it's not.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: BAMF!Merlin, Merlin's a god, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-23
Words: 1,454
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 83
Kudos: 5,423
Bookmarks: 410
Hits: 46,042
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin)

Touch Me (When I'm Afraid to Ask)

After the almost-hug in 2x06, Merlin is determined to find out why exactly Arthur avoids touching him. Is it because of him? Or is it just Arthur being a prat? Merlin desperately wants to find out, even though he himself isn't sure why. Merthur. First kiss.Written for Merlin/Arthur Touch Fest 2019 by artypendragon on LiveJournal.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin is a Little Shit, Jealous Merlin, Touch-Starved, First Kiss, POV Merlin (Merlin), Hugs, Merthur - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-03
Words: 3,075
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 62
Kudos: 1,843
Bookmarks: 157
Hits: 15,239
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Destiny and Doom

Arthur hires a band for his nephew, little Mordred's birthday.What could go wrong?Apparently .... everything.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Additional Tags: Destiny and Doom, merlin and arthur - Freeform, Merthur - Freeform, Merlin Is In A Band, Merlin Is A Singer, Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Kid Mordred (Merlin), Band Fic, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Uther Is A Tired Grandpa, Arthur is a clotpole, dollophead, Cabbagehead, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Music, Alternate Universe - Music, Cute Kids, Meet-Cute, Fluff and Smut, Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Inappropriate Humor, Boys Kissing, Boys In Love, Idiots in Love, Prat, two sides of the same coin
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-06
Words: 2,890
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 144
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,171
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin (TV) RPF
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Freya & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Will (Merlin), Merlin & Will (Merlin), Morgana/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot du Lac/Arthur Pendragon, Mordred/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Merlin/Mordred (Merlin), Mordred/Morgana (Merlin), Mordred & Morgana (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Leon/Mordred (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana/Arthur Pendragon/Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

By Your Side

“Look after yourself out there,” Arthur said.Merlin nodded, his heart growing heavy in his chest. “And you do the same.”Arthur fixed him with a stare that screamed of how much he wanted to take Merlin into his arms, to kiss him breathless and never let him go. Merlin knew, because he was sure in his eyes he wished for the same.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: angsty, Fluffy, part of a series, Merthur - Freeform, Not Canon Compliant, because no, Established Relationship, Canon Era, Preparing for the Battle of Camlann
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-06
Words: 1,975
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 175
Bookmarks: 17
Hits: 1,533
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Warden (Of The Land), Primal (Of The Sea)

“Atlantis has always had a King,” said Merlin, a worried frown settled on his features. Arthur longed to kiss his worries away, were it not for the impossible task still ahead. “Now, it needs something more.”The Trident’s recovery a constant weight on his shoulders, Arthur returned the intense gaze of his gorgeous companion. “What could be greater than a King?”“A Hero.”---Arthur is a half-human, half-atlantean warrior, popularly known as the Aquaman. Following his world saving feat with his fellow League heroes, he does his best to use his natural abilities for the good of humankind. Enter captivating, fierce Merlin, a Prince of the Seas, who insists on Arthur’s help to stop his power hungry half-brother King Mordred from forcefully uniting the oceanic people to conquer the surface world.The Kingdom of Atlantis needs its one true heir to take the throne, but can Arthur set aside his anger at the people who murdered his Queen Mother for bearing a half-breed? Amid Primordial Creatures, Legendary Weapons and Powerful Sea Sorcerers, Arthur must stop a great war and save everyone, while enduring Merlin’s irresistible self.Easier said than done.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Aquaman!Arthur, Mera!Merlin, Slow Burn, Protective Arthur, Pining Arthur, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Badass EVERYONE, Gaius is so done, Uther is nice, Mordred is a little shit, BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Prince!Merlin, Alternate Universe - DCEU
Language: English
Published: 2019-06-08
Words: 83,660
Chapters: 20/20
Comments: 103
Kudos: 427
Bookmarks: 138
Hits: 14,479
Fandoms: Aquaman (2018), Merlin (TV)
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana & Morgause, Ygraine de Bois/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Valiant (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gawain (Arthurian), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-10-20

Poetic Soul

Arthur was very aggravated at Merlin. "Poetry!" he cried. "Poetry!"Merlin just shrugged dumbly."Poetry!" Arthur cried louder. "You know what, just because you're a big girl, doesn't mean you have to makemeto be!"--Merlin tries to teach Arthur poetry. As usual, Arthur uses it to cut corners in romancing Gwen. Merlin is not pleased by this.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Poetry, Awkward Romance, Love Confessions, Masculinity
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-18
Words: 3,075
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 74
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,405
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Arthur Touches Merlin More Than He Absolutely Has To

As the title suggests, this is a compilation of times when Arthur's touches lingered, and Merlin noticed.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Caretaking, Injury, Self-Sacrifice, Touching, Touch-Starved, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Banter, Feeding, Feeding Kink, Getting Together, First Kiss, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Sharing a Bed, Sharing Clothes, Awkward Kissing, Love, Friendship/Love, Friends to Lovers, Flirting, Eye Sex, Eye Contact, and a lot of it, tm - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2019-07-21
Words: 5,493
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 30
Kudos: 1,304
Bookmarks: 135
Hits: 12,622
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

The numbness was worth it

Merlin gets stabbed and gets treated by GaiusMerlin has to be resting or else the numbness Gaius gave him would ware offArthur gets bored looking at Merlin so he runs off to fighthe runs into MorganaMerlin ignores the numbness to go help his friendAltough,Morgana tells Arthur something secretive that Merlin hearsWhat is it?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Adventure, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2014-07-27
Words: 1,359
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 5
Hits: 610
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Underage Sex
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lady Morgana, Gaius (Merlin)

If I Lost You

Merlin and Arthur have their first argument after Merlin risks his life to save Arthur’s.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: First Arguement, Light Angst, Fluff, Kissing, Protectiveness, Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-08-24
Words: 507
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 314
Bookmarks: 25
Hits: 3,748
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Thanks Mum

Everyone remembers that one time they called their teacher ‘mum.’ Maybe it wasn’t that exact situation (called the babysitter ‘Dad’ or called out for ‘Ma’ in the middle of a group of women). Either way, that embarrassing moment has happened to someone at least once in their life, however it happened. It happened to Arthur when he was six.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2014-08-08
Words: 1,119
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 27
Kudos: 785
Bookmarks: 62
Hits: 5,243
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

Familiar To You, Strange To Me

Merlin is on the run from Cenreds knights and transforms into a puppy. And who should find him but Arthur? Who takes him back to Camelot to become one of his hunting dogs.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Pre-Canon, Pre-Slash, Magic Revealed, Animal Transformation, Panic Attacks, Don't copy to another site, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealousy, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius did not sign up for a stupid reckless son, but that's what he got, Merlin did not prepare for this much work, Arthur did not ask to have his entire world view to be rewritten, Good Morgana (Merlin), this was not supposed to be this long, Arthur makes Merlin think about Kilgharrah’s prophesies and not just believe everything he hears, Technically finished but could be returned to
Language: English
Published: 2019-09-24
Words: 60,332
Chapters: 5/5
Comments: 54
Kudos: 778
Bookmarks: 172
Hits: 18,573
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Merlin (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Arthur Pendragon, Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin)
Completed: 2019-12-07

the after

From the nightmares the dream begins.'“Yes, but,” Arthur crowded Merlin again, his lips hovering over Merlin’s until Merlin closed the gap between them and covered Arthur’s mouth with his own. “Did you mean it?”'
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Marriage Proposal, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-11-20
Words: 2,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 730
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 5,783
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

I'll Catch You When You Fall

After discovering Merlin's magic, Arthur needs time alone to sort through his conflicted feelings. With the Winter Solstice rapidly approaching, Merlin leaves clues to show Arthur that magic isn't inherently evil. Will Arthur be able to overcome his sense of betrayal and confess his own secret?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Deviates From Canon, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), conflicted Arthur, hurt Arthur, Winter Solstice, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Good Morgana (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Needs To Work Through Some Things, Sweet Merlin (Merlin), BAMF George, Happy Ending, Artistic License With Solstice Customs
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-28
Words: 9,688
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 69
Kudos: 1,064
Bookmarks: 180
Hits: 7,521
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), George (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

Impulses

Arthur is injured in a battle, and Merlin is worried.Written for the prompt: Merlin giving Arthur a tight hug that makes them lose their breath.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Minor Injuries, Concerned Merlin, Hugging
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-08
Words: 744
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 205
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,714
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Just Part of the Job

Merlin goes on his first patrol with Arthur.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Oblivious Arthur, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Saves the Day (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-22
Words: 1,787
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 378
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 2,297
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)

Sunshine

Arthur gets shot!(A modern au one shot that has nothing else with it. I just saw a prompt and went with it)Please be sure to comment as I'd love to hear from all of you!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: I’m sorry, Angst, One Shot, Arthur gets shot, this has no other context, angsty as fuck
Language: English
Published: 2019-12-27
Words: 400
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 31
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 340
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

The Month of Marriage.

This is a collection of oneshots forMarry Merthur Month, coupled with lefayart'sMerlin Inktoberprompts. So if you want to see our favourite idiots tie the knot in as many different ways as possible, come on and enjoy the ride.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Marriage, Marriage Proposal, Married Couple, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Romantic Fluff, Drinking, King Merlin (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Merlin (Merlin), Royal Merlin (Merlin), Arranged Marriage, Idiots in Love, Boys In Love, oneshots, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Self Confidence Issues, Powerful Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Good Mordred (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Pirate, Pirates, Violence, Canon-Typical Violence, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Reincarnation, Mpreg, Implied Mpreg, Disabled Character, Disabled Arthur Pendragon, Dragon Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Soul Bond, Temporary Character Death, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Polyamory, Parent Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Parent Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Returns (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2019-10-01
Words: 63,679
Chapters: 31/31
Comments: 205
Kudos: 1,216
Bookmarks: 186
Hits: 22,565
Categories: M/M, F/M, F/F
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-01-25

Misunderstanding

Arthur is coming back home to his boyfriend but heard some questionable things coming from the apartment and assumes the worst
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Misunderstandings, Funny, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2014-08-29
Words: 343
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 36
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,238
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

In Which Arthur Lets a Sorcerer Live and Regrets It

“MERLIN!” Arthur shrieked as he dove for his sword. Merlin only groaned, raising his arm to push Will’s hand down as the damned idiot laughed wildly. “Keep your goddamn sorcerer in line, I swear to-”“Beware, my prince.” Will interrupted solemnly as he raised his hands to signal complete silence “For my powers will surely turn you into the toad that you are. Bippity Boppity…Make Arthur Hoppity….” He said, wiggling his fingers. Arthur swore loudly. Merlin gave a cough that suspiciously sounded like a laugh before turning to fix his friend with a hard glare.“Stop it.”“He makes it too easy, Merlin. Honestly.”OrWill survived the battle of Ealdor and occasionally comes around to visit Merlin…And torture Arthur.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Explicit Language, Y'all know I curse too much by now, Some vague, Sexual Humor, Will is kind of mean, Merlin is So Done (Merlin), POV Arthur, some references to certain episodes, Arthur agreed to let Will live but is constantly regretting it, Humor, Attempt at Humor, Annoyed Arthur, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-05
Words: 10,011
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 235
Kudos: 8,010
Bookmarks: 1,073
Hits: 59,648
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Arthur Pendragon & Will, Merlin & Will (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-01-07

Someday

Prompt: Give Merlin and Arthur a happy ending please.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Boys In Love, Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Sleepy Cuddles, Cuddling & Snuggling
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-19
Words: 693
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 363
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 4,181
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Knights and Guards

A king is dead. Long live the king.A servant is missing. Long Live the king.A friend is hurt. Long live the king.A story of how Merlin isn't as strong when it comes to Arthur's words as he likes to believe, and how Arthur maybe needs Merlin more than he's ever going to admit, and how Gwaine would really like it if everyone stopped falling in love with his lover; told in small parts.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Canon Era, uther's death, slight angst, Some Fluff, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Protective Knights (Merlin), Hurt Everyone Really, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Possible One Sided Arthur/Merlin, Magic Not Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2020-01-27
Words: 4,022
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 481
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 4,350
Relationships: Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)

The Mystery of Merlin

Arthur attempts logical deduction. He puts 2 and 2 together and eventually arrives at 4. By detouring past 5.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Humor, Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out
Language: English
Published: 2009-03-17
Words: 2,224
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 42
Kudos: 2,615
Bookmarks: 218
Hits: 26,733
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

I'll be back, I promise

Arthur had to get Merlin out of Camelot, apparently the idiot has magic and his father, Uther had found out about it. He couldn't lose Merlin, he just couldn't
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Execution, Temporary Character Death, Arthur is slowly losing it, Everything is sad until it isn't
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-09
Words: 1,917
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 123
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,589
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)

Something Trivial (Multiviews)

“Their stories have been told for centuries; Their bodies have been buried in the dust.”Gwaine : about freedomLancelot: about beliefHunith: about childrenGaius: about timeMorgana: about hatredMordred: about betrayalGwen: about emotionPercival: about respectMeilin: about destinyArthur: about us and us alone
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Multi
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Angst, Multiviews
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-09
Words: 13,627
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 31
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 812
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Merlin & Mordred (Merlin) & Original Character(s)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Sapphire Blue

Merlin asks Arthur a stupid question.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: just good ol'e chatter, Friendship, Favourite Colours, One Shot, Arthur's annoyed by Merlin sort of, Short One Shot
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-19
Words: 481
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 139
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,118
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin has a soft spot for animals

And they have a soft spot for him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Additional Tags: Fluff, Animals, Merlin and animals, Cute, because animals are always cute, Merlin-centric (Merlin), but of course
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-21
Words: 6,389
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 58
Kudos: 4,461
Bookmarks: 630
Hits: 26,762
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin BBC
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin, Gwaine & Merlin, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), And the most important one?, Merlin & Animals
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

I'm Yours

"Arthur used to think he knew everything about his servant, and to an extent he still did. As shocked as he had been about the incident, this wasn’t exactly something that was unlike Merlin. It was dumb and it came from a place of kindness with a total disregard of himself. The action itself, Arthur understood. What he didn’t understand was why Merlin had kept it to himself."In which Arthur slowly unravels the mystery that is Merlin, and begins to realize just how much he doesn't know.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Platonic Relationships, Secrets, Canon-Typical Violence, Post-Season/Series 03, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Scars, Light Angst
Language: English
Published: 2018-08-08
Words: 61,895
Chapters: 10/10
Comments: 385
Kudos: 2,259
Bookmarks: 644
Hits: 40,469
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Relationships - Relationship
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin)
Completed: 2018-10-24

Playing Hooky

Merlin and Arthur create a plan to get out of their work for the day
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Romance, Cuddling & Snuggling, Sleepy Cuddles, Fluff, Everything is Beautiful and Nothing Hurts, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-23
Words: 634
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 327
Bookmarks: 23
Hits: 2,248
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Grief

Balinor just died. And instead of comforting Merlin, Arthur tells him not to cry.Merlin is done - and gives Arthur a piece of his mind
Rating: Not Rated
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Grief, merlin is mad, No man is worth your tears, Oblivious Arthur, Emotional Hurt, Merlin is So Done (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-25
Words: 917
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 34
Kudos: 1,867
Bookmarks: 106
Hits: 12,806
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin)

The Clockroom

There is a room in the vaults of Camelot, where strange objects tick and tick and tick.When Arthur enters the room for the first time, he knows what the room is and what it's for. But because it is magic, he shouldn't be here. His curiosity takes the better of him and he approaches the immortal clock, a legendary one that belongs to no other than Emrys.It turned out that the clocks throw you forward in time and Arthur falls head first into the moments right after his own death.Follow BBC Merlin's series from Arthur's point of view with a little twist. This time, they will get their happy end... even though nothing changes. #canon compliantEdit: I've tried to continue this. I'm sorry but I really can't. DISCONTINUED
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Time Travel, Dragoon, a lot of confusion, Falling In Love, Idiots in Love, Once and Future King, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Polyamory, Canon Compliant
Language: English
Published: 2020-02-16
Words: 129,373
Chapters: 15/?
Comments: 88
Kudos: 293
Bookmarks: 61
Hits: 11,666
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Categories: Gen, F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Cornelius Sigan, Freya (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Vivian (Merlin), Odin (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Knights (Merlin)
Updated: 2023-10-01

When He Wakes, I'll Go

When Merlin is tortured for information, Arthur stands vigil by his bedside.orLate Entry for Whumptober 2019, Day 10: Unconscious.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Whumptober, Whumptober 2019, Day 10, Unconscious, Whump, whumpage, merlin whump, Tumblr Prompt, Prompt Fill, Prompt Fic, One Shot, One Shot Collection, Short One Shot, October Prompt Challenge, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), hurt Arthur, Protective Arthur, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Torture, Past Torture, Serious Injuries, Minor Injuries, Major Character Injury
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-04
Words: 431
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 559
Bookmarks: 48
Hits: 7,201
Categories: F/M, Gen
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Opposites attract

Merlin and Arthur decide to do a Harry Potter marathon
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: sort of cross-over
Language: English
Published: 2014-09-13
Words: 512
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 80
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 907
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy

Flowers for the decade

Arthur keeps getting reincarnated at times when he isn't needed, so he keeps dying soon after. The Fates keep sending Arthur back every era or so and each time there is a different flower that represents them.Like many others I'm distracting myself with fic. Hope everyone is well and staying safe ❤️Also I hope this makes sense, I'm sincerely sleep deprived. Enjoy! X
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Flowers, Historical, Short, Historical References, Temporary Character Death, Reincarnation, No Slash
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-15
Words: 1,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 60
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 417
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

By Myself

Merlin leaves Lance for Arthur, but is it a case of once a cheat, always a cheat?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst, Merlin Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-01
Words: 9,737
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 259
Bookmarks: 58
Hits: 9,089
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Other(s)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

all I need darling (is a life in your shape)

“I’m going to propose,” Arthur said.Merlin nearly crashed the car.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Love Triangles, Emotional Infidelity, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angst, Jealous Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-29
Words: 1,000
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 58
Kudos: 788
Bookmarks: 45
Hits: 11,238
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Language

Merlin accidentally speaks multiple languages.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Languages, Multilingual Character, Bilingual Character(s), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin can also speak to animals, Magic, Magic Revealed, instinct language, Fluff, fluff in second chapter
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-27
Words: 6,492
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 200
Kudos: 7,669
Bookmarks: 789
Hits: 62,725
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-03-30

10 Reasons Not to Fight a D̶r̶a̶g̶o̶n̶ Bird (a Guide by Arthur Pendragon)

“Merlin…” Arthur said as he slowly started to reach for his sword. “Don’t…Move…”“No, no, no! Arthur, it’s alright!” Merlin said as he moved (because obviously he ignored Arthur’s orders and moved) in front of the desk. “She’s just saying hello!”“That’s a dragon.” Arthur informed him. Merlin looked over his shoulder for a moment.“No, it isn’t.”There was a pause.“Yes, it is.”“No.” Merlin shook his head. “It…Uh, is not…A dragon.”“Then what the Hell is it?!” Arthur asked, not letting his eyes drift away from the fire breathing demon. Yeah. That was definitely a dragon. Merlin clicked his tongue before also staring behind him.“It is…A…Bird…”There was another pause.“You’re really sticking with that?”“I am, thank you.”OrMerlin has to convince the King of Camelot that he is not, in fact, in possession of a dragon. Luckily, the rest of the kingdom has already been won over by the baby dragon and is quite willing to aid in this quest.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Dragons, fuck yeah, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Dragonlord Powers, dragon powers, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Aithusa is a cutie, She helps out anyone she meets, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-03-29
Words: 10,328
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 332
Kudos: 10,345
Bookmarks: 1,764
Hits: 70,752
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Aithusa & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Camelot
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Literally everyone in Camelot
Completed: 2020-03-31

If I Knew What I Was Doing

Merlin had found the rings almost three weeks before Arthur proposed.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-05
Words: 1,181
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 85
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 2,004
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

Whiskers and Tails

When Arthur was sixteen, he was cursed to be a cat.If it wasn't for his mothers ring, he would still be missing, with nobody knowing his whereabouts.Maybe he'd even be presumed dead.He hadn't taken off the ring ever since. Now, as he was king - he decided he deserved a break.Arthur didn't know the ring would only work once...
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Cats, Arthur is a Cat, cursed Arthur Pendragon, Once and Future King, emrys - Freeform, Lady of the Lake - Freeform, Rings, Enchanted Rings, breaking curses with Gaius, Merlin talks to animals, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Someone dies, but you'll be happy he dies
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-03
Words: 13,339
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 119
Kudos: 2,253
Bookmarks: 319
Hits: 16,425
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), past Merlin/Freya - Relationship, past Gwen/Arthur
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-05

The arranged marriage between Arthur and Merlin.

King Merlin and King Arthur meet on their wedding day, Arthur has not been able to process his feelings properly and marries Merlin out of duty but Merlin vows to make his new husband happy, little did they know that they are perfect for one another, it will just take time.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Arranged Marriage, King Merlin - Freeform, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur does it out of duty., Merlin is not too sure about it., but as they learn more about one another, they fall in love, HARD, Arthur is sad and repressed his feelings out of duty, Merlin wants to make him happy, Fanart, Merlin Fanart, Arthur fanart, Ygraine Sigil
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-12
Words: 171
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 173
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 4,360
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

sleepy

Arthur knows about Merlin's magic. He's practically always known.He was more concerned over the fact that Merlin kept falling asleep EVERYWHERE.Not that he minds much.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Sleep, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Protective Arthur, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), No Smut, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Tooth-Rotting Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-13
Words: 14,596
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 121
Kudos: 4,429
Bookmarks: 570
Hits: 42,124
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Elyan & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-16

Merlin cannot defend himself, and how Arthur discovered he can

Arthur knew Merlin couldn’t defend himself, so when Merlin insists on going into the woods by himself, Arthur tails him. He’ll ambush him, it’ll be a laugh, right?Wrong.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Original Character(s), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Pre-Slash, Was a one shot but I got too excited and decided to keep writing
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-15
Words: 4,288
Chapters: 3/3
Comments: 41
Kudos: 1,788
Bookmarks: 172
Hits: 13,908
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-04-20

Stupid And Beautiful

“Then... then you’re as stupid as you are ugly,” Arthur spat. Merlin gulped, and ran towards the door.“Merlin-“ he heard the scraping of a chair, “Wait,” Arthur said.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Cuddles, Sad Merlin (Merlin), Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sharing a Bed, First Kiss, Friends to Lovers
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-25
Words: 484
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 288
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 4,621
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

royal blood

..... as if Balinor could be killed by Bandits O.oAlternatively:An alternative take on Balinor surviving and saving Camelot....And then proceeding to hold the entire kingdom hostage, because he has a frigging Dragon at his disposal :)
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Royalty, Balinor Lives (Merlin), Everybody Lives, Protective Arthur, POV Arthur, Jealous Arthur, Oblivious Arthur, BAMF Arthur, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), dragon - Freeform, dragon lord, Arthur thinks Merlin is adopted, Soulmates, Potions, Potions Accident, Soulmate AU, Marriage, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Knights - Freeform, nobles - Freeform, Albion, The Golden Age (Destiny), Golden Age, Immortality, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Immortal Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-25
Words: 26,590
Chapters: 4/4
Comments: 274
Kudos: 3,989
Bookmarks: 636
Hits: 57,955
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M, F/F
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin), Balinor & Kilgharrah (Merlin), Balinor & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-05-02

do you believe in happy endings?

"Night is falling. The temperature is dropping. Arthur is dying."Merlin doesn't expect it to end like this: Arthur, weak and listless; himself, utterly powerless. But that doesn't change reality. Merlin soon finds himself compelled to make a confession, even if it's the last thing Arthur hears.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fix-It of Sorts, Spoilers, Season 5 Spoilers, Fairy Tale Elements, Self-Indulgent, Everybody Lives, Nobody is Dead, Confessions, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-27
Words: 4,123
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 28
Kudos: 254
Bookmarks: 29
Hits: 1,883
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Harsh Words & Loving Arms

Arthur has been with Merlin for four months when he finally decides to tell his father.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Homophobia, Emotional Hurt
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-29
Words: 4,929
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 25
Kudos: 529
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 6,170
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Arthur and Merlin

Arthur and Merlin just enjoying each other’s company.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Relationship: Arthur/Merlin
Additional Tags: Fluff, Cuddling, Short
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-30
Words: 105
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 229
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 4,499
Characters: Arthur, Merlin

most beloved

At first, it hadn’t crossed his mind- not really- that Merlin may have such a distinct and specific taste in men. It had all fallen into place when one fateful afternoon, Merlin spoke about some Greek hero, some ancient, Hellenic lad by the name of Achilles.or,In which Arthur wants to look like Achilles to win Merlin's heart, but of course, he's missing the whole point.Written for Scruffy Pendragon Fest 2020.Podficby the wonderfulBlazingPeniclsavailable.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Getting Together, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealous Arthur, arthur wants to look greek y'all, Attempt at Humor, Fluff and Angst, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine Being Gwaine, so soft, very soft, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Scruffy Arthur, Scruffy Arthur Pendragon, Protective Arthur, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Emotionally Constipated Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good morgana, homer references, iliad references, achilles/patroclus parallels, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2020-04-30
Words: 5,111
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 114
Kudos: 2,108
Bookmarks: 327
Hits: 16,873
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

You Didn't Say That

Merlin tells Arthur about his magic because it's the right thing to do.That doesn't mean Arthur knows everything.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: can be platonic or romantic you decide, Magic Revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Hijinks & Shenanigans, Merlin's a fucking powerhouse okay, a little bit of angst? but it's really not bad?
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-01
Words: 2,031
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 47
Kudos: 2,788
Bookmarks: 249
Hits: 19,549
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Love Me Tenderly

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Modern AU, Established Relationship, First Time, Virgin!Merlin, Gentle!Arthur, Pet Names, PWP, Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot, First Time Bottoming, Fluffy Smut, Podfic Welcome, bottom!Merlin, top!arthur
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-03
Words: 1,602
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 379
Bookmarks: 47
Hits: 10,233
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

The Problem with Soulmates

Arthur is completely in love with Merlin. The problem with this is that Merlin is Morgana’s soulmate, not Arthur’s.Merlin knows that Arthur is his soulmate. But Arthur likes women, and Merlin is a sorcerer, something his scars make obvious. So, he prevents his scars from appearing on Arthur.In a world where your scars show up on your soulmate’s body, how does a warlock hide his true identity? How does a prince cope with loving someone else’s soulmate?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Soulmates, Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Oblivious Arthur, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Slight torture, Arthur’s an idiot in love, Good Morgana (Merlin), background Merlin/Morgana (but not really)
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-03
Words: 2,739
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 1,432
Bookmarks: 107
Hits: 14,306
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

Nycto

There's a power outage in Merlin and Arthur's flat and its too dark for comfort.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Comfort, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-04
Words: 1,344
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 440
Bookmarks: 40
Hits: 4,397
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

And the Reason Is You

What if Merlin took little Mordred to hide in Arthur's chambers instead of Morgana's? Would Arthur betray his own father in order to help them or would he hand them over to the guards instead?When Merlin bursts through the door and sees Arthur there, he has no idea what the prince will do. But the length to which Arthur is willing to go for Merlin will surprise them both.Set in the episode 1x08 The Beginning of the End.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode: s01e08 The Beginning of the End, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Kid Mordred (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-08
Words: 3,833
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 29
Kudos: 1,712
Bookmarks: 177
Hits: 12,245
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Competition is A Funny Thing

In a land where Camelot was only a legend, and Arthur and Merlin's destinies intertwined at a young age, our boys still find a way to fight over everything. In the most loving way possible, of course. When everything is a competition, the rules can change surprisingly as you get older, and when you stop competing just to win...well, the results just might surprise you.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, only a little angst, Getting Together, Friends to Lovers, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Modern: No Powers, Unless you count some destiny, Attempt at Humor, Romance
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-12
Words: 7,400
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 104
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 916
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

The truth in his eyes

Merlin isn't a good servant, understatement of the century, really.Sometimes Arthur doesn't know why he lets him keep the job.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin, 5+1 Things, Kind Of, season 1/ season 2, Pining Arthur, Mutual Pining, Magic Revealed, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), arthur aint oblivious in this one yall, Identity Reveal
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-13
Words: 6,573
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 52
Kudos: 1,070
Bookmarks: 146
Hits: 9,066
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Knowledgeable Manservants and Oblivious Kings

After the season 4 battle with Morgana, Merlin and Arthur have a little talk.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Weirdness, How Do I Tag, I Tried
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 241
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 28
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 247
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

winning the battle

This husk of a man wears Merlin’s face and has Merlin’s magic, but he’s not Merlin. Merlin’s gone. Albion has claimed him as the price for Arthur’s victory at the battlefield.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Lives (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Needs a Hug, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 5,498
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 48
Kudos: 1,438
Bookmarks: 193
Hits: 10,980
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

Sacrifice

Merlin saves Arthur like usual except this time there’s no time and nowhere to hide. Words are exchanged and stories told.I wrote this for a taboo challenge thing forever ago. That’s why there’s an absence of usual words and phrases you’d see in a reveal story.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Spoilers-ish, Just wanted to rant about Merlin’s accomplishments, this is so weird
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-18
Words: 1,114
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 27
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 530
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Memory Jar

Uther Pendragon is dead.The sorcerer succeeded. And now a new king rules over Camelot and fights wars with the neighboring kingdoms.At his side, his loyal puppet the Shadow. Or as others like to call him: Emrys.The only one who can stop them is Prince Arthur Pendragon.The problem is: Nobody remembers who that is. Not even Arthur himself.
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Memory Loss, Memory Magic, Memory Charms, uther pendragon is dead, Who is Arthur Pendragon, POV Arthur, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Uther Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Evil Merlin (Merlin), except not really, evil sorcerer, Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Gwen and Lance are married, Good Morgana (Merlin), neutral mordred, Slow Burn, Amnesia, Temporary Amnesia, Soul Bond, Self-Sacrifice
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-13
Words: 68,857
Chapters: 17/17
Comments: 184
Kudos: 577
Bookmarks: 102
Hits: 16,292
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Mordred & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine & Gwen (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin, Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Emrys, Morgana (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Kara (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Lady of the Lake, Original Characters, Original Child Character(s)
Completed: 2020-11-14

each nearly, each almost

It was a rare occurrence for Merlin to see Arthur with any sort of stubble. He had, of course, seen it before, on longer patrols where conditions simply were not conducive to shaving. But they were not on patrol now and the sight of Arthur’s almost-beard darkening his cheeks against the rich brocade of his pillow was rather different from that same stubble against the rough cloth of his bedroll. On patrol, the shadow on Arthur’s jaw could be mistaken for dirt or general unwashed grime. Here, it made Arthur look older, more mature. Merlin rather liked it.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin gives Arthur a shave, First Kiss, Scruffy Pendragon Fest (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-05-31
Words: 1,877
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 469
Bookmarks: 50
Hits: 2,886
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Pause/Rewind

Arthur; remaining ignorant, finding out, reacting badly, accepting, triumphant.Camelot falls. Pause. Rewind. Move forward once more.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2011-08-30
Words: 406
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 74
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,216
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

A Scarf, a Poorly Wrapped Gift, and a Kiss

”Merlin Emrys, will you make me the happiest person in the universe and marry me?”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, there is one curse word, light comedy, Anniversary, Anniversaries, Cold, Scarfs, Marriage Proposal, proposal, can be read as, Modern AU, or - Freeform, arthur returns au, resurrection AU, ? - Freeform, Soft Boys, Gay, LGBT, Idiots in Love
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-15
Words: 517
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 164
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 1,071
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

A Month, A Day

Merlin jumps in front of a spell to save Arthur. They're not injured, and no one can figure out what's happened.Then Arthur and Merlin figure out they're tied together. They can't move further than a few feet apart. How in the hell are they supposed to get on with their lives like this?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Light Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, can be platonic or romantic you decide, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Sharing a Bed, Literal Sleeping Together, Sleepy Cuddles, Sir Leon the Long Suffering, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Banter
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-15
Words: 5,354
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 104
Kudos: 6,863
Bookmarks: 838
Hits: 43,569
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

An Exercise in Scaring your Partner

Despite being Gaius' apprentice for years, Merlin has never heard of the concept of 'taking care of himself'. A cough is fine, right? Even when every time you get a cough you also get a bad fever?Seems fine to him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Sick Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Fluff, Sickfic, Whump, Merlin is an idiot, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Established Relationship, Canon Era, Sleepy Cuddles, Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-22
Words: 1,883
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 1,250
Bookmarks: 97
Hits: 14,727
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

I know

Arthur knows about Merlin's magic. He saw it with his own eyes. The question is what to do now. Merlin lied to him. He broke the law. But Merlin loved Arthur, didn't he?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Post-Magic Reveal, Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out
Language: English
Published: 2014-10-24
Words: 1,511
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 360
Bookmarks: 40
Hits: 4,974
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Over the Cliff's Edge

“Merlin!” a voice rang out into the distance.“Merlin!” it repeated again, the distressed tone only increasing each time.Arthur had repeated his manservant’s name several times now and so far, he’d gotten no results. Safe to say, he was worrying his princely socks off. He firmly shook Merlin’s shoulder, begging for him to wake up on the inside, but on the outside, he was just shouting his name.“Merlin!” he yelled for the tenth time, the man who lay in front of him not responding.‘Well, of course he wouldn’t,’ the back of Arthur’s mind told him. ‘He’s fallen off a cliff for God’s sake.’ORMerlin falls off a cliff and Arthur learns that it's not the first time this has happened. So, Merlin tells Arthur a tale from when he was a boy.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Implied Merthur, Merthur - Freeform, implied Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Hurt Merlin, Protective Arthur, Whump merlin, Caring Arthur, Concerned Arthur, arlin, tw broken bone, Oneshot, Merthur angst, merthur fluff, Broken Bone, merlin breaks his arm, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Hunith (Merlin) - Freeform, Merthur hurt/comfort, merthur friendship, Major Character Injury
Language: English
Published: 2020-06-26
Words: 4,547
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 754
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 8,046
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Merlin and Arthur finally getting that serotonin

Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Art, Drawing, Fan Art
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-02
Words: 7
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 12
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,154
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Arthur Pendragon and Merlin Emrys Read Thirst Tweets

Merlin: Hi, I’m Merlin Emrys!Arthur: And I’m Arthur Pendragon. We’re Camelot’s Striker and-Merlin: Camelot’s Goalkeeper!Arthur: And today we’re going to- ehm-Merlin: Read some Thirst Tweets! Here we go!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Thirst Tweets, Alternate Universe - Football, Fluff and Crack, this is pure sheer crack sorry not sorry, Idiots in Love, Crack, Gwaine is still my fave idiot
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-06
Words: 1,453
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 150
Kudos: 2,087
Bookmarks: 95
Hits: 14,675
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

in a burst of light

this is just a small merlin’s magic reveal that i wrote last night! ft bamf merlin who loves arthur and an arthur who has more than two brain cells
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: BAMF Merlin (Merlin), soft merlin, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), i wrote it on tumblr!!, its the same as my ao3 account if you want to come say hello!!, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, I suck at tags, okay im done, also, Soft Arthur, oh yeah, Canon Era, this is my first fic on ao3 ahhh, id die for murther
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-15
Words: 1,712
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 369
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 2,991
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

Scared For You

Merlin felt the golden light fade from his eyes as he looked to Arthur, who was standing mere meters away from him. He didn’t even have to look at the King to feel the expression on his face.No sooner had he looked to the other man; Merlin had frozen on the spot. It was as if the world had stopped at their feet and that he and Arthur were the only two people standing in it.ORMerlin reveals his magic to save Arthur's life in the midst of a battle. Wracked with fear for Arthur, he runs away, and Arthur finds himself unable to let Merlin go.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Implied Merthur, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Merthur angst, Merthur hurt/comfort, merthur friendship, Friendship, bbc merlin - Freeform, Merlin bbc - Freeform, Merlin hurt/comfort, Merlin Angst, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon - Freeform, Complete, merthur oneshot, Oneshot, merlin oneshot
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-23
Words: 7,232
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 1,187
Bookmarks: 129
Hits: 13,740
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Merlin Emrys

The King's Daughter

Arthur has been noticing the change in Merlin's behaviour over the past few months. He keeps acting shifty, as if he has something to hide. Eventually, Arthur decides to look into it, and what he finds shocks him.ORThe one where Merlin and Arthur adopt and take care of Aithusa together.(Based on a prompt in my Tumblr inbox)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Crack, Fluff and Crack, Cute, Adorable, Funny, Hilarious, Jokes, Parenthood, Parent-Child Relationship, Bonding, Family Bonding, Male Bonding, Father-Daughter Relationship, Fatherhood, Two Fathers, Love, Tumblr, Tumblr Prompt, Tumblr Ask Box Fic, Tumblr: otpprompts, Originally Posted on Tumblr, Based on a Tumblr Post, I Blame Tumblr, Freeform, Open to Interpretation
Language: English
Published: 2020-07-27
Words: 921
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 310
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 2,116
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin)

the situation is fraught

another tumblr drabble i did today to the prompt "I...I need to sit down"!arthur, again, uses his brain, and merlin saves him...with a dash of protective lance and gwaine
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Arthur has more than two brain cells ofc, it wouldnt be my fic if arthur wasnt smart and loves merlin with his whole being, also wouldnt be me if merlin wasnt a badass who everyone loves (including me), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), im bad at tagsss, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, id die for merthur, okay i give up enjoy
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-01
Words: 1,537
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 24
Kudos: 751
Bookmarks: 68
Hits: 5,197
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

Of Course I Care

Merlin has anxiety and it’s a tricky thing to deal with. only Lancelot seems to help. Arthur is tired of feeling helpless. He goes to Lancelot to learn how to help Merlin.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: can be platonic or romantic you decide, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Anxiety, Anxiety Attacks, Angst with a Happy Ending, Arthur needs help taking care of his smol, Sir Leon the Long Suffering, that tag's funny again!, it's mostly implied tho, everyone ships it
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-05
Words: 2,932
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 48
Kudos: 2,910
Bookmarks: 262
Hits: 22,088
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot/Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

Reversed

Everybody knows about Merlin's magic.Everyone but Merlin.A.N.:// if you have seen this prompt on tumblr by changelink, that's me :)EDIT: Now available in russian: https://ficbook.net/readfic/10942960Thank you so much again, stol27 (ficbook) / 07aker07(insta) for your hard work ^^ :D
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Crack, Magic, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin does not know about Merlin's magic, reversed AU, Humor, Angst, Fluff and Angst, it actually turns quite dramatic later on, I was possessed by a demon, don't blame me, They are forcing me to efüwg#+wek
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-04
Words: 15,907
Chapters: 7/7
Comments: 227
Kudos: 1,481
Bookmarks: 158
Hits: 23,117
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Major Character Death
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2020-10-02

Tell Me You Lived

A oneshot depicting how Arthur reacts finding out how long Merlin has waited for him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Reunion, Modern, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-09
Words: 756
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 189
Bookmarks: 14
Hits: 1,500
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

I've Lost Everything

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur , needless to say , is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger , and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur , shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur , looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer , and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur , trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally , Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply , but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry , and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal,” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy , but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry , but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer , for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur , and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really , truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter , almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur , who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny , I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her , and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur , who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky , blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny , told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly , if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now , or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply , went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together , before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur , I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over , hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry , and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur , upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Not Rated Archive W arning: Creator Chose Not T o Use Archive W arnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Mentioned) Additional T ags: Post-Magic Reveal, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), angry!merlin, Merlin finally explodes, lord knows he needed it, platonic or romantic, can be seen as both, Alternate Universe - Canon Diver gence, BAMF Leon, leon calls arthur out on his shit, leon also calls arthur a prat! Language: English Collections: Merlin, Forcamelot, TDH Merlin, bitesize fics Stats: Published: 2020-08-10 Words: 3, 893 Chapters: 1/1 I've Lost Everything by simpleficgirl Summary Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur, needless to say, is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger, and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur, shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur, looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer, and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur, trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally, Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply, but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry, and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal, ” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy, but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry, but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer, for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur, and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really, truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter, almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur, who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny, I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her, and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur, who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky, blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny, told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly, if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now, or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply, went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together, before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur, I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over, hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry, and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur, upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Collections: Merlin , Forcamelot , TDH Merlin , bitesize fics
Published: 2020-08-10 Words: 3,893 Chapters: 1/1 I've Lost Everything by simpleficgirl Summary Arthur and the Knights find out Merlin has magic when he saves them from a bandit attack they were definitely going to lose. Arthur has the nerve to say Merlin knows nothing of loss, and Merlin explodes on him, letting out years worth of pain and suf fering. Arthur , needless to say , is speechless. OR: the one where Merlin finally has a breakdown. Notes I thought about this today and realized how badly I wanted a scene where Merlin finally just let go and let everyone know how much he sacrificed. How he lost everyone who was there for him. So here that is. :) Merlin dropped his outstretched hand back to his sides and felt his golden eyes return to blue. The knights and Arthur looked around in disbelief as they saw all fifty bandits lying unconscious on the ground, the one who was about to deal Arthur a mortal blow lying flat on his back, sword still in hand. Merlin barely had time to breathe out “Arthur” before Excalibur was pointed at his neck. “You’re a sorcerer .” Arthur said, quiet and confused. Merlin tried to nod, but felt the tip of the sword touch him, so he said “yes” instead. Arthur tried to hide the look of outrage, anger , and utter betrayal from his face, but he knew Merlin could see it. He slipped into his kingly mask of indif ference and called out to his knights behind him. “Bind him to that tree and gag him. If he tries to run, kill him.” Merlin’ s eyes widened, but he did not ar gue. The knights drew their eyes away from Merlin to stare at Arthur , shocked he would order such a thing. After a long silence, Leon slowly moved towards Merlin. Merlin simply reached his arms behind his back and walked over to the tree, helping Leon tie himself up. Leon had nothing to gag Merlin with, so Merlin said: “use my neckerchief. If you curl it into a ball it should work.” Leon was confused that Merlin was allowing him to do all this, but he did as suggested, and Merlin was ef fectively gagged. Percival and Elyan stood rooted to the spot, staring at Merlin. Gwaine was staring at Arthur , looking murderous and ready to pounce on the King at any given moment. Arthur was sitting on a log by their long since put out fire, staring into the distance at nothing. He was trying to collect his thoughts; attempting to reconcile the fact that his manservant, his friend and the person he trusted most in the world was a sorcerer , and therefore he was evil. The two things didn’ t connect in his mind, but he had all the evidence right in front of him. Merlin never once took his eyes of f Arthur , trying to figure out what was going on in his head, but the King had closed himself of f, and Merlin couldn’ t read him like he always did. The camp sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time. Arthur sat staring at nothing, Leon, Percival and Elyan watched Merlin, rethinking everything they had ever known about their friend, and Gwaine sat and watched Arthur unblinking, one hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to jump in to protect Merlin at any moment. The longer Merlin was gagged, the angrier he got. He wanted Arthur to say something. He wanted the sadness and the anger directed at him so he got the chance to say all he had never been able to before. He had to take deep breaths to calm himself down when he felt himself get too agitated. Finally , Arthur spoke up. He couldn’ t even look at Merlin, let alone look him in the eye, but he addressed him anyway . “You’ve betrayed Camelot. Y ou’ve betrayed me. All this time you’ve lied to me and used magic.” Merlin tried to spit the neckerchief out to reply , but he couldn’ t. Arthur kept speaking. “You’ve been my servant for seven years. I trusted you, and you have committed the worst act of treason possible.” The knights were shocked at the venom in Arthur ’s voice as he spat out the words. They had never heard the king that angry , and they never imagined it would be directed at Merlin. “Despite this betrayal,” Merlin felt the first glimmer of hope in hours, “I still believe you have been useful as a servant these years. Therefore, I will not execute you for your crimes.” Merlin knew he should be happy , but the indif ference with which the words were spoken scared him. Arthur continued. “Y ou will stop using magic, and you can continue to be my manservant.” Arthur addressed Leon. “T ake out the gag. Let him speak.” Merlin was angry , but he was also upset. He never expected Arthur to ask him to give up such a part of himself, and he didn’ t even know if he could survive doing such a thing. Leon walked over to Merlin and looked at him with clear apology in his eyes, which confused the warlock. Out of everyone, he expected Leon to react the worst to his magic. Leon removed the neckerchief and Merlin’ s mouth moved before he even had a chance to think about what he was saying. “No.” Arthur finally turned to look at him, eyes narrowed and extremely murderous. “No?” “I will not stop using magic.” “That is your only choice. It’ s that or die.” Arthur felt himself lose conviction as he said the sentence, but he remained firm. Merlin held his head high and stayed put. “I will not. I cannot, stop using magic.” Gwaine felt proud of his friend’ s insistence, while Arthurs carefully created mask of indifference started slipping and he grew irritated. “You can and you will.” “No sire. I cannot.” Arthur bristled at the way Merlin said his title. He had never heard it from Merlin’ s lips when it wasn’ t sarcastic. It sounded wrong. Arthur steeled himself. “Then you will be subject to Camelot’ s laws. Y ou will be tried and executed as a sorcerer , for treason to the King and Crown.” Arthur hoped that would scare Merlin into submission. The other knights looked on, shocked, while Gwaine growled under his breath and started planning an escape route. Merlin laughed humourlessly . “Go ahead Arthur . Take my life. Y ou’ve taken everything else.” Arthur ’s mask slipped again. He wanted to ask what Merlin meant, but he couldn’ t trust anything the sorcerer said. Percival beat him to it. “What do you mean, Merlin?” Percival asked with a softness that Arthur believed Merlin didn’ t deserve. It also hurt more than he expected it to when he watched Merlin’ s eyes soften as he looked at the knights, before hardening once more once he looked at Arthur again. With a deep breath, Merlin launched into what he had been aching to say for years, with a hardness in his tone that surprised even himself. He never dropped eye contact with Arthur as he spoke. “I mean, that I didn’ t choose this life. I didn’ t choose magic. I was born with it. Born with power beyond my comprehension. An ability to do things that aren’ t possible for sorcerers who have studied for a whole lifetime. I came to Camelot to learn control, to get away from a village that saw me as an outcast. What do I get? A position I never wanted in the household of a man who would have me burned just for being born, and the discovery of a destiny that I neither chose nor was able to escape. Do you really think that if I had a choice, I would have chosen this life? Chosen to live my life in fear? Fear of what would happen to me, fear of who and what I am? Y ou have looked me in the eyes for years and told me magic was evil, and I had to sit there and take it because I couldn’ t afford to take the risk of showing you any dif ferent. I didn’ t choose this Arthur , and I am not evil. Neither is magic.” The knights absorbed all that Merlin said, marveling at the power that seemed to be radiating from him. He was so sure of himself, and they couldn’ t understand how they hadn’ t seen it sooner . It felt to them like they were staring at a legend, which by the sound of it, they were. Arthur listened to all that Merlin said, and while he was moved by the words, and he really believed that Merlin was not evil, his father ’s hatred for magic rang through his head and he couldn’ t ignore it. “I have lost so much to magic, Merlin. Even if what you say is true, that’ s not enough to make me believe that magic is not the evil force my father knew it to be. I’ve lost too much.” Merlin scof fed and muttered. “Do not speak to me about loss, Arthur .” Arthur got defensive. “Please. What could you possibly have lost?” “I HA VE LOST EVER YTHING!” Merlin yelled. The knights violently flinched at his volume, while Arthur ’s flinch was almost imperceptible, but it was there, and Merlin noticed. “I have lost everything.” Merlin repeated, much softer . He curled in on himself, not wanting to divulge his pain to the others, but he knew he had to get this out. He had internalized everything for seven years and he could feel the words wanting to spill out. So he started. “My childhood best friend died for you, even though I could have saved him. He died protecting my secret. My best friend in this life, the only person who has ever really , truly known me. The one person who always understood me, who knew when something was wrong, could always tell when I was lying…” Merlin got quieter , almost speaking to himself at that point, and the others strained to hear him. “He sacrificed himself for you so I didn’ t have to.” “Lancelot…” Percival whispered to himself, but the others heard. Merlin looked up at the knight and nodded. He then turned back to Arthur . “He told me that my destiny was greater than his and he sacrificed himself for ME. Not for Gwen, not for you, not for Camelot, for me.” Merlin took a deep breath, and noticed that Arthur ’s resolve seemed to be fading, like he was growing to understand what Merlin had experienced. ‘He’ll never understand’ Merlin thought. “My father died in my arms the day after I met him, by a sword that was intended for me, and you told me that no man was worth my tears.” The knights all gasped, and turned towards Arthur , who looked pale and who’ s mouth was open slightly . “I-I don’ t…” Arthur stuttered. He had no idea what to say . He thought Merlin had never met his father . “And you…” Merlin trailed of f, tearing up. The only person who knew about Freya was Lancelot, and he had only told him once. T alking about her hurt too much. Y et another person he failed to protect. Merlin righted himself, and looked at Arthur with eyes so emotionless it scared the other knights. “The one time I tried to escape my destiny , I was met with a cruel reminder from the gods that I can never have what I want. That I am simply a vessel sent to carry out their will, set with a burden too heavy for one man to bear . I fell in love. W e were going to run away; go live by a lake with mountains and flowers and escape our troubles and our responsibilities. It was the only time I tried to forsake my duties and do something selfish. What happened? She was cursed, you killed her , and I had to clean her blood of f your sword the next day .” As Merlin finished, he cast his eyes away from the pitying faces of the knights, away from Arthur , who looked like he had been struck, and up to the sky , blinking away his tears. “Merlin I…” Arthur had no idea what to say . How had he not known that? How had he never recognized that Merlin was hurting in such a way? “I have lost everything Arthur . And the thing is, I can’ t even blame you. She was cursed, and she was hurting the people of Camelot. Y ou did what you had to do. Y ou didn’ t know it was my father in my arms, so you tried to comfort me with those words. I didn’ t blame you for any of those things then, and I don’ t blame you now . There is no one to blame but myself. It was me who failed to protect and save them.” The knights were shocked. They couldn’ t believe that Merlin blamed himself for everything. If anything, his words solidified to them that he was good, much better than they all thought. He was the strongest man they had ever met. “I know the law Arthur . But I will not apologize for using magic to protect you and Camelot. I am sorry I lied to you. I tried to tell you so many times. In the beginning, I knew it would get me killed, then, when we became friends, I didn’ t want to force you to have to choose between me and your father . Then once you became king…” Merlin trailed of f, not knowing what to say . He finally decided on. “I was scared. I had lived my entire life in hiding and it was just easier to stay that way .” “I don’ t know what to say” Arthur stated. “Let me make it easy for you. I have never had a choice. I was told of my destiny , told that I couldn’ t escape it, and told that I essentially had the weight of all of Albion on my shoulders. Honestly , if I had the choice, I would choose to protect you. All of you. Y ou’re my friends.” The knights allowed themselves to be grateful for that while he continued. “But the fact is, I never actually had a choice. Everything I do, even to avoid fate, seems to cause it. So I am going to give you the luxury of a choice Arthur . You either kill me, or I come back to Camelot and continue to protect you. I’m not asking for anything. I’m not asking for recognition, that’ s never why I did it. I’m not even asking to be anything other than what I already was. I’m simply providing you with your options. Kill me here and now , or I continue to serve you. I will not leave Camelot. I have sacrificed too much just to give up now and not see this through. The only thing I have left to give is my life. I've lost everything...everyone else.” Arthur was speechless. He sat there, staring at his friend, mouth opening and closing because he had no idea what to say . Before he got a chance to say anything, Gwaine spoke. “If you kill him, you lose me.” Merlin turned to look at Gwaine sharply , went to shake his head and tell him not to do anything stupid, but he held his hand up to stop him. Gwaine looked at Merlin. “I was your friend before I was his knight. I saved his life because of you. I came to Camelot because of you. I became a knight because of you, Merlin.” He emphasized ‘you’. “I will not serve a king who does you harm.” Merlin allowed himself to enjoy the warm feeling that formed in his chest at his friend’ s loyalty . He gave Gwaine a small smile, a real one, and the knight replied with one of his rare sincere smiles. “You lose me too.” Percival stood up to make his point. Merlin looked surprised. Percival continued. “While Lancelot and I travelled together , before we came to Camelot, he spoke of Merlin often. He said that Merlin had saved Camelot more times than he could count, and that he was special. V ery special. That he was kind and compassionate and Arthur was incredibly lucky to have him. Of course he never told me how Merlin saved Camelot, or how he was special, but that’ s clear to me now .” The lar ge knight gave Merlin a small smile as he addressed him. “He believed in you, and now that I know you, now that I am lucky enough to consider you my friend, I believe in you too.” Merlin teared up at Percival’ s words, not used to so many sentences coming from him at once. Elyan spoke next. “And me. Merlin protected Gwen. Protected her when I was too much of a coward to come home. Knowing what I know now I’m assuming it was you who cured our father of the sickness that hit Camelot.” Merlin nodded. “I couldn’ t let him die knowing I could save him. I didn’ t want to see Gwen heartbroken.” Elyan continued. “And you confessed to sorcery in Gwen’ s place.” “I wasn’ t going to let her die.” Merlin said with the determination of one who is fiercely protective and caring. Elyan nodded, satisfied. He turned back to Arthur . “If he dies, I am no longer a knight of Camelot.” Arthur listened to his best knights’ testimonies, waiting with bated breath for what Leon would say . The others, to an extent, he knew were there because of Merlin, but Leon had been loyal to him first. He wanted his opinion. Merlin wasn’ t expecting much, but no one predicted what would leave the First Knight’ s mouth. “Y ou will lose me too, sire.” Merlin’ s jaw dropped open, as did Gwaine’ s. Elyan and Percival looked on at their friend, proud. Arthur gestured for Leon to continue. “I used to pride myself on being the person who was most loyal to you, sire. The man who would give his life for yours without hesitation. Until Merlin. I apologize for saying it, but seven years ago, you were arrogant. Y ou were self- absorbed, ignorant of many things, and you were, by all accounts, a prat.” Merlin tried to hide his snort. Gwaine was less successful. Arthur couldn’ t believe what he was hearing, and Leon looked shocked that he had let such a thing out. He continued. “Merlin turned you into a great Prince and King, but an even better man. Y ou are kind and caring. Y ou listen to the plights of your people and you treat all with respect. I do believe Merlin caused these changes in you. I have never met a person more loyal in my life. And if it were to be anyone who could be more loyal to you than I, I am glad it is Merlin. There is not a doubt in my mind that he is good.” Leon turned to smile at Merlin, who replied with a smile so bright and sincere that it actually made Arthur feel better . Leon looked back at Arthur . “If he is as powerful as I believe he probably is, killing him would be killing Camelot’ s greatest defender . I will not serve a King who makes such a decision. Furthermore, I would not serve a King who harms a loyal friend such as Merlin.” Merlin didn’ t say it, but Leon seeing him as more than a weapon, seeing him as a friend first, sorcerer second, that felt better than he could ever describe. “My life was saved by magic Arthur , I have seen firsthand the good it can do.” Leon said. He then asked a question. “Merlin, how many times have you saved Arthur ’s life? Using magic, or otherwise.” “Honestly? I lost count after my first couple months in Camelot.” Merlin said. Arthur looked shocked. “And what do you use the magic for?” Leon was asking the questions, but he never took his eyes of f Arthur . He was standing as the bridge between them. Filling the gaps he knew Arthur wanted but would never ask for himself. “Small things, sometimes. Like when I have one of my ‘funny feelings’ on patrol, it’ s actually my magic sensing that something is wrong. It’ s why I’m always right.” Arthur scof fed before he could stop himself. ‘Not always.’ He muttered under his breath. Merlin gave him a mock glare, but he felt better already . “Anything else?” “I help with bandit attacks. Knocking people over , hitting them with tree branches, making them drop their swords, things like that.” Gwaine laughed. “I knew there shouldn’ t be so many loose tree branches!” Merlin laughed too. “What else have you done Merlin?” Leon was pushing because he knew Merlin must do so much more. Merlin sobered. “I killed the grif fin, with Lancelot’ s help. I defeated the afanc. I killed Nimueh. I defeated Cornelius Sigan. I defeated the Knights of Medhir . I defeated Mor gana’ s immortal army . Any creature that we were told could only be defeated by magic, that was me. Oh! And this.” At that, Merlin created the blue ball of light that guided Arthur ’s way when had been trapped by Nimueh. Arthur gasped. “That was you? But you were dying.” Merlin shrugged. “Gaius told me that I was speaking to you in my sleep, like I could see that you were in danger . Then apparently I conjured the light. Even when I’m dying I’m protecting you.” Merlin joked weakly . Arthur shook his head. “So it’ s you I owe Camelot to.” Arthur said. “Have any of my accomplishments in the last seven years actually been my own?” “They are yours Arthur . I simply helped.” Arthur snorted. “Helped.” Merlin shrugged. Arthur remembered that he was supposed to be angry , and his face hardened again. He tried not to let himself break at the way he saw Merlin’ s face fall. “I need to know everything, Merlin. From the second you arrived in Camelot to now . Everything.” Arthur said. “There’ s a lot you aren’ t going to like. I’ve made mistakes. But those are not the failings of magic, only the failings of me. Please remember that.” Arthur nodded and Merlin spoke again. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?” Arthur , upon listening to Merlin talk for so long, had for gotten there was a choice to be made. “Decision?” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I gave you two options. Have you decided between them?” Ah. Arthur remembered. He didn’ t let himself get too angry at the way all of his knights straightened and slightly shifted in between him and Merlin. “I have.” “And?” “And even if you hadn’ t done all of that, I couldn’ t have killed you. Y ou can come back to Camelot. Good manservants are hard to come by .” Merlin smiled then, and Arthur had a feeling that everything was going to be alright. “Merlin?” “Yeah?” “Did you only stay because this is supposedly your destiny?” Arthur asked, feigning indifference, but Merlin could hear the insecurities in his question. “No. I told you. Y ou’re my friend. In the beginning, yes, but eventually I saw the man you had become and the king you would be. I wanted to help you get there.” Arthur smiled and then joked: “Ah yes, the man you apparently made me. Isn’ t that right, Sir Leon?” The knight had the decency to look sheepish, but the others laughing let him know that Arthur wasn’ t actually upset. Leon shrugged. “Y ou know I’m right.” Arthur sighed and then said: “Y es I suppose you are.” Merlin chuckled. “I’ll tell you all everything. No more secrets.” Arthur nodded. “I’m sorry for those you have lost Merlin. I am especially sorry about your lost love.” “Freya. Her name was Freya.” Arthur smiled slightly . “A beautiful name.” “Yeah, she was.” Merlin said, more to himself than anyone else. Merlin plastered on a fake grin, one that Arthur had seen a hundred times before, and he cursed himself for never having realized how false it was. He had let himself be placated by that face before, but he never would again. Merlin readied himself to tell them of everything he had done. “W ell my friends, I believe it’ s time for a story .” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 3,893
Chapters: 1/1

3 Times Arthur Brings Merlin Flowers and the 1 Time Merlin Realises Why

“I’ve brought you flowers.”“Oh, these are fantastic, Arthur! Truly. Gaius will be so pleased. We can never afford roses.”Merlin found what he was looking for – a knife – and turned back to the roses. Arthur let out a strangled sound as he sliced off the heads of the roses, tossing the stalks away.“Roses have so many health benefits,” Merlin offered conversationally. “They can help reduce pain, depression, anxiety, stress… You're getting quite good at identifying the right flowers for medicinal use!”------In which Arthur keeps getting Merlin flowers and Merlin keeps thinking they're for medicinal use.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Minor Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Misunderstandings, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), courting, 5+1 Things, except minus 2, because you can only mess up getting flowers so many times, Fluff, Humour, Pining Arthur, Romance, Annoyed Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-10
Words: 3,599
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 91
Kudos: 3,665
Bookmarks: 487
Hits: 20,536
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Just Listen

Merlin wants to stop Arthur from going on another stupid quest assigned to him by Uther, but he believes he isn't worthy enough for Arthur to listen to him.OrMerlin believes he's nothing more than a good fuck for Arthur.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur, Arthurian, Boys In Love, Angst, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Canon Era, Established Relationship, Parent Gaius (Merlin), Gaius is So Done (Merlin), No Smut, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Bossy Arthur, Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), soft merlin, soft merthur, Fluffy Ending, Domestic Fluff, Emotional Hurt, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Feels, Friends With Benefits, During Canon, Secret Relationship, Arthur is in love
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-11
Words: 1,204
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 1,702
Bookmarks: 121
Hits: 18,668
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

quiet light

Post-s04e7 AU where Arthur didn’t simply forget that, with Gaius venerated, they still have a traitor is still in their midst.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Post Episode: s04e07 The Secret Sharer, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Emotional Constipation, Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Merlin stands his ground, Merlin has had it, Officially, Arthur finds out that there are consequences to being an arse, Angry Merlin (Merlin), arthur tries his best but he does not get It
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-14
Words: 3,647
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 83
Kudos: 1,466
Bookmarks: 277
Hits: 9,211
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Of Gods and Princes

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“I think I’m going to be your manservant,” Merlin announces, one day, and Arthur almost chokes on thin air. “No,” Arthur says, because Merlin is a god, for – someone’s sake, and Arthur doesn’t want the first noble to raise their hand for a reprimanding slap turned into a worm, or something worse. Merlin simply frowns, petulant. “Why? I think I’d be quite good, if I got the hang of it.” Arthur presses his hand over his eyes, a pounding headache in the making, and sighs. Or: Merlin wants to spend more time with Arthur, and thinks becoming the prince's manservant is a splendid idea. Arthur disagrees. Part 2 of the Chasing Spring series. Notes Thank you so much to all who have read, bookmarked, commented, and kudosed Chasing Spring! I was very seriously blown off my feet :] Now, the Sequel. Unbeta'd, so all mistakes are mine. :) See the end of the work for more notes “I think I’m going to be your manservant,” Merlin announces, one day, and Arthur almost chokes on thin air. “No,” Arthur says, because Merlin is a god, for – someone’s sake, and Arthur doesn’t want the first noble to raise their hand for a reprimanding slap turned into a worm, or something worse. Not to say, of course, just how fundamentally wrong the whole idea is. Merlin, though, looks blissfully unawares of Arthur’s concerns, because he simply frowns, petulant, and replies, “Why? I think I’d be quite good, if I got the hang of it.” Arthur presses his hand over his eyes, a pounding headache in the making, and sighs. Whatever has led up to this? Well, to understand that, first – Arthur must go back to a few weeks ago, back when it had still been early spring. When Arthur had called and Merlin – Emrys – had answered. ◈ It takes a while for Arthur and Merlin to find their footing. Even settling on a name is difficult. Arthur spends days fluctuating wildly between ‘Emrys’ and ‘Merlin’, settling for a strange blend of the two more often than not. It’s a terrible mess, until the god corners him one day and puts his finger on Arthur’s mouth, firm. “I told you once, and I’ll tell you again,” he says. “It’s Merlin. To you; only to you.” It feels like Arthur has been given a priceless gift, a piece of the god himself, and Arthur can’t even begin to fathom the worth of it. Arthur simply nods, wordless. It is Merlin after that. There’s a whole other mountain of issues too, though, starting with the fact that Arthur’s significant other could crush Arthur like an ant with less effort than lifting a finger. It’s vaguely disturbing, and also quite terrifying, especially when Arthur suspects that they’re headed towards an argument. Arthur still remembers, in vivid detail, how Merlin had been when facing down those wyverns – it is something he would be happy to never see ever again, and especially never aimed towards him. He remembers the blinding light, the heat, searing-hot like a strike of lightning and several times more terrifying, the way the fabric of reality had seem to twist and spin about them. Arthur prides himself on his courage, but it takes a while even for him to stop walking on eggshells around the god. It doesn’t help that Merlin gives him those looks whenever he catches Arthur at it, fleeting glances under downturned lashes that are chock-full of hurt and regret and why-don’t-you-trust-me’s, and they cut Arthur straight to the bone. But Arthur is only human, too, and Merlin is a lot to take in, even in his least threatening of forms. Even as they settle into something like a routine, early morning and late nights spent curled together in Arthur’s spacious, princely bed, moments stolen in between patrols and training and negotiations, that edge of apprehension never quite leaves Arthur’s mind. Merlin’s eyes are touched with regret under the smudge of his lashes, but he doesn’t call Arthur out on it. Arthur suspects he doesn’t quite know how. It isn’t perfect, and the fact that Arthur is having an illicit affair with the very god who’d cursed Camelot right under Uther’s nose lends it an edge of secrecy and urgency that has Arthur’s heart beating hard and sweat beading in his hands. There are still so, so many things Arthur and Merlin ought to work out, so many hurdles left to jump – still, it’s without doubt the best thing Arthur has ever had, and he cherishes every moment, every single second of it. He memorizes how Merlin’s skin feels under his fingers, almost crackling with electricity but not quite, how Merlin’s stormy eyes catch the orange of Arthur’s chambers and turn into something indescribably fey and enchanting. He memorizes the glint of light on his cheekbones, his quick laugh and even quicker wit, how Arthur (with increasing courage) would poke fun at him and how Merlin delights in it each and every time. Merlin smiles at him, sometimes, and Arthur thinks – Merlin knows, too, and he loves Arthur all the more for it. “I don’t ever get to see you during the day,” Merlin complains as soon as Arthur sets foot into his chambers. To his credit, Arthur doesn’t start and drop the torch on his foot or anything terribly awkward like that – he is getting used to having an all-powerful god as a lover, he supposes. Arthur wonders if he ought to be more disturbed than he is. It helps that Arthur has probably seen the boy – god – at his most human, though. Working himself up over Arthur’s moods, awkward kisses and fumbling touches about his shirt-sleeves, and, most of all, the tendency to conveniently magic himself away whenever he manages to dig himself into yet another awkward situation. In those respects, it’s almost like having a boy of a lover - (albeit a superpowered one who could raze Camelot to the ground should he be so inclined, but, well, technicalities.) The god is draped across Arthur’s bed, chin resting on his hands, garbed in a strange, flowing tunic that highlights his fine cheekbones and the startling blue of his eyes. The first time he’d shown up in Arthur’s chambers wearing that, Arthur had told him he looked ridiculous. (Merlin hadn’t, to be honest, but anyone else would have, and there was something so terribly infair about that.) Merlin had laughed at him then, eyes dancing, and called Arthur a prat right before drawing him close and kissing him senseless. Arthur smiles, fond and apologetic, and says, “There are always people, during the day.” “You know I could do something about that.” “I’d rather – you didn’t.” Arthur grimaces as soon as the words leave his lips. He sounds horrifically ungrateful, which he most definitely isn’t – he doesn’t know much about gods, but he does understand that Merlin must care a lot about him if he deigns to lurk about in the shadows of Arthur’s chambers, waiting for him, when he could just as easily have had all of Camelot bowing at his feet. “I mean – I wouldn’t feel comfortable, affecting people like that.” The memory of an endless winter, cold winds that cut like a knife, is still too raw in his mind. Merlin’s eyes meet Arthur’s, and the understanding there is something both sad and resigned. Merlin sighs. “Yes,” he says, “I know.” Then an intangible force is reaching forth to draw Arthur across the room, right into Merlin’s waiting arms. Arthur grunts in surprise. “Some warning next time might be nice.” Sometimes, Arthur marvels at how much he is allowed to get away with – he is sure that with some gods, he would have been struck down for disrespect before he could even say ‘Oh.’ Arthur can feel Merlin’s smile against the skin of his neck, and again, he marvels at how human this god of his is, how warm, how solid. A sudden warmth jolts through him, and Arthur runs his fingers carefully down the flawless skin of Merlin’s arm, soft, reverent. “You could make up for it by giving me a hug right now,” Merlin suggests, and Arthur complies. Who is he to deny Merlin, after all? A few days later, Merlin is waiting for him again, legs dangling off the edge of his bed, a giant smile gracing his face. It’s the smile Arthur has unofficially dubbed Merlin’s Face of Mischief, that face he gets whenever he’s planning something awfully absurd and un-godly, and Arthur bites his lip. “Yes?” he asks, expectant. Merlin pouts. “You don’t know that I have something to tell you,” he says. “For all you know, I might just have dropped in because I was unbearably bored.” “I happen to know you better than that.” Merlin smiles back at him, then, and his smile is wide and open and happy. “Yes, I know.” he pats the empty space beside him, wrinkling the pristine bed-covers. Arthur heads over, limbs aching; it had been a long day of training that day. The air about Merlin smells like fresh grass and spring flowers, despite Arthur’s chamber windows having been closed for the better part of the day, and Arthur huffs a laugh at the impossible creature before him. “So, what is it?” “I’ve been thinking about that – problem,” Merlin says, waving a hand to indicate Arthur and himself. Arthur raises a brow at that. “You know, Mer lin - ” “You can’t read minds, I know.” They share a grin at that – a campfire shared, a blanket of snow, icy winds that had somehow never quite touched the two of them. “I think I’m going to be your manservant.” Arthur almost falls off of the bed. “ What? ” “It would be so fun,” Merlin grins, eyes sparkling. That’s not a good sign – Arthur usually finds himself wanting to give Merlin anything he wants when he looks like that. It’s unfair, really; that Merlin can look so delicate, so vibrant, when Arthur knows just how much he is under that facade, how – powerful . Merlin is persistent; Arthur really must give him that. “I’ll have you know,” Merlin says, later, “I think I’d actually be quite good at it.” He waves a hand, and the clutter on Arthur’s desk immediately rights itself, motes of dust streaming off of the desk and out of the window. “See? Perfect maintenance. It doesn’t even take any time.” Arthur gawps. That’s a new way to houskeeping, for sure – except for the fact that were it anyone but Merlin, who Arthur knows is perfectly capable of taking care of himself, they would probably find themselves on the chopping block before they could say “execution!”. “You do know that servants serve , right?” The idea is wrong on so many different levels, and Arthur doesn’t even know where to start. Maybe that Merlin happens to be a god, all-powerful and immortal, and there’s something intrinsically wrong about somebody serving you when they could just as easily destroy the five kingdoms in a blink. “I understand, sire ,” Merlin says, and there must be something fundamentally wrong with Arthur that the thing makes his heart jolt and his blood uncomfortably warm. Arthur shifts, and Merlin gifts him a knowing look and a smile. “But – think about it. I could be next to you, beside you, every single moment, and no-one would ever question us.” Merlin bites his lip. Arthur’s eyes track it, the faint indent in Merlin’s lower lip, the way it turns Merlin’s expression into something halfway to a pout and also something horribly enticing. “At least give it some thought.” “You’d have to see my father,” Arthur blurts out, because – that is true; the prince’s manservant can’t not see the king, and Arthur isn’t sure what Merlin might do when he comes face-to-face with his friend’s killer. Arthur has seen Merlin in a rage, before. It isn’t anything pretty. Merlin’s expression darkens, and the air crackles with power, an almost-audible snap whipping through the air. The fine hairs on Arthur’s arms stand on end. Merlin spares him a quick glance, and with a barely-there, regretful shake of his head, Arthur can breathe again. “I’ll – manage.” Merlin’s profile is pensive, half-drawn in shadow from the candlelight, and again, it looks terribly old, dark, weathered. Arthur fights the urge to draw him into his arms and never let him go. He isn’t sure that Merlin would appreciate it, much. He settles for an arm around Merlin’s shoulders. His smile is wan but appreciative, and he worries his lip for a while before he speaks again. “It doesn’t mean that we’d be the best of friends, far from it,” he says. “Nor will I let any sorcerers die, not when they’ve committed no crime, when I could to something to help. But – you know what happens, when I try to take matters of justice into my own hands.” Arthur knows. The starving face of his people, dark and drawn and desperate, the grief and anger; the cold . A shiver runs, involuntary, down his spine. “I think,” Merlin says, “that I need to learn – to watch, and not interfere.” Arthur squeezes his fingers in answer. Arthur still thinks that it’s a horrible idea, though, and he tells him so. Merlin merely gives him an enigmatic grin and shrugs. “Well,” he says, “we’ll see about that.” Merlin meets Gaius a little while after that. Merlin has been absent for several days, now, on what Arthur supposes is some mysterious godly business that mere mortals like him is not privy to. Meanwhile, Arthur has managed to injure his leg during training – a hairline fracture, nothing more, Gaius had said, but the elderly physician had added that he would feel a lot more comfortable if he were able to come check on Arthur in regular intervals. Gaius is more of a father to Arthur than his father has ever been, and Arthur can’t bear to be the source of his concern. His leg is still bad enough that it wouldn’t be wise for him to go about traipsing down the castle’s stairs, so Gaius comes to him. Merlin hasn’t been around for a while, Arthur reasons, so it should be safe – except, well, Arthur has never really had good luck with these sort of things. Gaius is bent down in front of Arthur’s knee, some mysterious physician’s instrument in hand, long and tapered and hollow, tapping at the bone and sniew around his injury – when Merlin materializes with a faint pop, behind him. Arthur makes a frantic motion with his hand to turn around and go away, because you can’t afford to out yourself so soon, no – but Merlin’s curiosity is an insatiable thing once it’s roused, and Merlin has that twinkle in his eyes that drives Arthur absolutely crazy approximately two-thirds of the time, and Arthur knows that he’s done. Absolutely, irrevocably done. Merlin’s eyes narrow, shrewd, as he gives Gaius a once-over, and it is almost as if he is dissecting the man below his gaze, seeing inside him, through him, and his head tilts in recognition. “Ah! You must be Gaius,” he says, voice amiable, friendly smile gracing boyish, fey features, and Gaius actually topples sideways in his hurry to turn around. Arthur cries out, lurching forward, because despite anything Gaius may say he is old and his bones brittle, and there is no way by the gods that a nice tumble may be beneficial to his health. Merlin is faster, though – a warm gust of wind sweeps the physician off his feet and deposits him gently onto a chair, which scoots across the room and turns to face Arthur’s bed. A warm tingle runs through Arthur, almost a caress, and the soft hairs at the nape of his neck crackle and shift. Merlin makes himself comfortable on the bed. He is in a bit more traditionally Camelotian attire, today, a simple homespun blue tunic over comfortably stretched breeches, feet bare and a few stray flowers wound into his hair. It does nothing to hide the sheer presence of him, though; the fire in Arthur’s fireplace flickers and curls, like a dog eager to come closer to its master, and the scent of fresh grass fills the air. Arthur has seen the pictures in Gaius’ books. It is unmistakable, really; and Gaius must have come to the natural conclusion, too, because his eyes widen, almost comical, his mouth splitting into a wide smile of joy, of reverence and exultance and everything in between. His eyes are glinting, and when he turns, Arthur thinks he sees a hint of moisture too. “Emrys,” he whispers, and collapses into a bow at Merlin’s feet. “ Emrys .” His voice is stronger the second time around. It should have been hilarious, really, because Gaius could have been his grandfather, white hairs and all, and the scene of Gaius paying homage to a boy who looks younger than Arthur himself is so ridiculous it isn’t even funny. But there is something about the way Merlin’s presence fills the room, every crack and seam and corner, the way he looks utterly inconspicuous yet could never be mistaken as such. The heavy air in the room is like an old prayer returned – reverent, solemn, and Arthur holds his breath. “Really, Gaius,” Merlin says, helping the flustered physician up, “you shouldn’t. Arthur practically thinks of you as his father, and even he doesn’t bow to me – now, sit, sit. That can’t have been good for your bones.” And the spell is broken. “My bones are better than they have ever been,” Gaius says, his characteristic dry humor returning now that he’s regained his feet some, and from the accusing look he’s leveling at Merlin Arthur suspects the god has had a lot to do with that. He sighs, though he probably just looks fond and besotted – he shouldn’t have put it past him to do something in that short span of time, being apparently the ‘greatest’ and all that. “So – you and Arthur?” The innuendo in the old man’s voice is unmistakable, and Arthur flushes to the roots of his hair. “Gaius!” “Well, my boy, you did say...” “I did not say anything whatsoever,” Arthur asserts, leveling a glare at Gaius, and Merlin laughs. “It’s alright. You are adorable, after all.” “Adorable!” Arthur jumps, indignant. “You’re one to say that. As far as I remember - ” “I could still turn you into a squirrel, you know. Adorable.” Something warm feels Arthur’s heart, right then, that they’ve come to the point where they can joke about things like this without feeling as if they’ve destroyed something small, fragile, budding. That is why Arthur fires right back, “watch out. First thing I’ll do is bite you in the toes.” Gaius watches their banter with his trademark raised brow. It’s almost as if half of him is set to pull Arthur aside and give him a long lecture on how to treat his betters, and the other half just wants to give in and laugh hopelessly until he’s gasping for breath. After a little while, though, the ruckus calms enough for Gaius to turn towards Merlin, back straight and eyes serious. “Thank you,” he says, and his voice holds the weight of a thousand words. Arthur doesn’t need words to understand what he is thanking Merlin – Emrys – for. He remembers Gaius’ face as he had recounted William’s execution, the light of joy on his face as he’d welcomed back the spring, that first time in years, ground overflowing with flowers and grass, butterflies clouding the air. Merlin doesn’t make light of it, for once. He sits, serious, features as if carved in wood, the faint light of Arthur’s fireplace sending spots of gold flickering across his face. He has never looked more a god, never looked more a weary immortal. “I am not sure,” he says, “if I deserve your thanks. You do understand, old one, that I was the one to blame, the one who brought the curse upon you.” “Far be it of us to dare presume to know better than the gods,” Gaius replies, making a strange gesture that Arthur does not recognize, but Merlin unmistakably does. An air of fondness permeates his features, a faint melancholy towards a time that once was, that is no more, and he smiles. “Ah, so you do follow the old ways. I had long suspected.” “Indeed.” Gaius pauses for a moment, his gaze far away, then he adds: “You listened to Arthur. It is not the way of the gods, to take counsel from mere mortals.” “He is not a mere mortal,” Merlin replies, voice soft, and a tendril of his power curls around Arthur’s wrist, light but possessive. “And you were never mere mortals to me.” “Your power deems you the greatest,” Gaius says, “but that – is why I bow before you. My lord, know that I am forever pledged to your will.” It is doing strange things to Arthur’s mind, to hear Gaius, of all people, call Merlin, again, of all people, his lord. It is in moments like these that he realizes just how foreign Merlin is, how different indeed – he bites his lip, presses his fingers against his knees. They have tightened into fists on his legs, before he’s even noticed, and from the brief, flickering look Merlin gives him, he’s seen, too. “Then come forth, Gaius,” Merlin beckons, and Gaius kneels before him, reverent. Merlin presses the tips of his fingers to his mouth, then against Gaius’ forehead. Arthur feels a faint rustle pulse through the air, a quiet rush of power, and Gaius gasps, eyes blown wide. “Gaius?” Arthur asks, quizzical. “A blessing,” Gaius replies, and there are tears in his eyes. Arthur doesn’t ask further. Gaius visits Arthur’s chambers several more times after that. Arthur suspects that it is more to catch a glimpse of Merlin than to treat him, because his leg is nearly healed, now, and he teases Gaius incessantly about it. “Eager to see him, aren’t you?” he grins, and Gaius flushes, ducking his head. Arthur can’t decide whether to be amused or disturbed; he has never seen Gaius this flustered, ever, and it is an image he would have been happy never to have seen. “It’s Emrys ,” Gaius says, by way of explanation. To followers of the old religion, that’s apparently explanation enough. Arthur lets it be. Merlin joins them, sometimes, though sometimes he whisks Arthur away for some ‘private time of their own’. (Arthur certainly isn’t complaining.) Merlin, for all his godliness, has always had a way of putting people at ease, with his ready smile and quick words, and Gaius soon warms to the god enough to begin fussing over him, too. Merlin complains right back, and Gaius brightens considerably at that, almost as if he’s always considered Arthur his only son and now he’s got another to call his own. “I’m adding you to my list,” Merlin grumbles, jabbing a finger at the man. “I think being an owl would suit you.” “Nonsense,” Gaius replies, “you should still eat breakfast, you know. Being a god doesn’t mean that you’re invulnerable.” It does, probably, but Arthur doesn’t correct the man. Some days, it almost feels as if he’s grown a little family of his own, right here in the privacy of his chambers. Watching Gaius lecturing Merlin and the boy – god – grumbling right back, usually ending up snaking his fingers through Arthur’s and sending him a look that reads ‘please save me now’, never fails to bring a smile to his lips. “So, milord,” Gaius says, who absolutely refuses to refer to Merlin in anything but the honorific, “will I be seeing you more around the castle?” “Yes,” Merlin says, at the same time that Arthur says, “No.” He’s found yet another reason why Merlin’s plan won’t work; if Gaius’ old tomes have bloody illustrations of the boy, what’s to stop the rest of the world finding out? Uther would try to have Merlin beheaded right away, and Arthur had a very bad feeling that it wouldn’t end well for anyone involved. (He’d told Merlin this, of course. Merlin had simply smiled and pointed out that anyone who had such knowledge would be either ally or foe, and if it were foe, Merlin could simply strike them down. Arthur, thinking back to Merlin’s last bout of smiting – a crater, lots of blinding light, and a lot of pain involved for those being smote down – had disagreed. Vehemently. ‘Oh, I could just make them forget, then,’ Merlin had said, terribly blasé, and that had been that.) Gaius raises an eyebrow. “Do try to get this spat under control before it grows out of hand,” he says, in his best listen-to-me voice, and Arthur groans. “ Gaius .” Arthur doesn’t have much time to mull over the issue after that, because apparently some great singer – Lady Helen of Mora – is going to come sing at Camelot’s feast, and Uther is determined to make it the most lavish one yet. Thank gods for the plentiful spring, Arthur thinks to himself as he rushes about with a list of things to check over, because otherwise they’d have been hard-pressed to prepare the appetizers alone. The head cook, apparently, had got this great dream of a soup with spring pumpkin and squash that could feed three hundred, and Uther had approved : nothing less for his Great Feast. Bloody feasts. Arthur will be glad when they manage not to get half of Camelot’s farming population broke for this. Still - “She’s apparently a great singer, though,” Arthur tells Merlin one night, as he lies spread across his bed, still clothed, bone-weary and too tired to even lift a finger. Merlin waves his hand, a languid roll, and before he knows it Arthur is down to his smallclothes and tucked snugly into the sheets. Sometimes, Arthur thinks, it’s wonderful to have a lover with mystical powers. Especially when they use it to help him out with everyday tasks like this. “Hmm,” Merlin says, and is gaze is a thousand miles away. He tilts his head, as if pondering something, and Arthur shifts a little under the sheets, curious. “Why? Do you know something about her?” “Not – really,” Merlin hums, before shaking his head, absent-minded. “You’re tired. Sleep.” Arthur tries to protest, but his eyes slide closed almost as if obeying Merlin’s command, and – it’s just so unfair, that Merlin can send him to sleep with a thought, when Arthur is hard-pressed to even fathom what the boy – man – god – is thinking. Sleep claims him soon, though, a black, welcoming tide, and it isn’t long before Arthur gives in. Lady Helen is a striking woman with dark hair twisted in a elaborate knot atop her head. She is everything Arthur had thought a famed singer would be, to be honest, with a rich, dulcet voice and just the right amount of pomp, gestures crisp and laced with an expectation to be obeyed, right that instant, or else . A maid dies during her stay, and Arthur tenses for a moment, half-expecting Uther to scream, ‘sorcery!’ and demand a search of all chambers, because Uther’s paranoia only grows with the years, and sometimes anger can cloud even rational thought. The days pass by without a fuss, though - ( servants, Arthur remembers bitterly, are hardly ever thought of as people. Of course Uther would not have noticed. ) - and before Arthur knows it, it’s the day of the feast. The feast is just as opulent as Uther had willed it to be, if not more so. It is a statement of sorts, strong and clear, that Camelot is no longer weak - that anyone who wishes to take her riches as his own will have to go through this first. Arthur acts pretty much as a crown prince is expected to act, a routine well-learned through years upon years of repetition. Arthur knows – perhaps better than anyone – how to smile courteously, to lend an ear to everyone within a foot-long radius without leaving a single thought of dissatisfaction or neglect. Arthur knows, too, how to glitter and shine and become someone people will gravitate towards, center around, and for all the noble-ladies and young men that flock around him, Arthur would much rather be anywhere else. He is lulled into a half-trance before the feast is halfway over. But his sense of normalcy flies out the window the moment he spots a flash of stormy blue, both familiar and out of place. Merlin must have done – something, like the first time they’d met, because he seems a simple country boy for all means and purposes right now. He’s garbed in rough, simple brown clothes, and a red neckerchief hangs about his neck. The boy fits seamlessly into the tapestry of the feast, just another servant with a quick smile and a jug of ale at the ready. Arthur gapes. Merlin gives him a cheeky grin and gestures for him to look away. “Can’t be caught staring at a servant,” he mouths, or at least Arthur thinks that is what he meant – can’t be so sure from so great a distance – before he turns and is gone. No-one seems to notice anything out of usual. Not that many nobles make a habit of memorizing their servants’ faces, but still. Merlin is going to be the death of him, Arthur thinks, and raises his goblet for yet another toast. The night is young; Arthur still has a while to go before he can retire to the privacy of his chambers. The night cannot pass any faster for him. Eventually, the conversation tapers off, the people’s bellies mostly sated and lulled into a pleasant, drunken haze by the wine and ale that had flowed freer than water this night. Customarily, it is now the time for the King’s speech, but today there is a special guest – though jesters and travelling minstrels are often summoned to entertain Uther’s guests, it is not often that a lady of such renown deigns to sing for the King. It is such that someone now announces lady Helen of Mora, and polite applause fills the room in polite, scattered swells. “It is an honour to sing for you all tonight, in front of such noble lords and ladies,” the woman says by way of an introduction, confident, it seems, that her reputation has preceded her. She sweeps into a low curtsey, the plunging low neckline of her gown pulling taut around her shoulders, glittering silk and tasteful jewels shining dully in the orange light of the hall’s torches. Then, she begins to sing, and - Darkness. ◈ To be honest, Emrys – no, Merlin, always Merlin, to Arthur, as he had been to Will – had known who and what exactly this ‘Helen of Mora’ was, the moment she set foot in Camelot. The woman was a skilled sorceress, Merlin could give her that, but still – her mortal glamour is no match for the Sight of a god. Especially not if the god is Merlin, who has always been a little strange, a little different, even among the gods. He doesn’t even have to sift through her mind to pick out the suffocating taint that is her ill-will. He tries not to, nowadays, because he knows well enough that mortals cannot read him in return, and it feels unfair to take advantage of them as such. So he had not even been searching, not even trying to look, but she projected her hatred like a weapon, black and harsh and putrid, and Merlin would have been hard-pressed not to notice. He entertains the thought, for a moment – should he go, strike her down before she can stir up any mischief? Uther’s safety he cannot care less for, but if it is Arthur that she is after – no, he cannot bear that. Arthur is soft and fragile enough as it is, trapped in the brittle shell of a mortal’s, burning bright like a flame but just as short, and if his time with Arthur is cut any shorter than it already is - No. No. But he has learned his lesson, he thinks, and he cannot justify choking short her life when she hasn’t even done anything, yet, so he bides his time, and watches. The original lady Helen, Merlin hears, had been set to sing for the King’s court at the grand feast to mark the return of spring. If she truly wishes for revenge, payback, then - Oh. The sorceress is a creature of magic, at heart, and as thus she could never hide from him. The webs of her plan sift through Merlin’s consciousness in a ragged rush, and Merlin has to clamp down on his power, hard, so as not to lash out at her, drag her forth and demand her to speak in her defence before him, Emrys the Great, the scythe, the reaper, the judge. A son for a son - Arthur. No. But once the instinctive fit of rage has passed, he remembers, with the bitter taint of regret, what he had done for Will – and, he supposes, he really isn’t in any position to judge the woman. How she chooses to use her gifts does not please him – Magic, to him, had always been something to rejoice in, something of life and rebirth and making ragged things whole. Still. There has been so much hate, so much strife, so much pain and loss and anger that Merlin cannot blame any of them for wishing to hurt the enemy as much as they had been hurt – for wishing to take as much as has been taken from them. Sometimes, Merlin wishes that gods, too, were perfect, and that he had a solution ready for every ill, every wrong; that he could just snap his fingers and make everything right again. But alas. Merlin thinks this is how mortal headaches must feel; he grinds the heels of his palm into his eyes, another vice of Arthur that he’s picked up, and sighs. A wry smile graces his mouth. Well, he will think of something, when the time comes – it is still a while, yet. And it has been long since he has been able to attend a mortal feast, of any sorts. He might as well enjoy himself. He does. His mortal form must be pleasing enough on the eyes, he supposes, because plenty of nobles deign to look at him twice, to wait and ask his name, to ask him to bring them another round of this ale, won’t you? It’s rather sweet to-night. Merlin has lived long enough, at least, to know that they do not refer solely to the ale. He simple smiles, flirtatious and light, and goes to do what he is told. Arthur finds him, eventually, and his horrified expression is so exaggeratedly comic that Merlin would capture it in a painting and hang it in his chambers, if he could. Merlin simply grins, that carefree smile he has grown so good at, and mouths at him to go mind his own business. Never so good, he supposes, for a prince to be shown harboring too much affection for a single servant. He does not have to wait long for the sorceress – Mary Collins, he learns, because he feels the pulse of her magic, leashed tight about her, and it is like a beacon that calls out to him, as clear as day – to enact her plan. The witch weaves her spell like a tapestry. It would have been beautiful, had it not been for the rage that permeates every thread and strand of it, and Merlin watches, blood rushing behind his mortal form’s eyes, as the first sparks of the spell begin to fill the air. He waits until the first stage of her spell is finished, and every soul in the room – man, woman, children alike – lie, limp, trapped in a deep sleep. Mary Collins gathers her magic, then, for a second heave, and Merlin feels how she calls upon her power, how she urges the old walls of the castle to hasten to their rest, feels the grains of stone weaken, brittle, the walls shaking with the strain as Camelot slowly, inevitably, begins to crumble. Now. Stop , Merlin commands, flexing his will. Power, raw and pure and golden, rushes to his fingertips, and he stretches, feeling the entirety of the castle about him, breathing, trembling. Be whole . The sorceress’ will batters against his own, but it is like fighting a river with a paddle, an avalanche with a needle, and soon she subsides, worn, exhausted. It is a battle with a fixed end, Merlin supposes, human sorceress against immortal god, and though Merlin has come out on top – he feels sick, faintly tired, like he is – taking advantage, somehow, making light of her trifles. Merlin lets go. The castle walls shudder, a long, invisible sigh escaping their cracks, and still. Mary looks about, a frenzied light in her eyes, as if grappling for what, who, has dared to stand in the path of her revenge. Her eyes settle on Merlin, soon, the only figure except her in this room who still stands, and when she says, “you,” it is more of a feral growl than actual speech. “Me,” Merlin agrees, then lets his glamour fall. He hasn’t ever looked at himself in a mirror in this form, but he can imagine what Mortals see – a golden light, perhaps, a manifestation of the power that is him. Perhaps he stands straighter, walks surer. Leastways nothing like the country boy he so loves to pretend to be. “You are a god.” the old witch says, and there is resignation in her voice. “Yes,” Merlin replies. “You are here to stop me, are you not?” she asks, her voice bitter. She laughs, a harsh, self- deprecating sound, and lets her glamour fall. Young, flawless skin sloughs into wrinkles and sun- spots, her entire figure hunching over, frail, weak, defeated. “I have heard tales, you know, when I was young: that the gods are watching you, that they will judge you for your actions – that if you used your gifts for ill, they will strike you down. I suppose destroying Camelot would count as a sin, if nothing else.” She shrugs. “But what could I have done? It is an eye for an eye, young god. My son was my world. I would destroy his, if I could.” “I – understand.” and Merlin does, more than she could ever fathom. He sighs. “What would you have me do?” “At least give me the life of his son,” Mary says, and there is venom in her eyes. “I deserve that much, do I not? I have not studied the old ways, not as diligently as I should have, but I know that much. A life for a life. That is the balance, the great cycle. I deserve that much.” Merlin should know. It is the very balance he upholds. That is what the worshippers say, no? Emrys, the beginning and the end, the cycle of life and death. He should, but it is Arthur, and so he - cannot. “No,” he says, and though his words are soft, he knows that his power fills the room, crackling, tense, because he has never been good at holding himself back when a loved one is at stake. The sorceress throws back her head and laughs. It is not a happy one. “Oh, you are in love, aren’t you? The little prince – ha. Mark my words: he is Pendragon through and through. He will throw you away like yesterday’s trash before the year is gone.” Merlin remembers a young prince in the snow, more boy than man, yet, weary, determined, ready to plead before a foreign god for his father’s sins. I think not , he thinks, but he does not speak out loud. He must have shown an opening, a slip, anything, because the sorceress, with grief-crazed eyes, has drawn a knife with a speed that belies her age, and has hurled it with all of her remaining strength across the room. Merlin feels her magic curl then lash out, a brief, brilliant flare, and she is dead before she hits the ground. Perhaps she feared the judgement of the boy-god for his lover; Merlin does not know. He never will. He pauses, holding the flow of time in his grip, a moment, then two, lingering long enough for him to close the witch’s eyes and bid her pass in peace. Then it is all action – the knife, though imbued with Mary Collins’ dying magic, is still mortal steel, and Merlin plucks it out of the air as he sets time back to its rightful flow, reaching out with a few stray tendrils of power to nudge the nobles back to full wakefulness. Uther Pendragon, curse him, is the first to wake. That, Merlin should give him – the man has a spine of steel and a will twice as unbending, and his eyes widen in recognition as soon as he takes in the tableau before him : the sorceress’ body, dead upon the ground, the nobles, awakening groggily with cobwebs in their hair, and Merlin, back in his guise of a mortal boy again, the blade of a cursed dagger held tight in his grasp. “You saved my son,” the King says, thoughtful. “Such dedication deserves a fit reward.” Merlin would save Arthur a thousand times over if need be. The thanks of Uther Pendragon, though - It is a reward he would not wish upon his worst enemy. “Sire,” he says, simply, the words poison upon his tongue, and bows. Sometimes, Merlin wishes that gods are as perfect as mortals make them out to be. ◈ “My father wants you to be my manservant,” Arthur blurts out, as soon as he finds Merlin waiting for him on his bed. He shakes his head, disbelieving. “He – did you – enchant him, or something?” “No,” Merlin replies, his voice cutting. “I did not.” Sometimes, in moments like these, Arthur is reminded who exactly he is speaking to, who exactly stands before him. Arthur winces. Merlin, for all his aloofness, is sometimes terribly easy to read – Arthur knows that it had been his idea for him to become Arthur’s manservant, somehow, but he also knows that this is the last way he would have chosen to go about it. “Yeah, I suppose so.” Arthur sighs, loosening his belt. It has only been hours since he has woken from the witch’s spell, and though he’d apparently slept mere hours before – albeit an enchanted one – Arthur is so, very, unbearably weary. “You knew what the sorceress was up to, didn’t you? When I told you lady Helen was coming. That pensive look, I knew something was up. You knew.” Looking back, now, it seems so – glaringly obvious, that Merlin had known, somehow, about the alleged great singer; all those strange, faraway looks and subtle frowns couldn’t have been a mere coincidence. Arthur is angry at himself, for not having seen. But he is also angry at Merlin, for not having told him, for not having given him even the merest of hints. He had thought Merlin would trust him more than that. He had been wrong, and it hurts more than it has any right to. “I – suppose I did,” Merlin replies, and there is a shadow on his face that hadn’t been there a night ago. Arthur doesn’t know what has gone on between Merlin and the old witch, but he does know that something profound must have happened, something that struck Merlin to the core, because there is a part of him that is unfathomably distant - faraway, pensive, terribly old, the way Arthur had expected all gods to look. That is not his Merlin, though, and Arthur wants his Merlin back. “Look,” Arthur says, biting his lip to stop his frustration from boiling over. “Couldn’t you just have told me? You knew, all this time, when I had no idea that I had a sorceress out for my blood. You could have let me know.” “But I had it under control,” Merlin says, an adorable crinkle between his brows. But the way he says the words, as if he has no idea whatsoever what has got Arthur riled up so badly – it is so terribly foreign, so – not human, that Arthur feels like there is a gaping chasm between the two of them, deep, ancient, unbreachable, widening even as they speak. Arthur has never been one to let an obstacle stop him, though, and he refuses to back down. “Merlin,” he says, “it feels like you don’t trust me. Like – you see me simply as someone to be coddled, looked after, not – not a partner. Not friends, even.” It would be true, Arthur supposes, because for all that Morgana teases him that he’s got a bloated sense of self-importance sometimes, it doesn’t mean that he dares put his power on par with a god’s. He’s probably like a toddling baby to Merlin, age-wise and also in everything else, but still the fact remains that he would like to mean something in this relationship too. Or, well, whatever it is. “Oh.” Merlin’s answer is soft. “Oh.” Arthur moves forward, leaning a little into the bed, letting his forehead brush with Merlin’s. This close, the god’s eyes have little flecks of gold in them, as if all the disguises in the world could’t quite hide exactly who he is, and his eyelashes flutter, sooty and long, against the glint of cheekbones in the dark. Arthur crushes the urge to press his fingers against those soft lips, see just how far they give, because - Now is not the time, he chides himself. We’re talking . “Human emotions are – difficult for me,” Merlin says, at last, and he has never looked more humane, more vulnerable, more confused. Arthur wants to draw him into his arms and keep him there forever, for all that the being before him holds the power to blast entire nations out of existence at his whim. Merlin. His Merlin. “Can you at least – try?” Because Arthur refuses to be a second wheel, refuses to be left out, not anymore. Merlin nods, resolute. “Yes,” he says, “I promise.” The words are imbued with a sense of finality, of destiny, somehow, ringing with something more than Merlin’s voice, and Arthur gasps as their lips meet, chaste at first, longer and lingering more with every pass. Later, as they lie side by side, holding hands like blushing youths (which they are, or at least Arthur is, anyway) - Merlin says, “Well, there is one good thing that’s come out of the mess tonight.” “What?” Arthur grumbles, drowsy. Merlin’s reply is disgustingly cheerful. “I’m your manservant now.” “Gods,” Arthur groans. “I can tell you’ll be a horrible one already. I can’t even boss you around like I could a real one.” “You could,” Merlin says, tongue in cheek. “I might even enjoy it.” “I don’t want to be turned into your animal of the day.” “Oh, please your god, and you’ll never know.” “ Mer lin!” A pause, then - “I’m – glad, though. That you’ll be – there, now. We won’t have to sneak around.” “Believe me, Arthur, I am, too. Now sleep. It’s been a long night.” Merlin doesn’t magic him to sleep, this time around. It’s not anything much, not a grand gesture nor anything close, and yet, to Arthur – it feels sweeter than any victory on the battlefield, any successful patrol, any win on the tourney fields. Because he and Merlin may have a long way to go, yet, but they are taking steps, baby steps – but still, it is progress nonetheless. Sleep is a while in the coming, but when it comes, it is sweeter than ever before. End Notes Alright, so a - should I call it a warning? - to readers : I fear that updates to this series might be a bit slow. :( I actually haven't watched the show (if anyone's noticed), and most of what I write is based off of fanfiction and lots and lots of research on the Merlin fanwiki, so writing somewhat canon-era-ish things takes a lot out of me. So look forward to sporadic updates at the best :O On the other hand, though, I absolutely adore this series and have a plan of epic proportions in mind, and will most definitely try to write it all the way to the finish, so there is that too :> That being said, I really hope that you enjoyed this, and wish you all a great day!! :") Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mary Collins (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Season/Series 01, Powerful Merlin (Merlin), God!Merlin, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fluff, Humor, Light Angst Series: Part 2 of Chasing Spring
Published: 2020-08-23
Words: 7815

looking after you

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Merlin is taking longer than usual in returning to Camelot. Arthur starts to worry. Notes this is just a little, self-indulgent fic i wrote for the Merlin Twitter Summer Exchange for brennan. i hope you like it. <3 huge thanks to strawberry scarlet and R for the quick beta! It was well before dawn and Merlin was on horseback a few miles away from Camelot's gates. He was barely holding on given his bruised rib and ankle sprain, but he also had to return to Camelot soon. He already lost 3 days in his journey, including his stay in a nearby village to heal and rest after his gruesome fight with the latest beast plaguing Camelot. At least he was able to send word to Gaius about his delay, but he’s mostly worried now about Arthur. He was never gone for this long, and Merlin could only imagine what excuses Gaius would come up with this time. I swear to all the gods, if Gaius mentions the tavern again, I’ll plague him with leeches, Merlin thought. He chuckled to himself - he knew he would never do such a thing. Still, beyond that, Merlin wondered how the prat was doing without him. As much as he would deny it to himself, he missed Arthur, and he was always worried sick for the man. He wished he didn’t have to do this quest alone, but he didn’t want to risk it knowing how powerful the beast was. Well, he may have overestimated it and gotten himself injured, but no matter. All was well now, again. Merlin can now see the castle and the tiny figures ahead which he knew was the lower town. Suddenly, a man emerged from the lower town, riding his horse so fast it’s as if he’s being chased. Merlin immediately tensed and braced himself, his magic humming to life within him. As Merlin saw the familiar blond hair of the man, he halted. Arthur spotted him as well and he rode faster towards Merlin. Arthur’s expression was full of concern as he approached. He got off his horse and held Merlin’s arm tightly, making him wince. Arthur immediately lets go as if burned, but touched him again gently. “Merlin, what happened?” “I–” Merlin was grappling for an excuse. He didn’t expect to see Arthur this soon. Hell, he was supposed to meet with Gaius first to tell him about what happened. “Merlin?” Arthur slackened his hold on Merlin’s arm and started fussing. Merlin grumbled in pain when Arthur touched his chest. “I fell off my horse accidentally,” Merlin exclaimed. “Accidentally?” Arthur asked, incredulous. “Yeah. I was too exhausted but I didn’t notice and I didn’t want to be gone for too long.” “Merlin, you were gone for three days.” "I know, I’m sorry,” Merlin said, placating Arthur. “I just need to rest, that’s all.” Arthur squeezed Merlin’s arm one last time before releasing him and mounting his horse. “I know you’re injured, Merlin. Only go back to work once you’re feeling better,” Arthur said. Merlin looked at him thoughtfully. Then he gave a mocking sigh. “Oh, thank you, sire. You’ve finally given me a day off!” Arthur rolled his eyes. “Not that you’re any useful.” Merlin laughed and it was immediately cut off by the pain in his ribs. Arthur shook his head and smiled. Merlin’s heart skipped at the sight. “Come on.” Arthur guided him to the physician’s chambers, with a hand around Merlin’s shoulders. Merlin slightly leaned unto him and memorized the feeling of having Arthur this close to him. Along the way, Arthur summoned a servant passing by and talked to her in a hushed voice. When they resumed walking, Merlin looked at him suspiciously. Arthur simply smirked and walked on, saying nothing. Merlin suddenly remembered Arthur riding out the castle earlier and asked, “Where were you going?” Arthur looked straight ahead. “What do you mean?” “I mean, you seemed in a hurry earlier until you found me. Where were you supposed to go?” They stopped in front of the physician’s chambers. Arthur released Merlin, only to touch his shoulder, then to the side of his neck. Merlin’s skin tingled from his touches. “I was looking for you,” Arthur said quietly. Merlin looked at him in surprise. Then, Arthur brought his hand down and took a step back. “I asked one of the servants to bring you and Gaius breakfast this morning. Make sure to eat then rest, Merlin.” Then he turned around and left. Merlin remained standing, feeling so confused and flustered. Arthur’s touches lingered, and he touched his neck, savoring the memory of Arthur gently doing so just minutes before. He shook his head as he entered Gaius’ chambers and winced once again. — In the following days, it’s become a routine: Arthur brought him breakfast, and by extension, Gaius. Merlin wondered why Arthur kept doing this, but he's also afraid to ask because he didn't want to push Arthur away. Since aside from the breakfast, Arthur also tended to him, in his own way. As he was doing now, Arthur dipped a cloth on a basin of water, and dabbed it on Merlin's face, his neck, and his arms, while being gentler on his chest. Merlin knows this isn't necessary - he wasn't poisoned, nor did he have a fever. But Arthur kept doing so anyway, and Merlin never protested. He reveled in Arthur's ministrations, in his tender strokes along his skin and taking his time doing so as if he didn't have a kingdom he needed to run. He kept doing this without fail, and Merlin's heart ached. He has never felt so cared for in a long while, ever since he left the safe haven of his mother's arms. "Merlin, are you alright?" Lost in his own thoughts, Merlin didn't notice tears prickling his eyes. He sat up, facing away from Arthur as he blinked them away. "Nothing, sire," Merlin said, giving him a weak smile. Arthur looked concerned, but didn't press. He took the basin and towel, then stood up. "As usual, breakfast is outside," Arthur said. He was turning to leave and Merlin couldn't take it anymore. "Arthur, wait." Arthur turned back towards him, a questioning look on his face. "Yes, Merlin?" "Why are you doing this?" The question rushed out of him before he lost his courage. He didn't want Arthur to stop his visits, but at the same time, he feels like Arthur is doing too much, and his skin has been prickling with the urge to touch Arthur, to be even closer to him. Arthur sat back down beside Merlin, basin and towel aside. "Because I want to." Merlin stared at him incredulously. "Unless it bothers you, then you can tell me any time to stop,” Arthur said, his expression becoming wary. "Don’t stop," Merlin blurted, then he blushed. Arthur looked amused and Merlin rolled his eyes. "It's just - why ?" Arthur stared at him long enough to be uncomfortable, but Merlin refused to look away. He felt that, whatever Arthur was about to say, it was important. Eventually, Arthur put a hand on his shoulder and said, "I thought I lost you that day, when I found you in the forest." Merlin's eyes widened. He remembered Arthur’s words on that same day. I was looking for you. "I know you weren't in the tavern, Merlin. I saw you just as you're about to leave. Even before that. You would go missing the next morning, but I believed that wherever you were headed, it would be important. And I didn't worry becauseI knew you'd come back. You always did." Arthur's hand slid down from Merlin's shoulder, and he clasped Merlin's hand. "But you were gone too long, Merlin. Even Gaius was worried. I knew then that I should go looking for you." Merlin felt Arthur's thumb rubbing along his hand. He thought Arthur didn't notice it. "First thing in the morning, I went out to search for you. But, as if the gods have heard my silent prayers, there you were. Alive." Merlin squeezed Arthur's hand. "Arthur, I'm here. You won't get rid of me that easily," he teased. Arthur looked at him then, eyes shining with unshed tears. "And I don't want you to." Merlin hitched a breath. Arthur brought a hand to his cheek. "Only if you want to." Merlin leaned forward and closed his eyes involuntarily. "I want you." Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed. It was slow and unhurried, as if everything else melts away and they have all the time in the world. They broke apart and smiled at each other. "Please don't leave yet," Merlin whispered. Arthur pressed a chaste kiss on Merlin's lips. "I'll see you again later, I promise. You need to rest, Merlin." Merlin sighed, pouting, but he nodded. Arthur chuckled. "Don't miss me too much," Arthur said casually as he stood up. "Believe me, I won't," Merlin lied. Arthur rolled his eyes. He hastily planted one more kiss to Merlin's lips before leaving. Merlin lied down on his bed, grinning like a loon. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Hurt/Comfort, First Kiss, POV Merlin (Merlin) Collections: Merlin Twitter Summer Exchange
Published: 2020-08-25
Words: 1468

You're Safe Now.

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"You... You have magic?" Arthur gasped out, "You're a sorcerer?" Merlin gave Arthur a solemn look, fear evident in his eyes. "Yes, Arthur." "God Merlin." Arthur said. "You must have been so lonely." --- (A reveal fic, bc you can not tell me that Arthur 'you're my only friend and I couldn't bear to lose you' Pendragon would really just sulk in response to that) --- Link to Français translation by the lovely SankaMalfoy in the notes. Notes Hiiii this trope is overdone i know but whatever i had an idea so enjoy this "You... You have magic?" Arthur gasped out, "You're a sorcerer?" Merlin gave Arthur a solemn look, fear evident in his eyes. "Yes, Arthur." Arthur put his head in his hands and stared at the forest floor, trying to figure out how to feel. "How long?" He asked quietly. Merlin gave a sheepish half-smile. "All my life; I was born this way," Arthur looked up, incredulous, "You were born this way?" He asked, "And you came to Camelot?!" "It is my destiny to protect you sire," Merlin replied, voice breaking, "I couldn't avoid it if I wanted to," Arthur sighed and gazed back up at Merlin again, unwilling to look him in the eye, but unable to look away. "So... All this time... For God's sake why didn't you tell me Merlin?" Merlin picked at his nails and choked down a sob. "Before, you would have told your father. He would have killed me." Merlin then flushed, ashamed. "After, I was just scared." Arthur felt a spike of guilt through his heart, it was his fault that Merlin was so afraid. "Who-" he coughed trying to clear the lump in his throat, "Who knew?" "My mother," Merlin replied quietly, "Gauis, Lancelot..." he deliberated with what counted as knowing. Agravaine had technically known. Arthur took his silence as the end of the list. "Only them?" Arthur's eyes were pained, "God Merlin." He gasped out. "You must have been so lonely." Merlin stayed quiet but tears spilled down his cheeks as he nodded slowly. "Listen, Arthur, I understand you probably don't want me around," Merlin said, who with all his power was still not strong enough to stop the cracks in his voice. "I'll leave-" He began, but was cut off when Arthur stood up shakily and walked towards him. Arthur stopped just infront of Merlin and held out his arms. Merlin flinched. "Shut up dollop-head." Arthur said thickly, before drawing Merlin into a stong embrace, holding onto him tighter than he'd ever held anyone. Both men stood like that for a long time, rebuilding trust and shedding tears they would both deny later as Arthur whispered reassurances to Merlin. "You're safe now." He repeated over and over. "You're safe." Works inspired by this one Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Crying, Ambiguous Slash, French translation available
Language: English
Published: 2020-08-27
Words: 367
Chapters: 1/1

Three Times Arthur Refuses To Hug Merlin And One Time Merlin Makes Him

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Merlin scowled, wondering why the hell Arthur Pendragon had such a beef with hugging people. Notes Fluffy, fluffy fluff! That's all I'm gonna say! ♡♡♡ See the end of the work for more notes “Well, thanks.” Arthur said, stepping closer to Merlin and raising an arm. It was very unlike Arthur to give hugs, but Merlin was not going to miss the opportunity when it presented itself. After all, if it weren’t for him, Arthur would still be having a troll as his stepmother. Merlin grinned and reached out to hug the Prince, but said Prince immediately jumped back and held out his hands defensively. “Woah! ”, he said, narrowing his eyes. Merlin froze, with his own hands still raised, mirroring Arthur’s posture. “ What are you doing?” “I. . . thought you were going for a hug.” “ No .”, Arthur said, drawing out the ‘ o ' dramatically, that prat. Merlin nodded, a little disappointed. "No. . ." They stayed in the same position for over a minute, before slowly dropping their hands to their sides cautiously, as if expecting the other to pounce on them if they let their defenses down. After giving Merlin a look that clearly said, ‘ You really are an idiot, Merlin.’, Arthur walked away. Sighing, Merlin reminded himself: Arthur Pendragon doesn’t do hugs. “So is there no chance that we could have a hug?” Merlin was asking for the impossible. He knew that. But if he put it across as a joke, as a sarcastic comment, maybe Arthur wouldn’t notice the longing in his voice. Arthur stood still for a moment. Merlin couldn’t see his face, because his back was turned to him. But he knew that Arthur would be glaring daggers. Slowly, the Prince spun around and stalked predetorily towards the boy. For a second, Merlin wondered if he was going to get a very aggressive hug (Merlin wouldn’t mind even that, as long as Arthur hugged him at all.) But instead, the Prince smacked him on the head in his usual not-hard- enough-to-actually-hurt manner and left the room, leaving Merlin pouting. It wasn’t really Merlin’s fault that he and Arthur were caught in the net. Okay, maybe it was. “I’m cold.”, he said honestly, shivering as the icy wind blew around the net that was suspended in mid-air. “What do you expect me to do about it, Mer lin? Cuddle with you?” , Arthur asked irritably. “Well, if you don’t want the two if us to freeze to death, then maybe that won’t be such a bad idea?”, Merlin asked hopefully, taking a different approach. Surely, Arthur can’t say "No" to a survival hack? “ No. ” , the Prince said acidly, and turned to lie on his side, facing away from Merlin, the net swaying dangerously in the process. Merlin scowled, wondering why the hell Arthur Pendragon had such a beef with hugging people. “How's Merlin?” Merlin could hear the worry in Arthur’s voice from where he was hiding, and he felt a little guilty for pulling this trick on him. “Bad news.”, Lancelot said, and if Merlin didn’t know him any better, he would have missed the mischievous touch to his voice. There was a brief silence. A heavy one. Merlin could imagine Arthur’s face muscles tightening as he faught back the tears. ' Would Arthur have cried if I was dead?' , Merlin wondered. (The Prince never cried.) But something told Merlin that Arthur most certainly would have. Merlin couldn’t do it anymore. He loved messing with Arthur, but pretending that he had died would be too cruel. So he walked in. “He’s still alive.”, Lancelot said, grinning and moving away to reveal Merlin walking towards them. Arthur almost laughed in relief. His eyes showed a fondness that the Prince would never willingly let be shown. Merlin went and stood in front of Arthur, bracing himslef for the tightest hug in history. So we can’t blame him for feeling completely let down, when all he got was a fim shoulder pat. That’s it. Merlin had had enough. He had almost died, and Arthur was still stubbornly refusing to hug him! “Oh, just hug me, you big Clotpole!”, he yelled, sounding annoyed and pleading at the same time. When Arthur just stared at him with an uncertain expression in his eyes and his lips drawn in a tight line, Merlin muttered, “Oh, for the love of God! ”, and threw himself at the Prince, wrapping his arms around him. He expected resistance; a hard shove and an indignant squeak from the blonde, and tightened his hold in advance. But neither the shove nor the complaint came. Instead Arthur pulled him closer and hugged him so tight that Merlin momentarily couldn’t breathe. He closed his eyes and revelled in the moment. ‘ Finally…’ , he thought to himself. When Arthur pulled back, Merlin made a small ‘Mmph!’ of protest and held on tighter. But the Prince was stronger and he peeled Merlin away from his body. Feeling a little sad that the moment was over, Merlin tried to step back, but before he could, a pair of lips came crashing on his. Arthur Pendragon was kissing him. Arthur Pendragon was kissing him! Now Merlin couldn’t breathe for an entirely different reason. Before he could stop his head from spinning and his heart from racing, Arthur pulled back with a fond smile, no longer bothering to hide his affection. “Now, now, Merlin. . .”, The prince tutted playfully. “ Look what you made me do.” End Notes ♡ The End. ♡ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Hugs, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Quote: Conceal Don't Feel (Disney), Non-Consensual Hugging, But Arthur liked it anyway so..., Cute, Adorable, Touch-Starved, Fluffy Ending, Fix- It, Fix-It of Sorts Series: Part 15 of BBC Merlin fluff, Part 8 of BBC Merlin Fanfiction Collections: Merlin, Merlin, Merlin, MERLIN, BBC Merlin Rare Fair, Abby's Merlin Recs, Merlin Stories to Reread, Merlin Reverse Bang, MERTHUR, Merthur Fics, merthur fics, Merthur, Merthur, Merthur fics, Merlin Fanfiction
Published: 2020-08-26
Words: 867

Merlin's Kisses

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Merlin kisses everyone. Everyone except Arthur. Notes This is my first Merlin fic and I really hop eyou guys like it! See the end of the work for more notes Merlin kissed everyone. Arthur first noticed it when he saw Merlin saying goodbye to Gwen. Before he walked away, Merlin gave Gwen a light peck on the cheek. She blushed and Merlin grinned and waved and walked away. The next time Arthur saw Merlin kissing someone was when he was heading to Morgana's chambers. He hesitated at a corner, hearing voices. "Thank you, Merlin," That was Morgana. "It's no problem at all," replied Merlin. "See you later?" "Of course!" Arthur stuck his head around the corner just in time to see Merlin kissing Morgana on her cheek and walking away. Arthur hid himself away, wondering why Merlin was kissing Morgana. The next time Merlin kissed someone, it was one of his knights. The knight in question was a young trainee, whom Arthur had scolded for being late. He had felt only slightly guilty. Arthur sat next to the armory, listening to Merlin reassure the trainee. "The prince is an idiot. He yells at everyone, but he means well. He only want for you to be the best you can be." Arthur's heart swelled upon hearing those words. "Re-really?" The knight sniffled. "Yeah! Arthur's- oh, I mean, Prince Arthur wants you to be the best version of yourself. But the only way he knows how to help you is by shouting." After a few more minutes, the knight had calmed down, and Arthur heard a light smack, before a whispered goodbye. He scrambled to his feet and raced to his chambers, not wanting to be caught by Merlin. The next day, Lancelot and Gwaine were heading out on patrol, and Merlin kissed both of them goodbye. Arthur felt a rising sense of jealousy. Why was Merlin, his Merlin, kissing the knights? Since Arthur was noticing that his manservant kissed everyone, he also noticed that he wasn't being kissed. Merlin kissed Morgana, and some of his most experienced knights (Sir Leon always turned into a blushing mess whenever he was pecked), and the servants, but not Arthur. He thought maybe he had done something wrong. Maybe Merlin's kisses were a way of showing affection, and maybe Arthur didn't deserve that affection. The thought made him feel terrible. Where had he messed up? Arthur decided to bring up the point with his manservant one day. He was sitting at his desk, and Merlin was walking around, cleaning and talking. The chatter made Arthur feel happy, because it was so familiar and normal and so Merlin. "Merlin," Arthur said, interrupting his flow. "Yes?" "I have noticed," here Arthur folded his arms and leaned back in his chair, "that you seem to be going around kissing everybody." Merlin turned red. "Ah. That." "Yes. May I ask why?" "It's custom, in Ealdor. If someone's sad, or you're saying goodbye to someone, you kiss them. Makes them feel loved." "Why don't I get any kisses?" Arthur hadn't meant for it to come out so... desperate. Merlin faced him, and stopped moving. His eyebrows was traveling up. "Sire, you've never shown any liking for physical affection, or any kind of affection." Arthur scowled. "Just because I don't show any liking doesn't mean I don't like it." Merlin grinned cheekily. "So would you like me to start kissing you goodbye?" Arthur glared at Merlin. "Get back to your work, you idiot." Merlin got back to work. ___ The next day, Arthur had a council meeting about god knows what. Merlin had finished getting him ready, and instead of waving him goodbye like usual, he pecked Arthur on the cheek. Both boys turned a brilliant shade of scarlet, and Merlin mumbled a 'goodbye, Sire' and rushed out of his chambers. Arthur's blush didn't fade away for a few minutes and after it did, he put a hand to the place where Merlin kissed him and grinned. End Notes aggggg i love writing merlin. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, merlin being a cutie, so much flufffff, Kissing, a little bit of jealousy, Tooth-Rotting Fluff
Published: 2020-08-31
Words: 636

Three's always better than two, isn't that right, Merlin?

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Merlin is tasked with returning an inebriated king to his chambers. Notes See the end of the work for notes In hindsight, it was Merlin’s own fault. He had brought this upon himself when had challenged the king to a drinking game. Well, it had been Gwaine’s idea, but Merlin had followed through with it, knowing he could secure the victory with a little help of a spell. At the time, he had not thought to consider the repercussions. “We made it, sire,” Merlin stated, more than a bit proud. The long walk from the lower town to the citadel had been a breeze compared to the endless amount of stairs and turns they had just faced. Arthur had become very chatty in his drunken state and an inebriated king apparently wasn’t able to move mouth and feet at the same time. Arthur turned in his grip to face him, wound his arms tightly around his servant's body and rubbed his cheek against Merlin’s, his eyes falling closed. “Arthur,” was the king’s only response, seemingly content to fall asleep leaning on him. “What?” “My name... is Arthur.” “Yes, I’m aware,” Merlin answered, bemused. “Well, then use it.” “Right. Arthur.” The king let out a low hum, rubbed his cheek against his in a nod and clung even more tightly to him, digging his fingers into Merlin’s jacket. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.” Arthur gave no indication that he’d heard him. “Merlin.” The low, gravelly voice made him feel lightheaded himself. Heat shot into his face. He forced his voice to remain light and chipper. “Yes, Arthur?” “Thank you.” The king sounded incredibly pleased. “Wow! We should really get you drunk more often if that means you’ll finally show me some gratitude.” Arthur only hummed again in response. “Hey, don’t fall asleep on me!” He tapped Arthur’s back. “I’m not, I’m just comfortable.” To his credit, he sounded more sober than he had in the past hour. Which did nothing to quench Merlin’s growing, albeit conflicted, enjoyment of his current predicament. He forced himself into action. “Arthur, we need to be quiet inside, the queen is probably sleeping already.” “Yes, sire!” He exclaimed cheerfully, almost shouting in his ear. Merlin shushed him immediately. “Sorry,” Arthur mumbled, swaying forward a little. Great . This was going wonderfully. * Merlin opened the door only to reveal Gwen sitting by the fireplace, reading. “My lady. You’re still up?” “Merlin, what have I told you about how to address me in private?” Her tone was fond as she walked over to greet them. “I told him.” Arthur immediately latched onto Gwen and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Good evening, my stunningly beautiful queen,” he crooned. “May I have this dance?” He fumbled for her hands but was unsuccessful for they were currently busy holding him upright. Gwen failed to supress a laugh. “Oh dear. I think you belong in bed, love.” “I think you belong in bed.” Arthur swayed dangerously forward, and Merlin caught him before he could crush his wife. “I’ll take it from here.” Gwen seemed incredibly grateful for his assistance. “Thank you, Merlin.” She stepped close to peck him on the cheek. “Yes, thank you, Merlin,” Arthur parroted, his voice low, and did the same on the other side. Great . Just dandy. He was never getting Arthur drunk again. Ever . Merlin’s heart was beating wildly, and he could feel himself blushing furiously at being sandwiched between king and queen. He was painfully aware of the spot Arthur’s lips had just touched, his warm breath still lingering on his face, making his skin tingle all over. Gwen’s affection he was used to. Her hands holding onto his arms or his waist as she stood on tiptoes to press lingering kisses to his cheek were as familiar as her arms thrown around his neck, chin tucked into his shoulder, and the sweet smell of her hair in his nose as her body pressed flush against his, a pleasant warmth filling his chest. Arthur’s current show of affection for him, however, was downright bizarre in comparison. The man was so emotionally constipated, Merlin was truly surprised at how easily a few drinks had clouded his senses and made him lose control. As if to prove his point, he felt Arthur’s hand brush past his backside, seemingly trying to find a way under his tunic. Merlin’s heart was hammering against his ribcage. He shot a quick, cautious glance at Gwen, who was only watching them bemusedly, and then to Arthur whose eyes were flitting back and forth between him and Gwen, his lips slowly tugging into a smile. Merlin decided to interrupt his thoughts before the situation could get any more out of hand. “Alright, come on, I’ll take you to bed.” He regretted his words the second they were out of his mouth. “I’ll take you both to bed!” Arthur declared loudly, waving his arm around in a grand gesture, his cheeky grin softened by the alcohol in his veins. Oh god , this was getting worse by the minute. All the thoughts Merlin had not dared to entertain, that he had so desperately tried to supress all evening were unleashed this instant. He had deliberately not taken note of the way Arthur’s hair stuck up in the front, like it did in the morning, of how godlike he looked in his white tunic, the laces undone, showing more than a bit of skin, especially when it had slipped sideways as Arthur had stumbled on the stairs, the muscled shoulder right in front of Merlin’s face, close enough to touch with his lips (or even graze with his teeth), the smell of him and the warmth of Arthur’s body pressed alongside his own. He had thanked the gods that he was sober, otherwise he would have doubted the strength of his restraint, but Arthur’s carefree, unadulterated grin at his insinuation had now undone him. He mentally slapped himself out of his daze and risked another look at Gwen, who only pressed her lips together to supress a laugh, then turned away to hide it. Like she knew something he didn’t. Panic shot up his spine and sobered him up immediately. Had she seen something in his reaction? Could she know? He tried to calm himself. She couldn’t have noticed, he rationalized, he was standing with his back to her. And besides, that look might as well have been meant for Arthur, who in his drunken state was apparently out of his mind. And who had now plopped down onto the bed, legs hanging off the edge, regarding Merlin with raised eyebrows, apparently expecting something. Merlin gaped at him. “What are you waiting for? Undress me!” Merlin barely realized that his brain stopped working for a second before he snapped out of it and hurriedly crouched down to unlace Arthur’s boots. His face flushed at the thoughts running through his head. It was his job to help the king undress. Nothing more. He had done it a hundred times before. Thousands even. It was his job. His duty. Oh god , this wasn’t helping. Arthur had pushed himself up on his elbows to watch. Merlin worked the laces even faster and pulled the boots off one by one. “Good. Now yours.” Merlin stared up at him. The cheeky grin was back. Oh, Arthur was going to pay for this. “I’m leaving before you say or do anything else you’ll regret in the morning.” He quickly got up from the floor. “Regret? Why would I regr-” “Goodnight, sire.” With a short bow he turned around before Arthur could answer and bid good night to Gwen, who kissed him on the cheek once more, her lips and her hands lingering just a moment too long to be taken for a mere gesture of parting. She pressed another quick kiss to the corner of his mouth before she let him go. In apology, perhaps? * As he walked through the empty corridors of the castle, he vowed to wake Arthur extra early in the morning. And loudly! End Notes My first ever published fanfic. Wrote this mostly for my own entertainment because I needed a dose of soft bi!Arthur. Comments and criticism are always appreciated! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M, M/M, Multi
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Additional Tags: POV Merlin (Merlin), Canon Era, Fluff, Humor, Cuddling, Drunken Flirting, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon is a soft/horny drunk, Merlin tries to control himself
Published: 2020-09-05
Words: 1326

The Heart of the Dragon

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The very first time Prince Arthur of Camelot met Prince Merlin of Mercia, Arthur was seven years old and Merlin was five, and there was that unfortunate incident with the toy dragon. Now they're in their twenties, and their fathers are trying to thrash out a peace treaty between the two countries, while Arthur has to escort Merlin on a high-profile tour of Camelot. Obviously it's going to be the very worst few days of Arthur's life. Written for the Merlin Mpreg Fest 2014. Notes Thanks to the lovely Fififolle for doing a super-fast beta at short notice. And huge thanks to the mods at MerlinMpreg for letting me post late! This also fills my hc bingo card square unexpected/difficult pregnancy. The very first time Prince Arthur of Camelot met Prince Merlin of Mercia, Arthur was seven years old and Merlin was five. Arthur didn’t really remember a huge amount about it, except that Merlin carried around a stupid stuffed dragon toy with him all the time. People said it was because he was homesick. They usually then said something along the lines of “awww.” He also remembered that Merlin was shorter than him, and had ears that stuck out too far, and that when people said “Isn’t he cute?” they were, for the first time ever, not talking about Arthur. And he remembered the photo session. The photo session had been Arthur’s very first PR disaster. Arthur had to stand with Merlin for photographs, and whilst Arthur was expected to pose nicely, as he had been taught, Merlin stood there clutching the dragon in front of him and half-hiding his face. Somehow this had produced more comments about cuteness, and more sighing, when clearly it wasn’t the right way to behave. So Arthur, because he was going to be king one day and had to lead the way, or so his father kept telling him, took charge. He grabbed the dragon by its tail, pulled it out of Merlin’s arms, and threw it to one side. Unfortunately as they were standing in the palace grounds very close to a huge and very historical fountain, and Arthur was quite strong for his age, the toy went swimming. Little Merlin had gazed for a moment in horror, his mouth hanging half open. And then, as his beloved toy rapidly sank, his face crumpled, his mouth opened wide and a horrible noise came out. Arthur thought it was all a bit much over a stupid toy, but he was the only one that thought so. Arthur’s nanny climbed into the fountain and retrieved the toy, but when he saw the soggy, misshapen thing Merlin just cried louder. Arthur the Dragonslayer! was probably the best of the headlines the next day though Arthur didn’t see them until years later. Most of the other headlines dealt with the wailing Mercian prince and a few were less than kind about Arthur. Merlin was removed from Arthur’s presence, which suited Arthur very well. Within a few days the peace talks between their fathers had fallen through and Merlin, his stupid toy and all the people who came to Camelot with him had gone home. And that was the last Prince Arthur saw of Prince Merlin for many, many years. --- One day, shortly after Arthur’s twenty-third birthday, Arthur encountered Merlin again. It was, Arthur decided very quickly, one of the worst days of his entire life. Arthur was the crown prince. The only crown prince of Camelot, and therefore the only crown prince that mattered. So he didn’t really enjoy having this foreign boy who had come in with the visitation from Mercia declaring himself to be a crown prince as well. Even though Merlin clearly was the crown prince of Mercia (for what that was worth), it was a lesser country and therefore Merlin was a lesser prince in Arthur’s mind. To be fair, Merlin hadn’t actually done the declaring. That was the annoying herald who had announced the arrival of the royal party. No, Merlin had stood there beside his father looking around him with some fascination. He’d had the cheek to smile at Arthur, and when that smile wasn’t returned he’d pulled a face. At Arthur . Nobody did that. Especially not people who had caused Arthur to briefly lose favour with his own press, and who were known to be able to cry at will over the slightest thing. Merlin wasn’t actually five any more, and he wasn’t shorter than Arthur any more either. He still had the sticking out ears that Arthur remembered, and Arthur suspected he probably still slept with that stupid dragon toy. The papers had all reminded him of the toy, and the incident, because of course they’d brought it up as soon as the visit had been announced. The Mercian royal family hadn’t been seen in Camelot since the incident so the journalists probably expected Merlin to still be five. Arthur glared at him. He supposed he could probably make Merlin cry again if he wanted to. It might brighten up the afternoon. Admittedly the initial smile had been attractive… very attractive if he were honest… but Arthur wasn’t going to forgive sixteen years of little digs from the press all that easily. He didn’t really see why they had to put up with the visitation anyway. Camelot was clearly the stronger of the two nations and could overrun Mercia using brute force if needed, even if Mercia did have those wretched dragons. His father was always telling him as much. The peace talks were just a sop to the weaker nation, and a slap in the face to Cenred of Essetir who had fallen out with both countries over it. If his father didn’t do so first, Arthur could see his own reign easily merging both nations and Cenred’s and maybe a few more too. In fact, if Merlin was king of Mercia at the time, Arthur would take great pleasure in swallowing up Merlin’s little kingdom within his own. He might even send Merlin a little stuffed dragon as a keepsake after he’d done so, in case Merlin started crying again. The thought was so pleasing that he wasn’t really listening to his father’s speech. It would be over soon and then Arthur would be able to leave, to change into something more comfortable and head out with his friends. He wondered if Leon could be persuaded to drop the horrible levels of security he liked to surround Arthur with and let him into a nightclub. The papers appeared to have forgotten about the last nightclub incident in the excitement over the Mercian visit. And it hadn’t been entirely Arthur’s fault anyway, he’d tripped on an uneven paving slab on the way out. It could have happened to anyone. He hadn’t been totally off his face, it was just unfortunate that the press had been right there, waiting… His father was talking about dragons, and restrictions, and neutral territory. Arthur had stopped listening as it was all beyond tedious. Merlin obviously thought so too, he was looking less happy by the moment. “…won’t you, Arthur?” The mention of his own name caught his attention. He had no idea what his father had just asked, but he smiled and nodded agreement. Anything to get the meeting over with. “Of course.” Merlin gaped at him in horror. “He wasn’t listening, he didn’t even hear what you said,” he accused. “Merlin, please.” Balinor reprimanded his son. “Remember why we’re here.” He looked to Uther. “I’m sorry, my son is a little headstrong. Hopefully he’ll learn a few manners whilst we’re here.” Merlin glared at Arthur but said nothing more. He was clearly bursting to do so. Uther raised an eyebrow at Merlin. Arthur knew him well enough to recognise disapproval, it was normally something he saw directed at himself. “Good, that’s settled. Arthur.” Uther waved a hand towards Merlin. Arthur suddenly realised that he was supposed to leave with the foreign prince. Hopefully it was just to show him to the guest quarters, and not to have to stand around having photos taken together again. He took a step forward, not hurrying, hoping that someone would enlighten him. He really needed to start paying attention at these things. “Come along then,” he said reluctantly. “I’m sure you’ll want to change.” Arthur would have wanted to change, whatever it was they were supposed to be doing. Merlin and his father had turned up in the Mercian ceremonial dress, or something close to it. It looked ridiculous, all billowing shirts and tight breeches and Arthur wasn’t sure whether it was the father or the son who looked worse in the outfits. The father, he decided, because despite how very annoying the Mercian prince was, Arthur could always appreciate what appeared to be a firm arse and wiry but strong legs. Even on Merlin. “I hope you haven’t brought any toys with you this time, Merlin,” Arthur whispered as they crossed the room together. “No fluffy dragons or anything.” “I was five ,” Merlin retorted. “Unlike you, I’m older than that now!” That was a matter of opinion, Arthur thought. Still, he only had to show Merlin to his room and then that would be an end to it. Perhaps he could vanish for a few days? He’d done that before, and his father would probably be so busy with the Mercian visit that he wouldn’t even notice. “Still, I could arrange for a cuddly blankie to be brought along. We like to look after our guests.” He stepped aside to let Merlin walk through the door ahead of him, glancing back to make sure his father saw how very polite he was being. It might have been wasted as Uther’s attention was fully on the rival king. “So where are we going?” Merlin asked. “To your room, of course.” Arthur had a sinking feeling that Merlin was about to tell him that there was more to his father’s instruction than that. He wasn’t wrong. “I meant after that. What are all these famous sights that you’re going to show me?” Merlin paused, and Arthur knew he hadn’t been quick enough to hide the dismay. “Hah! I knew you weren’t listening to your father! Well, Arthur, you’re my tour guide for the afternoon. Lucky me.” “I need full security before I go out,” Arthur put in quickly, ignoring the fact that he spent most of his life trying to avoid it. “Can’t just drop everything and go sailing around Camelot. Takes ages to organise. Father must have forgotten that.” “It’s an arranged visit,” Merlin told him patiently. “You just have to stand there and smile in the photos with me at each site, and we’ll be taken around in a car with lots of security. Surely you do this a lot?” Arthur didn’t like to admit that since a visit from Princess Vivian, which had culminated in some embarrassing front pages and an apology to her father King Olaf of Norway, Uther had mostly kept Arthur away from any visiting royals. He sat at feasts and nodded and smiled, and that was about it. He certainly hadn’t been trusted with their entertainment. However, he wasn’t going to tell Merlin that. “Of course I do. Now hurry along and change, you don’t want to be mistaken for a circus act!” “I’m not the one who gets his face plastered all across the papers every week because he doesn’t know how a future king should behave in public.” “Hah! Your face… your bawling face is across all the papers and has been all week!” “What five year old wouldn’t cry, being saddled with a pompous bully? That’s what it said, you know? All across the Mercian papers when the peace talks failed. You were a symbol for your bullying country, picking on little Mercia and a tiny little boy. That’s why I have to spend the day with you, as part of the PR, to show you’ve changed. But you haven’t, have you? You’re still just the same. What a horrible king you’ll make.” Arthur really didn’t like Merlin. “I won’t be weak,” he snapped. “Here, this is your room. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” “Don’t hurry,” he heard Merlin mutter as he walked away. Arthur had no intention of doing so. --- There had been no getting out of the tour. Arthur had tried, but his father was locked in talks with Balinor, and Leon was under strict instructions to ensure the tour went ahead. “But I can’t stand him,” Arthur protested. “Good practice for dealing with him when you’re both kings,” Morgana told him and Leon nodded agreement, the traitor. Arthur suspected that if Morgana said black was white Leon would nod agreement. “Why don’t you take him round instead?” Arthur suggested. His sister, as well as being the most annoying person on the planet (with the possible exception now of Merlin) was excellent at being totally charming when she wanted to be, and would doubtless be the wonderful hostess she always was. “Maybe,” and he thought this was a particular stroke of genius, considering how disloyal Leon was being. “Maybe I should suggest to father than you marry him and join the two countries together that way? How the papers would love that! What do you think, Leon?” As he’d hoped, his traitorous friend was looking utterly horrified at the idea. Arthur pondered pushing it further, just to serve Leon right, but Morgana put a stop to that. “Oh don’t be ridiculous, Arthur,” Morgana snapped. “Apparently the prince likes men as much as you do, although he’s not as indiscreet about it. It’s not me Uther intends marrying him to.” Arthur felt a sudden thrill of horror at her words, and although he did his best to quickly hide it, he knew the momentary shock had shown on his face. He narrowed his eyes at her. “ What?” “Oh!” She put her hands to her mouth in what was clearly not shock at all. “I wasn’t supposed to say that, was I? Oops.” He really hated it when she looked quite that pleased with herself. Worse, she’d glanced at Leon smugly. Perhaps Leon’s secret crush wasn’t quite so secret any more and that would be a pity because Arthur had spent many months now gently tormenting him. “I’d sooner spend the rest of my life celibate,” Arthur growled. “You both loathe each other so much, you probably would spend the rest of your lives celibate,” Morgana assured him. Leon’s phone buzzed for attention. He answered it, spoke briefly to someone, and then shrugged a little apologetically. “Sorry Arthur, Gwen’s wanting to know why the tour hasn’t started yet. The cameras are waiting and they want a clip for the lunchtime news.” “Oh, don’t keep your beloved waiting!” Morgana beamed, then gave a nasty cackle. Honestly, sometimes his sister was no better than a witch. Arthur left, Leon at his heels. “I really don’t know what it is you see in her,” Arthur muttered as soon as they were out in the corridor. “She was joking, wasn’t she? Father isn’t planning some kind of romantic outcome?” “No,” Leon began. “He…” “Spoilsport!” Morgana yelled from the room they’d just vacated. “I can hear you, Leon!” “Looks like it’ll be two of us celibate then,” Arthur smiled. “Bad luck. Now, carry on.” Leon looked back ruefully, but continued. “The king said, when the princess suggested it, over his dead body and he’d even rather have that awful Princess Vivian who was here last summer as his daughter in law than any freakish Mercian dragonlord. He said considerably more than that on the subject, but that was the gist of it.” It was cheering to know. His father was a wise man. --- Merlin was waiting in his room as instructed, sitting on the edge of his bed and looking fed up. He’d changed into jeans and a t-shirt, with a jacket made of some kind of odd-looking leather that was far too fitted to be stylish in Camelot but suited him anyway. “A few minutes?” he asked, when Arthur entered. “Are Camelot minutes so much longer than Mercian ones?” “I was called away,” Arthur told him pompously. “I am the crown prince, you know?” “I know you’re pretty rude,” Merlin muttered. “Come on then, let’s start this tour.” He walked past Arthur and out into the corridor, waited a moment for Arthur to catch up but Arthur knew that was because he didn’t know where he was going rather than out of any sort of politeness. “We’ll have a photographer with us,” Arthur told him as they strode along the corridor. “His name’s Gwaine. He’ll flirt with you, he flirts with anything that moves. It’s an instinct in him in the same way that most people have an instinct to breathe. Don’t make an international incident out of it, he’s harmless.” “I can cope with someone flirting with me,” Merlin growled. “Good. Didn’t want you crying or anything.” He heard a heavy sigh from behind him. “Oh don’t start!” “Getting tedious now,” Merlin warned. “Do you only have one joke?” “Not at all. Don’t shag Gwaine, by the way. Don’t want you getting knocked up. Again, international incident. Funny though.” “Funny?” “Well, you know.” Arthur turned to smile at Merlin. “You Mercian men and the pregnancy risk. I think it would make me stay celibate for the rest of my life!” “I’m sure the world would be grateful for that,” Merlin retorted. Arthur pushed open a door, strode through it and let it fall back in Merlin’s face. “Prat!” he heard muttered from behind him. “Girl,” Arthur retorted. He counted the silence afterwards as a win. It was far and away the most odd thing about the Mercians, and the subject of many jokes amongst the people of Camelot. Or at least it had been until the politically correct bunch had declared it racist and offensive to laugh about any male with a little or a lot of Mercian blood who happened to fall pregnant. Camelot liked to do it the old-fashioned way and have women bear children. Arthur had never met anyone, ever, whom he’d even consider settling down and having children with. He certainly wouldn’t be bearing them himself if he ever did. He could see Merlin’s sulky countenance reflected in the glass doors they were approaching. “Smile, princess.” Gwaine was always calling him princess. It seemed far more fitting to use it on the Mercian prince. He’d have to point that out to Gwaine later. “Our public await and want to see us nice and happy!” “They shouldn’t have saddled me with you for the day then,” Merlin told him, then pushed past him, opened the door and beamed happily around at the group of people waiting on the steps. “Hello! Are you taking us on the tour? I’ve heard so much about your beautiful city, I can’t wait to see it!” Arthur followed, trying not to roll his eyes as Merlin walked around shaking them all by the hand and professing his love for Camelot. The faker , he thought. He was obviously the only one who could see right through Merlin. “Ah, you’re Gwaine!” Merlin was being introduced to the handsome photographer, who was shaking his hand far too enthusiastically. “Arthur was telling me all about you. I think he’s got a bit of a crush.” And then he winked at Gwaine, who grinned back. “Ah yes, me and the princess go back a long way.” “Princess!” Merlin turned and gave Arthur a huge, far too smug grin. Arthur hated him all over again. It was, definitely, going to be the worst day of Arthur’s life. --- The state car that they were going to be driven around in seemed considerably smaller than normal. Gwen had ushered them inside, and then sat opposite them giving a long list of dos and don’ts at the various places they were going to visit. Most of them seemed to be directed at Arthur, which he thought was a little unfair given that Merlin was the one who was unfamiliar with the country. “…the important thing is that this whole visit gives a positive impression of unity between the two nations…” “She means don’t burst into tears if you lose your favourite toy this time,” Arthur clarified for Merlin. “Oh, I’ll be right here, don’t worry!” Gwaine grinned. He and Merlin had already hit it off far too well for Arthur’s liking. He suspected that all the pictures were going to favour their foreign guest far too much. Gwaine had already started snapping off pictures in the car, and Arthur didn’t think he was in any of them so far. Rather than suffer Gwaine’s never-ending attempts to get laid, Arthur chose to stare out of the window instead, watching the world race past at speed. People were looking at the car, but the tinted windows gave them no hint of who was inside. Sometimes it was like being in a goldfish bowl, always on show, unable to escape the public gaze. Across on the other side of the car, Gwaine was telling one of his jokes. His hand, Arthur noticed when he glanced over, was already on Merlin’s knee, and the Mercian prince didn’t seem to be in any hurry to push it away. Arthur wasn’t going to need to do anything to make this trip a disaster, he realised. Merlin and Gwaine were going to manage that all by themselves. He felt oddly irritated by that. Perhaps he was more inclined to help with his father’s peace talks than he realised, he wondered, and wanted to stop some embarrassing affair taking place. But no, Gwaine was often annoying. He was supposed to take all the official pictures, and frequently was out at Arthur’s side. Somehow, although he always took wonderfully flattering pictures of the king, the ones of Arthur didn’t always turn out as well. The first stop was the Mercian embassy, where they had to stand in front of the memorial to a brave Mercian diplomat who had, decades before, uncovered plans for an attack on both countries by Caerleon. The discovery had saved thousands, but at the cost of her own life. It had resulted in an uneasy truce between the nations and a unified attack and defeat of Caerleon, which had been divided between Camelot and Mercia as a result. After that, while things had never really been entirely friendly, the dragon-riding people of Mercia were no longer regarded as the enemy. Arthur solemnly laid a wreath beside the memorial, and watched as Merlin did the same. They stood for a moment, heads bowed, trying not to notice the steady click of Gwaine’s camera, and those of other photographers who had gathered. There was the usual line of diplomats to meet and greet before they got back into the car and headed for the next stop. Merlin, at least, seemed to be professional about the whole thing. He looked serious when required, and smiled delightedly when required. It was like watching a little wind-up doll, Arthur decided, conveniently forgetting that he was doing the same thing. Merlin did have a very attractive smile, though. He almost wished it was being directed at him instead of at Gwaine. Then one of the ever-amusing paparazzi would call out something to the effect of: “No tears this time then, Arthur?” and he would recall just how annoying Merlin actually was. The Tate had a special exhibition on loan from a famous Mercian artist, Cornelius Sigan, which they were supposed to walk around and admire. It was hideous stuff, Arthur thought, too much black paint and too many winged monsters for his liking. “It’s very bleak,” he commented as they rounded a corner and were faced with yet another demonic bird-creature. “Is all Mercian art like this?” “Why do you think we let you borrow it?” Merlin whispered back. “It’s hideous . He’s the worst artist in all Mercia.” If that was true, it would explain a lot about imported Mercian art. “Do you send all your rubbish over to us?” Merlin just beamed at him, which probably answered the question. Then he turned to Gwen, who was busy talking to someone on her headset and glancing at her watch. They were probably half a minute behind schedule, Arthur guessed. He leaned forward, pretending interest in the horrible painting in order to delay them further. He didn’t see why he should be the only one who was having a miserable time that day. “It’s wonderful to see how you’ve embraced our culture,” Merlin told Gwen. “But I’d love to see some Camelot art too.” Gwen glared at him and looked down at her schedule. “I don’t… there’s no time to fit that in. We have fifteen minutes before the boat needs to leave. Arthur, stop looking at that picture, we need to go.” “Bossy!” Merlin mouthed at Arthur, who started to smile back then remembered himself. He wasn’t going to let the Mercian prince work whatever magic he was managing on everyone else on him. “Gwen’s very professional,” he told Merlin haughtily, ignoring Gwen’s look of surprise. Perhaps he did wind her up a little too much on these official trips, but if she just relaxed a little he wouldn’t get the urge to tease her so. “Come along, we’ve got a boat trip. You’ll like that.” “What’s the Mercian connection?” Merlin asked suspiciously. “There’s a fine eighteenth century bridge designed by a Mercian architect,” Gwen answered enthusiastically. “We’ll pass under it. And then we’ll have lunch at the new revolving restaurant at the top of the Dragon Centre.” “That’s Mercian, isn’t it?” Merlin checked. “Well, of course it is, Mer -lin,” Arthur drawled. “The clue is in the name. Camelot doesn’t do dragons, even if it might not feel like that today.” Gwen glanced at him a little worriedly, then turned a friendly smile on the visiting prince, obviously trying to gloss over Arthur’s rudeness. “We want you to feel at home.” “I’m starting to feel as if I’ve stayed there,” Merlin agreed. The polished smile was, Arthur thought, slipping a little. --- It rained while they were on the boat, but then as that was typical Camelot weather Arthur wasn’t surprised. The bridge wasn’t terribly exciting, and when they disembarked, he noticed Merlin looking longingly across at the famous new opera house. Some people loved it, others hated it, but it was a huge attraction. “Will we visit that later?” he asked. Gwen shook her head. “No time for that. We’re aiming to promote this as a way to show how well our people work together, how thoroughly our cultures have already mixed.” “I’ll take you on a tour later if you play your cards right,” Gwaine put in with a wicked grin, nudging Merlin’s arm. “Show you all the sights…” “There’ll be none of that,” Gwen told them. “Arthur and Merlin will be in the royal box at the King’s Theatre, seven-thirty, to enjoy Heart of the Dragon .” “What’s that?” Merlin asked nervously, at the same time as Arthur groaned loudly “Oh no…” “It’s a famous and beloved musical,” Gwen explained. “Singing and dancing,” Arthur muttered. “With a big dragon puppet.” “It’s a love story across two cultures,” Gwen continued. “A Camelot boy is shagging a Mercian girl,” Gwaine added helpfully. “Their parents don’t approve, but…” “Don’t spoil it!” Gwen squeaked. “It’s wonderful, Merlin, you’ll love it. I’ve been five times, and it always makes me cry.” Merlin looked over at Arthur with an expression that was almost, almost pleading for help. He seemed to realise that he wasn’t going to get it, and gazed across at the new opera house building again. Arthur did feel a little sorry for him and didn’t take up the opportunity to put in a jibe about crying again. He didn’t think he’d appreciate being taken on a tour of all the Camelot tributes if… or as was looking rather likely when he had to visit Mercia. Bearing that in mind, he decided to step in. “What are we doing tomorrow, Gwen? Is anything planned?” “Lots of things. The zoo… there’s a new exhibit at the reptile house and then there’s a parade in the afternoon…” A parade. Sitting in a carriage waving at people. Arthur hated that. He could tell by Merlin’s expression that he did too. Perhaps they had more in common than he’d thought. “Cut down the time at the zoo. I know it’s a good one but not everyone enjoys the idea of caged animals. See if you can slot in a tour of the popular tourist spots instead. A proper one, with a double decker bus and a guide. It’ll go down well, look as if we’re doing the regular tourist thing. And see if you can find a space where we can visit the opera house. Maybe the Houses of Parliament too.” “But…” For a moment he thought she was going to either cry or start raging at him. Either was possible, Gwen was absolutely brilliant at organising any kind of state visit right down to the last detail, and he knew she would hate making any changes, especially this close to the event. Still, she’d planned out a positively hideous schedule for him, with his planned escape to a nightclub that evening ruined now with the prospect of a horrible musical, so he didn’t feel too guilty. Merlin was gaping at him in surprise, looking decidedly un-princelike, so Arthur added for good measure: “And see if you can fit in Westminster Abbey too.” Gwen’s nostrils actually flared for a moment. “Perhaps you’d like a ride on the Eye as well?” she snarled. Merlin beamed at her. “I’d love that!” Arthur managed not to laugh, though he could hear Gwaine almost choking behind him. Lancelot was hovering worriedly behind Gwen. He’d probably get an earful about spoiled princes later. Still, she was making Arthur go to a musical. And in the box he would be in full view and wouldn’t be able to go to sleep or get drunk. “Well then,” Gwen started tapping furiously on her tablet. “I’ll just sort that out for you both. No trouble, really. See if you can come up with any more ideas!” She turned away, so didn’t see Merlin open his mouth to do just that. Arthur quickly shook his head, and thankfully Merlin had the sense not to say anything until she had walked away. Gwen travelled in one of the other cars to the Dragon Tower, and didn’t join them for lunch. Arthur guessed she was probably trying to sort out the changes, but suspected she was also keeping away in case they asked for more. “Thanks for getting the itinerary changed,” Merlin said when they finally stopped having to meet what appeared to be half the staff of the restaurant and could sit down and eat. “I really wanted to see all of Camelot while I’m here, not just…” he paused as a waiter approached and filled his glass. When the man had moved far enough away not to hear and be offended, Merlin continued in a whisper. “Not just Camelot’s version of Mercia.” Arthur poked dubiously at the food that had been put in front of him and thought he could see Merlin’s point. “The opera building isn’t that interesting.” “Oh, it is. I’m studying architecture at university, the central staircase is a work of art. And there’s a Palladian manor a few miles outside the city that I’d really like to see as well. It has a miniature suspension bridge in the grounds and those are just fascinating. Did you know that…” Arthur held a hand up. “Stop. No geeking out over buildings. If I fall asleep in the…” he picked up a forkful of whatever the blackened, sauce-covered thing on his plate was and regarded it dubiously. “Whatever this is, Gwaine will take pictures, sell them anonymously to the papers, and then I’ll have to listen to my father shouting.” Gwaine had done it before. Gwaine thought Arthur didn’t know it was him. Arthur wasn’t stupid. “It’s chicken,” Merlin told him, taking a mouthful. “Seared in dragonfire, or probably in this case the grill, and then sautéed in herbs and ginger. National dish. Eat up, if you’re lucky we’ll get pickled toad eyeballs for the main course. They’re a real Mercian delicacy!” Arthur hoped he was joking. There was a little twinkle in Merlin’s bright eyes as he spoke. “I love toad eyeballs,” Arthur replied, hoping fervently that they weren’t actually a thing. “Eat them all the time.” Merlin gave him a huge, disarming grin, then looked around for the waiter. “Don’t even think about it!” Arthur warned. “You’re breakfasting at mine, remember?” “Promises! Don’t let Gwaine hear you say that,” Merlin whispered. “He might get ideas.” And then he gave Arthur a look that, if Arthur didn’t know better, he would have thought was Merlin having ideas of his own. But that couldn’t be. Arthur took a bite of the chicken, and tried not to think about Merlin. But that was difficult when the man was sitting right there next to him. Fortunately the Mercian businessman who owned the restaurant had trotted out both his son and daughter for the event and was trying to engage Merlin’s attention at every opportunity. It was something that happened to Arthur frequently, and he could tell that Merlin was just as used to it by the politely interested replies that he was giving the man. Actually, Arthur thought, it was quite nice not being the one who had to suffer the attentions of a would-be father-of-the-consort. He took another sip of wine. Across the room Gwaine was helping himself to the buffet that had been put out for their entourage, and still managing to snap numerous photos at every opportunity. He saw Arthur looking, and winked at him. That probably meant he’d managed to get a shot that Arthur wouldn’t like. It usually did. Arthur gestured to the waiter for a refill, and hoped the meal wouldn’t go on for too much longer. --- The meal went on for two hours. By the end of it they’d had to listen to speeches from both the Mercian ambassador and the Mercian businessman, and several other people whose names and positions Arthur had already forgotten. Merlin had been monopolised for the entire time by people wanting his attention, and that had got tiresome quite quickly. Arthur was used to being considered the most interesting thing in the room unless his father was around, and often even then the eligible young prince tended to attract more social attention than the king. It was a curious change, and although it was in some ways a relief, Arthur thought that perhaps Merlin was turning out to be a bit better company than he’d always assumed, and he would have liked the chance to explore that discovery a little more. No chance, with them barely able to exchange more than a few words at a time before they got interrupted. When they finally got outside and Arthur saw the cars waiting, he barely suppressed a sigh of relief. He climbed in after Merlin and collapsed wearily onto the seat next to him. “God, that was tedious!” he sighed when the door was closed. Gwen was obviously still angry with him as she had taken the other car again to make herself less accessible. She did that from time to time, when he’d annoyed her during some official event. It was supposed to remind him who was actually in control, Lancelot had admitted once. Arthur supposed that Lancelot was reminded of the fact constantly, though as his bodyguard seemed blissfully happy with his domestic arrangements that probably wasn’t a bad thing. Now Arthur would have to spend the rest of the day relatively ignorant of what he’d be doing next. Apart from the musical. There would be no escape from that. He glanced at his watch. Four hours away. “Where are we going next?” Merlin asked. Arthur shrugged, not wanting to admit that he didn’t know. “Probably more of the same.” He tried not to examine the feelings that the disappointed look on Merlin’s face gave him. To his surprise, they stopped only a few minutes later, right outside the Camelot Eye, the huge sightseeing wheel that had been erected as part of the Millennium celebrations. There was, as always, a very long queue, probably made even longer by their arrival. Merlin looked over at it hopefully. “Do you think we’re going on that after all?” “If we are, you can bet you won’t be able to admire the sights because the owner and half the shareholders will be riding with us. Plus any eligible offspring.” Merlin shrugged. “At least it’s a proper tourist site.” The car door opened, and he scrambled out. Merlin really was far too undignified and enthusiastic to be proper royalty, Arthur thought as he followed him. He couldn’t help also thinking that it made a refreshing change. Gwen gave Arthur a stern look when he exited the car. “This wasn’t easy to arrange. Just make sure you both change very fast when we get back to the palace. We can just barely fit this into the schedule.” “You’re a star, Gwen,” Arthur assured her. “Yes!” Merlin agreed, and for a moment Arthur thought he was going to hug Gwen. He just fidgeted awkwardly instead and Arthur wondered if he’d just stopped himself. He wondered what he was going to have to do to get a hug. Then he shook his head, wondering where on earth that thought had come from. “Thank you so much for this.” “Just doing my job,” Gwen told him, but she looked pleased. She never looked particularly pleased when she was dealing with Arthur, he’d noticed. “Come on, you don’t want to miss the VIP car.” The wheel had slowed right down, almost to a standstill. It was never fast-moving, and Arthur supposed Gwen had pulled a few strings. Luckily it was a tourist crowd, and most of them seemed more interested in taking pictures of the royal visitors than in complaining at the delay. Arthur waved and smiled dutifully as some of the sightseers started to call out to him. Always on display. He hated it. One of the tourists called out something to Merlin, who ducked his head embarrassedly, blushed a little, then smiled and waved rather self-consciously. It provoked a squeal of delight from the crowd. Arthur could understand that, the blush was strangely endearing. He looked away before anyone noticed him staring, and walked a little faster. “Come on Merlin, keep up after Gwen’s gone to all this trouble,” he whispered. They hurried into the car, and Arthur was relieved to see that only a few people followed them. His bodyguards Lancelot and Leon, a couple of Camelot Eye staff, and Gwaine with his camera. Everyone else stayed behind. The two staff seemed to only be there to serve champagne, which was fine with Arthur. He thought it might mellow him enough that he would be able to cope with the dire musical later. As the doors closed, and they started to slowly move away, Merlin pulled out his phone. “I’m supposed to come back with pictures for my little sister,” he explained. “She’s missing me, and she wanted to come too.” Arthur hadn’t met Freya, but he’d seen a few pictures. Petite and fey, she was probably even more prone to crying than her older brother. “We’ll pick out some of the less dire ones that Gwaine’s taken for her.” “Oi! Right here,” Gwaine pointed out. He’d already got hold of a glass of champagne, had settled down on the bench and didn’t look as if he was going to take any more pictures for a few minutes. “She’s better off not coming on this one. She’d be bored,” Arthur admitted. “This isn’t the most exciting of tours. What is she, nine? Ten?” “Nine. But she wanted to meet Princess Morgana.” Merlin was smiling fondly just at the thought of his sister. Arthur couldn’t imagine ever feeling like that over Morgana. They’d fought for as long as he could remember. Though if anyone ever hurt her… He put that disturbing thought to one side, and tried not to imagine that the fond expression on Merlin’s face was actually directed at him. “Apparently your sister is the most beautiful woman on the planet and Freya wants to be just like her when she grows up.” “Heaven forbid! One is enough.” “She was charming to me when we met this morning. Much nicer than you were.” Well, of course Morgana would have already made sure she met the Mercian delegation. Arthur wasn’t quite sure when or how she’d done it, but that was just typical. “Don’t believe a word she tells you. She’s an evil witch.” Merlin raised an eyebrow. “Okay. She said I was to let bygones be bygones, and that you’d changed, and that you weren’t the same horrible prat you were when you were seven. Is that wrong? I mean, judging by your earlier behaviour I thought it probably was, but now…” “No, obviously she’s right about that,” Arthur put in hurriedly. He wondered just what Morgana was up to, though he had an idea that she was still trying to matchmake. He looked at Merlin, appraisingly. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea. He’d certainly had worse options. Merlin gave him a quizzical look. “What?” “Nothing,” Arthur shook his head. “Morgana just has some strange ideas sometimes. Champagne?” The waiters were obviously listening as they were immediately at Arthur’s side, offering up flutes of sparkling alcohol. Arthur heard the click of Gwaine’s camera shutter as he handed Merlin a glass. Often he wished his life wasn’t so public, that he could get to know someone quietly, privately, away from the constant scrutiny. Merlin’s life had to be the same, although Mercia apparently didn’t have quite the same fascination with celebrity and royalty that Camelot did. Anything he said might be repeated back to the media by either of the two waiters, and Gwaine was always threatening to write his memoirs. It was probably a joke, but you could never be sure with Gwaine. Still, there were ways… Arthur held out his hand for the phone. “I’ll take one of you up here, your sister will like that.” After Merlin had posed for a couple of shots, Arthur took the opportunity to key in his private number. “Just in case you get lost on the tour, Merlin. We don’t want any more pictures of you crying in the papers.” Merlin rolled his eyes, but took the phone back with a half-smile. A few moments later Arthur’s phone bleeped softly. “Prat,” was all it said. But still, it meant he had Merlin’s number and a way to communicate privately. Merlin, with his hair mussed where he’d run his hand through it, who was grinning back at him cheekily and tilting his champagne flute in a mock salute, leaning against the rail, all of Camelot spread out behind him. Faintly, Arthur heard the click of Gwaine’s camera yet again. --- There was no sign of the king when they returned to the palace. George, his father’s horribly correct PA, was waiting at the door to Arthur’s chambers with a message. Uther wanted a full report on how the day had gone during their breakfast meeting the next morning. Arthur hated breakfast meetings. They weren’t so much breakfast as crack of dawn meetings. Sometimes it was still dark outside, occasionally even in the summer. He knew his father tended to hold them when he suspected Arthur was going to be hungover, or likely to let him down in some other way. Uther had told him as much after the nightclub incident… one of the nightclub incidents. “How are the talks going?” Arthur asked, pausing before going into his rooms. George drew himself up to his full height (which was still only up to Arthur’s shoulder) and puffed out his chest a little. “I’m not at liberty to divulge such things.” Arthur was heir to the throne. He was going to be king one day. He’d be redeploying George into a job more suited to his skills and Arthur’s good mental health at the earliest opportunity. “Fine. Tell my father that I’ll see him in the morning.” George strode off importantly. Arthur reluctantly set his alarm for six. Unless the evening was a disaster and he got an early night, he’d be tired all day tomorrow. --- The evening was not a disaster. Arthur knew it wouldn’t be when he walked down to the foyer, Leon at his heels, and saw Merlin already there, talking to Morgana. In black tie, still flushed and slightly damp from the shower he looked good enough to eat. Morgana of course looked fabulous in her deep green evening gown, but then she always did. “Arthur, finally!” He wasn’t late and he knew it, so he just ignored her. “I apologise for anything my sister has said or will say to you,” he told Merlin as they headed for the car. “She’s been charming,” Merlin insisted. “Hah!” “I have stilettos on,” Morgana called over her shoulder. “I’ll be sitting beside you, brother dear. Be nice.” Arthur was going to see a musical with singing and dancing dragon puppets. With his sister and entourage there to ruin the fact that he would be sitting in a darkened room for several hours with the distractingly tempting Mercian prince. He didn’t feel particularly nice, even when his feet were being threatened with GBH. “You see?” he whispered to Merlin. “Witch.” Morgana, however, was surprisingly pleasant in the car for most of the journey. She looked even more smug than usual, and spent most of the journey either asking Merlin questions about his homeland or distracting Leon from doing his job. Arthur thought that unless any would-be assassin popped up from between Morgana’s breasts, then his bodyguard wasn’t likely to notice. “Is it true,” Morgana asked, leaning forward and giving them all an eyeful that Arthur thought he might need counselling for, “that in Mercia, it’s the men who give birth?” Merlin glanced at Arthur, then down, blushing adorably. “Sometimes. Some men. Usually only those with dragonlord blood. There’s a spell…” “You have dragonlord blood, don’t you?” “Morgana!” Merlin looked a little uncomfortable, but nodded. “You don’t have to answer her questions,” Arthur told him. “Honestly, Morgana. We’re not here to interrogate him.” “It’s okay,” Merlin assured him. “See? He doesn’t mind. So did your father have you or was it your mother?” “Well… I’m the heir so it had to be my father. But Mum had Freya.” “Ah.” Morgana sat back, regarding Merlin with quite a predatory look on her face. “So… You’ll have to carry your heir?” “Morgana!” “Yes. It removes the question of succession, you see. There’s no doubt, can never be any doubt, that the child is the rightful heir to the throne.” Merlin glanced at Arthur again, then away. “And you choose, when the time’s right. There are never any accidents. The child’s always wanted. It’s a good way.” “And it wouldn’t matter if you married a man or a woman either? A huge step forward for gay rights.” Morgana smiled at Arthur, and there was definitely smugness there. Evidently she hadn’t given up on her earlier ideas. Arthur, however, was no longer adverse to them. Although it would be strange having a pregnant male partner. Mercians were certainly different. “Some male dragonlords marry other men,” Merlin told her. “And some marry women. And some female dragonlords marry women too.” “And,” Morgana asked, glancing at Arthur and ignoring the pointed shushing motions he was making. “Which will you be marrying, Merlin?” “Leave him alone, you harpy,” Arthur hissed. “He’s marrying me!” Gwaine yelled from the front seat where he’d been relegated. “So hands off!” Arthur revised his opinion of Gwaine. He had his uses after all. Merlin lost the rabbit caught in headlights look that he’d gained since Morgana’s interrogation had started, and gave a small, relieved laugh. “Yes, that’s right, I’m marrying Gwaine.” “You heard it here first!” Gwaine called. “Now get those puppies out of his face, Morgs. You’re wasting your time!” Morgana just smiled at Arthur, and when he scowled back at her she looked more smug than ever. Even when they arrived, and she was posing for the sea of photographers, Arthur didn’t think she looked as pleased with herself as she had at that particular moment. Merlin and he waited patiently whilst the media got their fill, though only Gwaine was allowed to follow them inside for official shots. Arthur supposed that Gwaine was probably one of the few who had managed to get shots of himself and Merlin outside the theatre as well, given the love affair everyone had with Morgana and her low-cut dresses. Arthur hated the theatre. It wasn’t so much the theatre itself, actually he appreciated a good production, it was more that he hated where he had to sit. It was almost always in a box, in full view of the audience and cast, and at an awkward angle to the stage. He looked enviously at the people down in the stalls, or even up in the cheap seats. They all blended in together, nobody stared at them and if they happened to fall asleep or look bored during the production, nobody would take much notice. If Arthur so much as stifled a yawn it would be all over the papers. “Ladies first!” Morgana announced as they entered the box, and flounced over to the seat nearest the stage, pausing for a moment to enjoy the ripple of applause and wave to their fellow theatre- goers before she sat down. Merlin sat beside her, and Arthur found himself in the third seat. It was probably the least visible of the three, which was something to be vaguely grateful for. It also, he realised as he sat down, meant that he could watch Merlin instead of the play if he wanted to and nobody would notice. Leon and Lancelot were sitting at the back. Gwaine had vanished, doubtless taking advantage of the bar and his expenses sheet. Merlin turned to smile at him. “It’s a beautiful theatre.” Arthur tried to dredge up some useful and interesting fact about the place from a visit a few years ago when it had been refurbished, but he couldn’t think of a thing when Merlin was smiling at him like that. “It’s quite old. Very old.” Morgana looked across at him pityingly. Fortunately he was spared any further embarrassment, as the lights went down and the orchestra began to play the introduction. It was loud and dramatic, and completely over the top. As it turned out, that set the scene for the entire show. The star-crossed lovers at the centre of the drama warbled tearfully that they could never be together, whilst the vast dragon puppets sailed around them and the orchestra thundered and tinkled in turns. Merlin was, Arthur thought, very good at pretending that he was enjoying it. He clapped enthusiastically in all the appropriate places, laughed at the jokes, and gasped with everyone else when the giant dragon puppet suddenly appeared in a flash of fire in the middle of the stage. Even Arthur thought that bit was fairly good. When the curtain went down for the interval, Merlin was applauding almost as hard as the people down in the stalls who had come dressed up as the protagonists. “That was brilliant!” he enthused. Arthur had mostly just enjoyed watching Merlin and had thought the musical as ridiculous as he had expected, but he wasn’t going to admit to that so he just nodded. “I liked the bit where the dragon exploded onto the stage.” “Yes! And the smaller puppets were very clever. Someone has studied how they move and got it just right. It’s really effective. They should tour in Mercia, people would love it.” “You can tell them that when we have to meet the cast afterwards,” Arthur told him. “I will!” Merlin glanced back at the closed curtain, and it suddenly occurred to Arthur how handsome the male lead was. He wondered if it was actually the dragons that Merlin was interested in. The second half was just as loud and over the top as the first, and Arthur allowed himself a brief comfort break whilst the dragons were roaring their fury at the supposed demise of the heroine. Lancelot followed him, and they made their way along the deserted corridor to the gents. The advantage of the uncomfortable box seats were that they could leave without disturbing anyone, and there was no queue, but having to avoid going out during the interval also meant that he always had to miss part of the play. “I suppose Gwen is threatening to join the republican movement again?” Arthur asked as they walked back. “Merlin sent her flowers earlier as a thank you for rearranging things. She thinks he’s wonderful. You, not so much,” Lancelot admitted. Everyone loved Merlin, apparently. And if Arthur did the same thing it would just look as if he were copying now. They were approaching the little stall near the stairs that sold snacks and programmes and, because the musical was so popular, souvenirs. “I could get her chocolates,” he suggested, looking at the uninspiring range on offer. Perhaps a call to Thorntons in the morning might be better. “She’ll think you’re sickening for something,” Lancelot advised. “No, don’t worry. Gwen’s worked for you for long enough, she knows what you’re like.” There was a small, plush dragon staring at him from the top of the stall. It was various shades of green, and had a small heart dangling from the collar around its neck. Arthur picked it up and looked at it. “Honestly, Arthur, she’s fine with Merlin’s flowers.” It was very similar to the little toy Arthur had ruined years ago. Arthur knew, he’d seen enough pictures of the wretched thing. “I’ll send her some next week, when the visit’s over. She does a good job, we don’t appreciate her enough. I’ll tell her as much.” He turned the dragon over, checked the price, and then looked at Lancelot a little sheepishly because nobody had thought to put any money out when they left him his evening clothes back at the palace. “Can you lend me fifteen pounds?” --- Merlin glanced up briefly when Arthur took his seat, but he was still enthralled by the show, which appeared to be nearing its dramatic and noisy climax. Arthur couldn’t help watching his reactions rather than the play. Dragons aside, Merlin was more entertaining. He regretted it a few moments later when he realised Morgana had noticed, a knowing smile playing about her lips. He knew he wouldn’t have to wait long before the teasing started. He’d probably made her evening. Arthur, apparently, was the only person in the audience who hadn’t loved the show. The cast had two standing ovations, which Merlin joined in with enthusiastically. Arthur had never given anyone a standing ovation in his life, and he was somewhat mortified to be doing so for a singing and dancing dragon. Still, the cast were beaming happily up at them, and Merlin was grinning back delightedly… yes, that lead actor really was far too good looking. They were ushered out to some stairs away from the main exits that would, Arthur knew, lead down to the backstage area. He knew all this routine, shaking hands, congratulating them all on a wonderful performance and almost sleepwalked through it. The sooner it was over with the better. Merlin didn’t seem to have picked up on that, and stood chatting with the two leads and the main puppeteer for ages after they had gone down the line-up. Gwaine didn’t help, insisting on taking pictures of him with the cast and the dragon. Arthur was aware that Morgana kept glancing down curiously at the bag Arthur was carrying. Not knowing what was in there would probably be killing her. He clung on tightly, resolving not to hand it over whilst she was around if he could help it. That actor really was smiling far too much at Merlin though. “What’s in the bag?” Gwaine asked, poking at it because Gwaine was just nosey and didn’t stand on ceremony with anyone. Except the king, whom he flattered and photoshopped in equal measure. Uther wasn’t kidding when he commented that Gwaine’s pictures took a good ten years off him. Never was an employee in less risk of losing their job. “A souvenir.” Arthur moved it as far from Gwaine as he could. Unfortunately that put it in easy range of Morgana, who grabbed it eagerly and peeked inside. She handed it back with a knowing smile. “Oh Arthur,” she said softly. “That’s terribly sweet.” And then she grabbed Gwaine by the arm, and dragged him over to the giant dragon puppet, demanding that he get on with his job and take pictures of her with it. It was as far away from Arthur as possible to get without actually leaving. The more publicity-hungry members of the cast (which included, Arthur was pleased to see, the male lead) gathered around her like moths to a flame, leaving Merlin momentarily abandoned. Arthur took the opportunity and moved to stand beside him. “Still want your little sister to meet Morgana?” he asked. Morgana was climbing up onto the dragon’s back with the two leads, recreating one of the major scenes except with added show-off princess. Her dress was doing very little to cover her legs, and Arthur could imagine how delighted their father was going to be in the morning when he saw the pictures in the paper. Perhaps they wouldn’t be in the early editions and he would be spared the ranting… “Freya would adore her,” Merlin told him. “Though our father would probably have something to say if he thought his precious little princess was being led astray.” “Not your mother?” “She’d probably join in. No, you’re right, Morgana shouldn’t meet either of them.” They both laughed, though Arthur couldn’t help wondering wistfully what it would be like to have a mother like that. He didn’t think it would be something he could ever really feel embarrassed about. Morgana’s mother had been cool and distant towards him, and it had been no great loss when she’d scandalously divorced their father and abandoned them all. At least she’d left Morgana. He would have hated to lose that horrible harpy who was his arch-nemesis and best friend all rolled into one. “Very wise. Oh,” Arthur tried to make it sound like the most casual thing in the world. “I got you this. To, you know, make up for the one I drowned.” He handed over the rather crumpled bag, and watched Merlin’s expression go from puzzlement to delight as he reached in and held up the dragon, laughing. “I love this! Thank you!” Just for a moment Merlin moved as if he were about to kiss him, then thought better of it and hugged him instead. “Thank you!” Merlin felt every bit as good as Arthur had supposed, warm and vital against him. He let the embrace linger, only pulling away reluctantly when Merlin gave a little chuckle, and the motion sent a little frisson of want through Arthur. It was, Arthur realised, time to stop avoiding the attraction he was feeling and do something about it. Because Merlin would be gone in a few days, or sooner if their fathers screwed up the talks. Merlin held up the little toy, grinning broadly, though Arthur didn’t miss the faint flush across his cheeks. “Are you trying to crush this one instead of drowning it?” “I wouldn’t mind trying.” Arthur knew he was grinning right back like an idiot, but he didn’t care. “Hmm, I was right about you. Poor dragons don’t stand a chance. Lucky it’s your sister up on that model and not you or you’d be trying to slay it.” Arthur didn’t look, because he was far too distracted by the way Merlin’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he spoke. But if he had, he would have seen that from her vantage point high on the dragon, Morgana wasn’t missing a thing. --- There were far too many people in the car on the way back. Not for the first time, Arthur wished he was just a regular member of society. It was almost impossible, if he was interested in someone, not to carry out every moment of the courtship with someone watching, even if it was just the bodyguards. It was so much more difficult when the object of his affections was his opposite number in a rival state. Merlin was whisked away by Balinor as soon as the car arrived back at the palace. The Mercian king looked tired and drawn, and just about managed a civil greeting to Morgana. He might not even have noticed Arthur had Merlin not called out goodnight to him, and even then it was barely a nodded acknowledgement that he got. It didn’t bode very well. Wearily, Arthur made his way back to his rooms, repaid Lancelot for the toy, and collapsed on his bed. Finally there was a little peace and quiet. That lasted almost fifteen minutes, before there was a rap on his door. “You opened that very quickly,” Morgana pointed out as she swept past him. She’d changed into a baggy sweatshirt and a pair of leggings and she still looked as if she’d stepped off the pages of a fashion magazine. “Expecting someone else?” Arthur didn’t bother asking who. “Did you want something, Morgana?” he asked wearily, wandering back to the bed and sitting down on the edge of it. “Only it’s been a long day…” “Merlin’s nice.” “Yes, he is. Is that all?” “I see you bought him a present... Well, strictly Lancelot did, but…” She paused, seeing his face. “Oh come on, do you think Gwen wouldn’t already have told me that? I hope you’ve paid him back.” “I have. Is there anything that man does without telling his wife about it? Aren’t there privacy rules written into his contract?” “I don’t think they cover the purchase of small furry dragons,” Morgana mused. “It was very sweet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you do anything so sweet. It’s a whole new fluffy side to you. I like it. If this is the effect he’s had already, I can’t wait till you start shagging him. You’ll be so much nicer!” “It was just a spur of the moment thing,” Arthur sighed. He was starting to regret it already. “Yes! You don’t do those. You were rapidly turning into a dreary and boring replica of our father.” Arthur was no such thing. He went out with his friends all the time and had lots of fun, lots of wild times. Or, at least he went to bars and clubs with Gwaine and got drunk, while Leon or Lancelot stood beside them looking either worried or disapproving. But it was fun. Usually. Sometimes. “The papers don’t think I’m boring.” “No, they think you’re a joke.” That stung. “At least I’m not a clothes horse.” But he knew people loved Morgana because of her charity work. She did as much as his mother had once done, and could wear all the fancy dresses in the world, nobody would ever think of her as a joke. She knew it, as well, not even bothering to acknowledge what he’d said. “I hope you’re not going to be rude to Merlin.” “Why are you so keen on this?” Arthur sighed. Morgana never encouraged any of his liaisons, ever. “Why do you think? He’s a dragonlord, Arthur. He can pop out the royal heir and spare, which, given your preferences, means I won’t be expected to continue the line. Plus he’s a sweetheart. I’d love him as a brother-in-law. And let’s not forget the whole political angle, and the advantages there.” “I’m not marrying anyone for political reasons,” Arthur growled. “Quite right. Did I mention he’s a sweetheart? He’d make you happy. And besides, you already adore him, I can tell.” Right on cue, Arthur’s phone bleeped with an incoming message. “Is that him?” It was. There was a little photo attached of the dragon toy and ‘See you in the morning, thanks again for this. X’ Arthur couldn’t help smiling at it. Especially the X. Morgana gave a disgusted sigh. “Oh you’ve got it bad, you should see your face. I’m going before I puke. Just remember he’s only here for as long as those talks last. And they aren’t going well. Move it, Arthur!” And with that she left, closing the door behind her and leaving him to his thoughts. --- Breakfast with his father went just as well as Arthur had expected. It was far too early, and Arthur had spent far too long the previous night sending texts back and forth to Merlin. Uther was in a bad mood. He wasn’t enjoying the peace talks, he hated the idea of being forced into some sort of alliance when he would vastly prefer just to overrun Mercia and take it over. “In the old days we wouldn’t have bothered with talks,” he told Arthur. Arthur thought of Merlin in armour, scarred and bruised but defiant. It was a delicious image. He wondered if the Mercian prince might be interested in roleplay. That could be fun. Still, he wouldn’t have wanted to fight him for real. “I suppose that boy is as empty-headed as he looks? Are you managing not to make him cry this time around?” “Actually, he’s quite clever. He’s been studying architecture. They’re constructing a new palace and he’s helping design one of the wings.” Uther gave a contemptuous snort. “What use is that to someone who’s heir to the throne? Politics and Business, then go into the military for a while. Excellent grounding. Two years in the RAF did you the world of good, didn’t it?” Two years in the RAF, not allowed to be posted anywhere dangerous, quickly promoted beyond what was reasonable, and then discharged before he’d been allowed to do anything useful. It had done nothing for him other than emphasise how different he was. And instilled a love of flying. That, at least, was something. “Yes, Father.” Uther grunted in what might have been approval. “Well, do what you can with the boy. It won’t be for long, these talks aren’t going well. Balinor is an idealistic, narrow-minded fool. As if I’d ever let his wretched dragons over Camelot skies. Can you imagine if they ran into a plane? The carnage. They might…” Arthur couldn’t really see any reason for that to stop the advent of a time of peace. He let his father’s voice wash over him, and thought of blue eyes and a bright smile. --- Gwen had looked quite startled when Arthur arrived in the foyer a good fifteen minutes before they were due to leave. He’d gone looking for Merlin, but apparently Arthur wasn’t the only one who had to have an early meeting with their father. Waiting near the car seemed a good idea, and it had the added bonus of appeasing Gwen, who had managed to fit in a quick visit to the new opera house for them before they went to the zoo. It was Merlin, in fact, who was a few minutes late, running into the foyer without the slightest attempt at dignity. Arthur wondered what sort of etiquette they were taught in Mercia, as it was starting to look questionable as to whether there was any at all. “Have you even tried to comb your hair this morning?” Arthur whispered as they climbed into the car. “Honestly, Merlin, it looks as if you fell out of bed on your head!” He opened up the little compartment in the back of the seat in front of him, and rummaged through to find a comb. “Here.” Merlin made some attempt, but his hair was sticking up in very odd directions when he’d finished so Arthur grabbed the comb and did it himself. There was an audible click from behind him. “Print that picture and I’ll have you put in the tower, Gwaine,” Arthur warned. He didn’t look away. Merlin’s face was very close, watching him, half-amused, half something else. His hair was very soft. Arthur really, really wanted to throw the comb away and just run his fingers through it. And kiss those lips. Definitely that. “It’s priceless. Are you trying to replace his mum?” Gwaine laughed. “I am nothing like his mother,” Arthur growled at the same time that Merlin gave a little yelp of horrified protest at the idea. “For a start, I would have taught him better personal grooming…” He heard Gwaine snort with laughter, and then the click of the camera again. Gwaine was definitely heading for the tower. --- Apparently the opera house had been fascinating. Arthur couldn’t see it himself, but he’d enjoyed listening to Merlin enthusing about it and had walked around with him, claiming he was getting an education. They had a couple of cameramen from Mercia with them as well, filming the second day of the tour for a brief news item on Mercia TV as apparently it was more interesting than the snippets that were coming from the conference. Gwaine was a bit put out about their being there, although it had been some of his pictures in the early editions that morning that had been the main cause. Arthur doubted he would be portrayed kindly on the broadcast, he’d seen a few stories in the Mercian papers over the past few years and even without the dragon toy in the fountain incident, they hadn’t been impressed with his nocturnal escapades. He tried not to think about them being there, and concentrated on being pleasant and charming. The zoo was more to Arthur’s taste than the opera house. It was privately owned and newly opened. There were animals, after all. Lions and tigers and things that he knew about. And penguins, which apparently they were going to be allowed to help feed. He was quite looking forward to that. But first, they had to visit the reptile house then perform the official opening ceremony that afternoon. It wasn’t so much of a house, unless the house was the size of an aircraft hangar. “This,” Mordred Black, the rather young managing director of the zoo, told them proudly as he led them past small lizards and snakes in large glass cases, “is our newest exhibit. No other zoo has one in captivity. We’re the first.” He beamed at Merlin. “You’ll be particularly interested in this one, your highness.” Arthur suddenly had a horrible sense of foreboding. The reptile house was, after all, far too large for all the small creatures that they were passing. “Perhaps you should tell us what…” he began, but it was too late. The double doors they were being taken through opened up to reveal a huge pen dug down well into the earth and that rose up to the domed ceiling of the reptile house. And there, right in the middle of it, curled up on a rock and shivering miserably, was a small white dragon. Merlin gave a cry of distress and raced to the glass, pressing his face against it. The little dragon raised its head and looked towards him, then gave a plaintive, wailing call. Arthur could see Merlin react to it, staggering a little, almost as if the call had physically hit him, and he ran to the man’s side. “Merlin? Are you okay?” Merlin gazed at him in confusion, almost as if he were looking at a complete stranger, then looked back at the dragon. The creature was struggling to its feet now, shaking out stunted little wings. “I need to go to him.” The dragon gave another cry, and Merlin gasped as if it had hurt him, then started moving along the side of the cage, searching for a way in, pressing on the glass. “Let me in.” He sounded dazed. Arthur stared for a moment, then turned to glare at Mordred. “Let him in. Unlock the door.” The man took a step back. “It’s a dragon!” “Well, I can see that!” Arthur snapped. “What the hell were you thinking of? He’s a dragonlord! Open the door.” “It’s priceless… and it might be dangerous…” “It won’t harm him.” Arthur didn’t know a lot about dragonlords, but he was fairly certain of that one fact. He was aware that the cameraman was still filming and that he was unlikely to come out of this well, but that would all have to be dealt with later. “They have some sort of bond. Now open the door! ” He shouted the last few words, and Merlin turned to look at him, eyes wide with concern. “Arthur, he’s frightened.” “We’ll get you in there, don’t worry,” Arthur assured him. He glanced back at Mordred, who was just standing there apparently at a loss as to what to do. “Unlock the door, that’s an order! Now!” A female employee of the zoo made the decision for him. She hurried forward with a key and quickly opened the door to the cage, standing back immediately as Merlin rushed past her and raced over to the dragon. He greeted it in a foreign tongue, his voice sounding deeper, stronger than Arthur had ever heard it. “What’s he doing?” Mordred breathed. “God, if that thing attacks him…” “Of course it won’t attack him!” Arthur snapped. He wasn’t quite sure what Merlin was doing, but he was fairly sure from the way that the little dragon was behaving that the Mercian prince was quite safe. The dragon was struggling to stand up, and was trying to rub his head affectionately against Merlin’s chest. The crying had stopped, although it was making other noises. Merlin seemed to be responding, almost as if they were talking to each other. Arthur wished he’d bothered to find out a bit more about a dragonlord and what they could do. “Perhaps we should shut the cage door?” Mordred wondered. “If he’s really safe… those things can be dangerous.” Arthur glared at the man, seeing his cowardice for what it was. He certainly wasn’t going to stand for Merlin being locked in anywhere. “The only thing that’s dangerous here is that you’ve seen fit to capture a dragon! There are laws…” “It was crippled!” the man exclaimed. “The law states if they’re crippled it’s kinder to keep them in captivity. It would die out in the wild!” “Not in Mercia,” one of the cameramen pointed out. “There are protected parks where we let them live out their days. It’s not captivity, and they’re run by charities. My kids love going there at the weekends. None of the dragons are shut in like this. They’d hate it.” “Sounds like the sort of place this one should go to.” Arthur looked back at the dark pen. He wondered if the zoo had employed any real experts on dragoncare. On impulse, he walked in, ignoring the worried protests from Leon when he did so. Merlin was sitting with the dragon now, getting it to lift its wings so that he could look closer. Arthur slowly walked towards them, not wanting to startle the beast. “How badly is it hurt?” he asked softly. “Bad enough,” Merlin answered without looking around. “Someone’s deliberately clipped his wings. He’s young, we might be able to do something to help him if we get him to a specialist right away but he’ll never be able to fly as well as he should if he hadn’t been maimed.” The dragon gave a low wail as Merlin started to stretch out his second wing, and Merlin immediately stopped and began making soothing noises. “Sorry… sorry, it’s okay, shhh… I need to get him out of here, Arthur.” Arthur had gathered that much. He crouched down beside Merlin, still speaking softly so as not to scare the frightened creature further. “Tell me what you need. Gwen’s got a whole team of people on the end of her phone, we’ll have him home in no time.” “Thank you.” Merlin looked up, briefly. “Someone cut him, Arthur. I’ve heard about this in other countries, I didn’t think Camelot would do it. It’s to get around the law, have a captive dragon through the loopholes. It’s a clean, debilitating slice.” Arthur held his gaze steadily, trying to convey his own sincerity. “Camelot didn’t do this. One greedy citizen did it and I’ll have them closed down for it. And I’ll sort out getting your dragon home. So, details, Merlin. Tell me what you need.” --- If anyone had told Arthur a week previously that he would be sitting in the cargo hold of an aircraft in a special custom-built crate with an injured young dragon and the heir to the Mercian throne, and flying back to Mercia in said crate, he would have laughed at them. The hold was pressurised and temperate, and there were all sorts of health and safety guidelines in place for take-off and landing, but all the same he was in the cargo hold. The little dragon (Aithusa, Merlin said he was called) was extremely well behaved, though Arthur supposed that was largely due to Merlin. Aithusa lay quietly for the entire flight, with his head resting in Merlin’s lap for most of it. At one stage he even let Arthur take Merlin’s place while the young dragonlord stretched his legs. It was an amazing feeling, having the abused creature trust him enough to do that, though Arthur noticed that as soon as they hit a little turbulence Aithusa was looking round for Merlin again. Gwen had been amazing. Arthur was sure she needed a promotion after this. She’d organised the flight, called a number Merlin had given her to ensure there was a sanctuary waiting to receive them in Mercia, and had then cancelled everything they were supposed to be doing for the rest of the day. Probably her team had done much of it, but it had all been very fast, very slick, and removed any risk that Merlin and his people might think they’d had anything to do with the cruelty shown to the little dragon. Arthur had vague recollections of shouting a lot, particularly at the income-hungry Mordred and his staff. He hadn’t been able to help himself, Merlin had been horribly upset by the plight of the dragon and Arthur didn’t like seeing the dragon or Merlin in such distress. Shouting, he supposed, was probably something he’d learned from his father. Gwen’s kind heart meant that she had needed no encouragement at all for her part in it, he’d seen her eyes well up with tears when Merlin had shown her the damaged wing, and she’d been on her phone in moments. He supposed that the cancellation of the rest of that day’s tour, and most of all the fact that he was flying off to Mercia with no notice and little in the way of security, was going to earn him one of the more memorable breakfast meetings with his father tomorrow, but right then he didn’t care. He was content enough, sitting there, watching Merlin with the dragon. “We’re starting our descent,” the pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “Either strap yourselves in or hold on tight.” Merlin looked up, and caught Arthur gazing at him. He smiled, and Arthur thought perhaps it was the same warm, gentle, adoring smile he was giving the precious dragon. Arthur didn’t think anyone had ever looked at him like that before. “You’d better strap yourself in,” Merlin told him. “I’m staying in here with you.” Merlin shook his head. “If you want to help, sit outside and put on a seatbelt. If it’s a rough landing, you’ll be more help if you’re safely out there than if we’re both crushed by an unintentionally flying dragon.” Aithusa gave a mournful little cry, and Merlin bent over him again, stroking his neck, and said something in the dragon tongue. “He’s worried he’s going to hurt me.” “He’s not the only one.” Arthur had helped lift Aithusa onto the trolley that had transported him to the plane. The dragon might be small, but he certainly wasn’t light. “Don’t risk it, Merlin. Come and sit out there with me. Aithusa wants you to.” The dragon gave a plaintive wail, which Arthur hoped meant he agreed. “And you’ll ruin the peace talks if you get squashed. I really want those peace talks to work, don’t you?” Merlin looked up, and there was that loving look again. Arthur thought he could drown in it and die happy. “Oh yes. I’m not done with Camelot yet.” “I’m not done with Mercia either,” Arthur whispered, leaning close to breathe in Merlin’s ear. They really were the most ridiculously large ears, and possibly the most adorable at the same time. Arthur wondered if he was losing it if he was focussing on Merlin’s ears now, of all things. “I’m not done with their prince. I don’t want him hurt, or worse. I’d like to take him back to the palace after this, and go on a private tour…” Merlin’s eyes widened slightly, and Arthur could see a faint blush starting to colour his pale skin. “…just the two of us. I’d like to take him back to my rooms, and lock the door, and take…” Aithusa drowned out what Arthur wanted to take with a lengthy diatribe of his own. Merlin looked up at Arthur a little sheepishly. “What did he say?” “Um… he’s really happy for us that you… um… want to mate with me and he thinks we should breed a whole herd of little dragonlords… but can we both stop now because he doesn’t want to hear all the details.” “Cockblocker,” Arthur told the white dragon, though there was no malice in his voice. Aithusa just gave a little sneeze… although a little sneeze, even for such a small dragon, resulted in a tiny puff of smoke. The pilot called over the intercom again that they needed to strap themselves in, and Arthur got up. Merlin, he could tell, was going to stay exactly where he was. He was more than tempted to do the same himself, but Merlin was right that he needed to be safe and ready to help if things went wrong. “Be careful,” Arthur warned, and then on impulse leaned down and kissed him. Merlin tasted of hope and promises and the horrible coffee they’d been given on the plane. It tasted better on Merlin. “I’ll see you when we’ve landed.” The smile he got back was nothing like the one Merlin gave the dragon, nothing at all. --- The dragon sanctuary was an amazing place. Percival, the head ranger, was a giant of a man who boarded the plane as soon as it landed. He seemed to know Merlin quite well, and Arthur tried not to feel jealous at the friendly way Merlin greeted him. Aithusa seemed happy enough with the newcomer. Just a few hours with Merlin had calmed the dragon right down. Getting Aithusa’s crate off the plane was a lot harder than getting him on there, but Percival’s team managed it, and soon the little dragon was safely in a warm and dry stable where he could rest and be examined and treated. Percival was convinced they would be able to heal most of the damage, and hoped that in time Aithusa would be strong enough to fly again. As Merlin was busy with the dragon, and likely to be for some time, Arthur took some time to call Gwen and find out what was going on at home. Unsurprisingly his father had already heard about the trip and was furious. Arthur wasn’t looking forward to their return. To kill time he wandered around the yard, peering into a couple of the stables but they all appeared to be empty so he walked back into Aithusa’s stall and leaned against the wall, waiting. He supposed this was what it was like for Merlin, visiting Camelot. Everything was slightly different to what he was used to, and he wasn’t the crown prince that everyone was interested in. In a way, it was a refreshing change. Someone gave him coffee. It tasted different to anything he’d had in Camelot, slightly more bitter with a stronger aroma, very good. He would be asking Merlin to send him some, he decided. One of the cameramen had left, presumably taking their footage back to the studio, but the other one was still busily filming Merlin and Aithusa. When Merlin finally got up and obviously very reluctantly left Aithusa to Percival’s care, the cameraman stayed focused on the dragon. “Dragons are very important to my people,” Merlin explained as they left the stable. “It’s rare to use a plane in Mercia, most of our travel is via these beautiful creatures, and they have countless other powers. Whoever crippled Aithusa would be committing an act close to treason as far as we’re concerned.” “You’ll have the full support of Camelot in finding the perpetrator,” Arthur promised. “You have my word.” “Thank you.” Merlin looked up at the sky worriedly. It was starting to grow dark now. “Have you called home? I don’t want your father thinking we’ve kidnapped you.” Arthur shrugged. “He knows where I am. Apparently he’s in a foul mood. There was supposed to be that big parade this afternoon, remember? So I’m in no hurry to go home.” He looked around. “Where are the dragons? I’d like to see them.” “Mostly out hunting, probably. They roam very freely here. You could meet my father’s dragon, if you like. He lives here when my father doesn’t need him. If he’s in a good mood he might even let us ride him.” “Or he might eat me,” Arthur pointed out. “Possibly.” That didn’t make Arthur feel any more confident, although he took heart from the fact that Merlin smirked when he said it. --- Kilgharrah was the biggest dragon Arthur had ever seen. Admittedly he was only the fourth dragon Arthur had ever seen, one being Aithusa and the other two being a couple of small green dragons that had flown overhead whilst he was walking with Merlin down to see Kilgharrah. He was almost as big as the plane they’d flown in on, and the gust of air as he flew down to meet them made Arthur stagger back a little. “Young Emrys.” The dragon inclined his head a little in a respectful bow. “And the Pendragon boy.” There was no such bow for Arthur. “Two sides of the same coin.” Arthur didn’t like this dragon as much as Aithusa, he decided. Boy, indeed. “He likes to sprout about destiny,” Merlin whispered. “You should have heard him when we announced the trip to Camelot. He’s very old and comes out with some strange things.” “Not so old that I can’t hear you, young dragonlord,” Kilgharrah rumbled. “You have not succeeded your father yet.” “Why can I understand him?” Arthur whispered. “I couldn’t understand Aithusa.” “With great age comes great wisdom,” the dragon replied. “I have knowledge of many tongues. Can you say the same? Or would you go from country to country, expecting everyone to learn your language and making no effort of your own to learn theirs?” It was the latter, but Arthur didn’t think he would dignify the dragon’s accusation with a reply. The great beast’s huge head moved closer, examining him. Arthur tried not to flinch, even when he could feel the creature’s warm breath. “That’s enough,” Merlin warned. “I brought Arthur out here to meet you. Arthur could make a difference, if he could see dragons can be good, peaceful creatures…” Kilgharrah laughed at that, loud and hard. “Ah, young dragonlord. You and Arthur are destined to make a great change, to bind your lands together and build a new Albion. Yes…” Arthur looked up, waiting for the dragon to finish. The huge scaly head was focused on him, as if Kilgharrah was assessing him. And then, completely without warning, he was engulfed in a blast of cold fire from the dragon’s nostrils. For a moment it was all Arthur could do not to scream, expecting a searing, probably fatal pain. There was nothing, just a gentle warmth throughout his body as if he’d drunk a warmed wine on a cold day. Merlin was yelling furiously at the dragon, who appeared to be just mildly amused. “I’m okay,” Arthur assured him. “Merlin, I’m okay.” “You should listen, young Emrys. Now take your mate and climb up on my back. I will take you both back to Camelot.” Mate… There was something satisfyingly primal about the term, and Merlin didn’t seem to be rejecting it. In fact, he was giving Arthur a small, slightly self-conscious smile. Arthur was starting to see what Merlin saw in these dragons. Kilgharrah was considerably larger and more terrifying than sweet little Aithusa, but at least he accepted what Arthur hoped was his blossoming relationship with Merlin. If only their fathers were likely to be as approving. Ah yes, his father… “Dragons are banned…” Arthur began, but Merlin shook his head. “Not always. As long as we call ahead we’ll be okay. How do you think we arrived?” That, Arthur realised, was probably why they had been wearing those strange outfits. Merlin had fetched them both a couple of thick overcoats and a pair of gloves before they’d gone out to see the dragons. Arthur had been getting overly warm during the walk and grumbled they were unnecessary, but they didn’t seem enough now. “Won’t we be cold?” “He’s like a furnace,” Merlin assured him. “Come on, call Gwen or Leon or someone. Get us clearance. Kilgharrah knows the approved route. Have Gwaine waiting at the other end to take photos, he’s probably still sulking about being left behind when we left with Aithusa and the Mercian camera crew.” Arthur did as he was bid, and was a little put out to find Gwen wasn’t at all surprised that they would be flying back. Apparently he was the only one who hadn’t seen Kilgharrah arrive with the male side of the Mercian royal family on his back a few days earlier. In the meantime, Merlin was climbing up onto the dragon’s back. He looked natural, right at home there, and Arthur supposed that he probably was. Cautiously, Arthur took the hand that was held out to him, and climbed a little awkwardly up behind Merlin. “You’ll need to hold onto me,” Merlin told him. “Don’t let go.” Arthur had no intention of letting go of Merlin. Ever. He wrapped his arms around Merlin’s waist, pressing his body up close and resting his chin on Merlin’s shoulder. “This is already feeling like the best way to travel,” Arthur breathed into Merlin’s ear. “Very cosy.” “Yeah, I can feel how cosy you’re getting. Don’t get any ideas.” “Too late!” Arthur snuggled closer, letting one hand slip inside Merlin’s heavy coat and start to explore, trying to find a way under his shirt. Kilgharrah gave a mighty roar, glared back at the pair of them, and then took off without any warning at all. If Merlin hadn’t grabbed hold of Arthur’s wandering hand, he thought he might have fallen off and been left behind. Arthur clung on grimly as they rapidly ascended, and decided he wouldn’t be trying anything further with Merlin until they were safely back down on the ground. Obviously the dragon didn’t approve of them enjoying the ride too much. The initial ascent was fast and breathtaking. The dragon sanctuary grew smaller beneath them, and he could clearly see the lights of the courtyard and the road beyond. Further in the distance were the dark shadows of the Mercian mountain ranges, vast and oppressive, a single road that cut through them provided the only light there. The cold evening air rushed past their faces, but Merlin was right about how warm the massive dragon was, and anyway it was a good excuse to keep his face close to the warmth of Merlin’s neck. “Okay?” Merlin asked as the dragon levelled out and started to head towards the mountains. “It’s amazing,” Arthur breathed. “I never thought it would be like this.” Merlin pulled away and turned to look back at him. Arthur knew his own delighted grin was probably equal to the one splitting Merlin’s face. “I knew you’d love it!” Arthur just nodded, still smiling. Merlin settled back down and Arthur drew him close again. He could feel the strength of the creature beneath him, and see the powerful wings beating steadily. And far below them the tiny road that would, he thought, eventually lead them home. --- The flight took several hours, and by the time the lights of Camelot came into view, impossibly bright against the night sky, and unmistakeable, Arthur was starting to ache from clinging on with his arms and legs for so long. He could tell Merlin felt the same from the way he was starting to fidget. “Keep still,” boomed Kilgharrah. “This sea of light blinds me, I need no further distractions.” He was staying high, Arthur noticed. They had flown low over the Mercian valleys and Arthur had enjoyed the view. But once they reached Camelot Kilgharrah had climbed higher, making them harder to spot. Arthur could imagine why. He had no wish to be shot down by his own people, protected route or not. The Eye, the Houses of Parliament, the Shard, the vast river running through the city… all of them were visible in the distance, looking like little toys. And as Kilgharrah finally began to descend, flying low over Hyde Park, Arthur could see cars and finally people all staring up at them and pointing. Kilgharrah sailed so low over the Wellington Arch that Arthur thought they might hit it, then they were past, and he could see Constitution Hill and the palace. They were over the walls, and down into the privacy of the gardens in moments. It hadn’t been the most subtle and inconspicuous of arrivals, but Arthur didn’t care. He waved enthusiastically at Gwaine, who was there with Gwen and Morgana, recording it all. “That was brilliant!” he yelled as he slid off the dragon’s back. “Amazing! You all have to try it. It was just…” He turned to watch Merlin slide down after him. “Amazing! Really, truly…” “Amazing,” boomed Kilgharrah. “Oh my God it can talk!” Gwaine gasped, and started taking more pictures. He stopped a moment later, seeing the dragon’s disapproving glare had been turned towards him. “ He ,” Arthur emphasised, glad he hadn’t made that particular faux pas, “is very old and wise and can speak many languages.” “Creep,” Merlin whispered. “He… oh.” Arthur didn’t need to look to see why Merlin’s suddenly sounded so apprehensive. Their respective fathers were striding across the lawns. Neither looked particularly pleased. “Balinor, get that thing out of here before it eats one of the corgis!” Arthur wouldn’t mind if Kilgharrah did, they were annoying, yappy little things that were always getting under his feet and had on several occasions alerted his father to just how very late and drunk he had arrived home. Balinor rolled his eyes, and just for a moment Arthur could see the family resemblance with his son. “He won’t touch your dogs.” He held out a hand in greeting to the dragon. “Thank you for bringing the boys safely home. Are you in need of food before your return?” “We have corgis,” Arthur whispered to Merlin, who couldn’t quite stifle a giggle. Uther looked at them both furiously, and Merlin straightened, immediately serious. “I will feed when I reach Mercia.” Kilgharrah bowed his head to King Balinor, then turned to look at Arthur. “Enjoy your destiny, young Pendragon,” he rumbled. “What was that?” Uther spluttered. “Was that a threat? Did that thing just threaten my son? Balinor, you agreed these creatures were to be kept under control!” There was no mistaking the contemptuous snort that Kilgharrah gave. The great dragon spread his wings and rose up into the night sky, evidently having had enough. “He’s magnificent,” Arthur breathed, watching him go. Uther looked less impressed. When Arthur turned to his father, he could see that he was about to pay for his exciting day and, probably more so, for his sudden enthusiasm for dragons. “Inside, Arthur.” Arthur’s shoulders slumped, the fun part of the day definitely was over. He followed his father back to the palace, Merlin at his side. --- “It was a parade, Arthur! Have you no idea how much those things cost? Roads were closed, diversion signs went up. And you vanished. We’ve had to close Black’s zoo down temporarily while there’s an investigation as to how they acquired that damned dragon! He’s threatening to sue!” “So am I,” Balinor put in quietly. “We have agreements. If he tries to make a fuss about this, he’ll regret it.” Uther, not used to being interrupted, even by fellow kings, glared at him then carried on. “What do you think it says to people when you can’t be bothered to show up? It’s not as if it’s difficult, sitting there in a car smiling and waving! You’ve managed it before now even when you’re hungover! In fact you usually manage it hungover! What were you thinking of?” “The dragon needed to be taken to a sanctuary quickly, and couldn’t go through the trauma of the flight without a dragonlord,” Merlin put in. “There were only two dragonlords in Camelot, and we could hardly pull my father out of the talks. So I had to do it and Arthur helped me.” “Very commendable,” Balinor agreed. “It was just an animal!” Uther sputtered. “It could have waited. It wasn’t dying!” “Actually they’re very intelligent…” Arthur began. “Silence! Don’t argue with me! I knew your behaviour yesterday was too good to be true. Morgana.” He looked to his daughter. “You’ll be accompanying Merlin for the rest of the tour. I hope you can show a little more common sense than your brother.” Morgana gave Arthur a brief, sympathetic look. “I don’t think Arthur did anything wrong…” “He rode a dragon through Camelot! People saw him! What kind of message does that send out?” Uther glared at Gwen who had just entered the room and was hovering in the doorway. “And what do you want? You’re lucky I don’t fire you for allowing this to happen! Did you organise this circus?” “Don’t blame Gwen,” Arthur put in, and was almost drowned out by Morgana and Merlin saying more or less the same thing. “She does a good job.” “Thank you,” Gwen walked forward, carefully not looking at Uther, and switched on the TV screen in the corner of the room. “I think you all need to see this before anyone does anything hasty.” It was a news broadcast from CBC1. There was footage from earlier in the day, at the zoo, showing Aithusa interspersed with footage of Merlin comforting the dragon and Arthur raging at Mordred. Arthur watched himself, detached as if it were a different person. He’d thought Gwen had done everything, but he appeared to be furiously ordering people around and had helped lift the dragon into the transport when it arrived. He winced, as he saw himself bellowing at the director of the zoo, seeing the man cringing before him. He would do it again in a heartbeat, but he knew his father was going to be furious. “You were brilliant,” Merlin whispered at his side. “Thank you.” “It’s all over the Mercian media. And ours too,” Gwen told them. “Arthur’s approval rating is going sky-high over there. It might not be what we had planned, but it’s done wonders for the talks. Nobody likes cruelty to animals.” “Also,” Monmouth put in quickly, “there's been a development. It appears that it may have been a setup. The dragon was acquired from a seller in Essetir who almost certainly acquired it illegally. We don’t know if the management at the zoo knew of this, but apparently Mordred Black hailed from Essetir originally, and has now vanished so it looks very likely. Obviously King Cenred has a great deal to lose if these talks succeed. We’re still investigating, but it would appear the intention was, with the Mercian press there, to cause an outrage and have public opinion in both countries turn against the peace talks. Thanks to Arthur, he’s failed quite spectacularly.” “Coming back home on the dragon was a masterstroke,” Gwen added. “Look.” There was a short piece of Gwaine’s footage showing Kilgharrah gliding down to the palace grounds, both his passengers clearly having enjoyed the ride. Arthur could see his arms wrapped tightly around Merlin’s waist, and noticed how he lingered after they landed, saw the way Merlin looked back over his shoulder with a huge, far too pleased with himself grin, and wondered how anyone could possibly not notice their obvious attraction to each other. Morgana looked across at him and raised an eyebrow. Well, he’d known she would miss nothing. The commentator was talking about friendship and other bullshit, and Arthur was happy to let as many people as possible continue to think that way. “A dragon,” Uther growled. “In the grounds of Buckingham Palace.” “It was certainly a lot quieter than using a helicopter,” Arthur told him. He was, after all, damned anyway. “More eco-friendly as well.” His father’s nostrils actually flared. It was, Arthur thought, a little like watching the dragon. “It was admirable,” King Balinor told him. “You must be very proud of your son.” Uther said nothing. Arthur could see a tiny little twitch starting just above his eyebrow. “Mercian TV want to interview both the princes,” Gwen put in quickly. “Perhaps, if we’re done here, Your Majesty, I could brief them both? It’s all excellent publicity. Cenred is probably tearing his hair out at how very wrong it’s all gone for him.” Uther gave a brief, curt nod. Arthur took his opportunity and escaped, though he had the feeling it might only be a temporary reprieve. --- “It could have gone far worse,” Merlin pointed out later as he walked with Arthur through the mostly deserted palace corridors. Gwen’s interview had turned out to be several interviews and had gone on for hours. By the time they were finished, Morgana had reported that Uther had retired to bed and that they were safe at least until the morning. No further mention had been made of Gwen losing her job, and apparently Uther had decided that although Morgana should accompany them to keep Arthur in line, Arthur would still be showing Merlin the sights of Camelot. “Well, your father seems to like me, anyway. That’s something.” Balinor had given his own interview, praising Arthur for his open-mindedness, and expressing great hope for the future peace between their countries. It was clear to all that what he wanted to add was that it was a refreshing change from Uther’s attitude. “Yep. Whether he’d like you as much if he knew you were planning to deflower me and breed little dragonlords from me is another matter,” Merlin said seriously. Arthur stopped and stared at him. “Deflower? What… you aren’t… you never …?” This was not part of the plan. He’d assumed someone else had to have got there first. Hadn’t Morgana said there had been reports a few years back of a boyfriend? “Do you get pregnant every time or something?” Merlin stared back at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Oh Arthur, you should see your face! No! Of course I’m not. Obviously I don’t shag everything that moves like you do…” “Not true. Just stories in the papers.” Arthur started to walk on again, moving closer to Merlin so that their shoulders brushed as they walked. “Gwaine said it was true.” “Gwaine probably made up half the stories.” Not entirely, and Gwaine had first-hand knowledge of Arthur’s preferences on more than one occasion, but Merlin didn’t need to know much about that. “If you’d slept with him he’d start making up the stories about you as well.” “Ah.” “Yes. So steer clear.” Merlin nodded, slipping his hand into Arthur’s and walking closely beside him so that if they ran into someone it wouldn’t be obvious. For a moment or two they walked on quietly. Arthur wanted nothing more than to push him into the nearest empty room, lock the door and shag him senseless. But there were cameras and master keys, and servants walking around and all sorts of other reasons why that was a bad idea. “I’d get lost in this place,” Merlin admitted. “I took three wrong turns on the way down to the car this morning.” “I’ve lived here most of my life,” Arthur admitted. The part of his life after his mother had died. She’d preferred Clarence House but he could barely remember that. “You get used to it. Look, my rooms are down here, but if you go up this staircase you’ll find yourself at the end of the corridor where your room is.” Merlin gazed at the staircase. “Can we go to my room? I’ll never find my way back here, I’m bound to be spotted wandering around lost and doing the walk of shame.” Arthur didn’t care which room they went to, as long as they got there soon. He led Merlin up the stairs, wincing at the way the floorboards creaked as they sneaked along the corridor, and slipped quietly into his room. Arthur rarely visited the guest quarters, and didn’t pause long to look around. Merlin locked the door behind them, bolted it, and then turned to look at Arthur, a nervous little half-smile playing about his lips. It was irresistible. Arthur kissed him, gently at first but Merlin wasn’t having that, pushing him up against the door and kissing him back harder, reaching up and under Arthur’s shirt, trying to undress him without breaking the kiss. Arthur pushed back, herding Merlin towards the bed, managing to kick off one shoe and half undo Merlin’s fly before they both stumbled over and fell on the bed, laughing and still trying to get each other’s clothes off. Suddenly Arthur groaned, realising. “Lube and condoms. You’re not going to have any in here.” “Course not,” Merlin reached up, peppering kisses down Arthur’s neck and chest as he pulled off his shirt and flung it aside. “I was going to visit a country that hates us with a royal prince who drowns defenceless soft toys. But I’m clean, and don’t you get tested too?” “Every week,” Arthur admitted. It was one of the things his father had insisted on when he’d realised Arthur was gay. No public displays, no scandals and no STDs. At least there’s no risk that you’ll get some gold-digging girl pregnant , Uther had reasoned somewhat bitterly. “But it’s not just that. Won’t you… you know, the baby thing that you can do?” Merlin looked at him almost in pity. “Baby thing?” “Well,” Arthur took the opportunity to finish undressing and climb between the sheets. “I don’t want you going back to Mercia with any extra souvenirs.” He picked up the little plush dragon that Merlin had left on his bedside table. “You’ve already got this.” Merlin laughed, and took the dragon away from him, setting it down well out of Arthur’s reach, then for good measure turning it away from them, which made Arthur laugh. “Don’t worry about that. I’m as safe as you are. Dragonlords only have children when they choose to. When I marry, there’ll be a ceremony. It’s quite rare, whatever your people have assumed, and I don’t even know what happens for sure as I’ve never seen one. I know it’s very secluded, very private and involves dragon magic. It’s to make sure there is never a dragonlord conceived that the dragons themselves won’t approve of. It’s why there’s such a strong bond. So you don’t have to worry about being careful.” He had finished undressing whilst he was talking, and climbed in beside Arthur. “You really, really don’t. In fact…” “Enough talking,” Arthur whispered, pulling him towards him, and silencing him with a kiss that Merlin met eagerly. “Enough.” --- The next few days were, Arthur thought later, the best of his life. He’d woken every morning with Merlin’s body cuddling him close, always gravitating towards him even if Arthur had got up in the night. Merlin claimed it was just the warmth of him, that the palace was cold and as a dragonlord he was used to fire. But Arthur would watch him sleep, and saw how he would frown if Arthur moved away, and then edge closer until he was snuggled up against Arthur again. Then his face would settle back into relaxed contentedness. It was a simple thing, but Arthur thought it was one of the sweetest things he’d ever seen. He could hardly bear the thought that soon the talks would be over, one way or another, and Merlin would return home. It could be a long time before they were together again. On the fifth day of the talks, they were lying in later than usual. There were no engagements until the afternoon, and Arthur had hung a change of clothes in the bathroom in case they were disturbed. Merlin had asked for breakfast in his room, and as enough for three or four people had been brought up, they sat in bed eating it, sharing toast and enjoying each other’s company. “Do you think the talks are going to succeed?” Merlin asked suddenly. Arthur slopped his tea in the saucer, cursed, and managed to spill some of it in the bed for good measure. “Oh, nice. Well?” “I don’t know. I hope so. I want to visit Aithusa and see how he’s getting on.” Merlin beamed at him. “I got a message from Percival. Too early to tell on the wing, but Aithusa’s on his feet and walking around, into everything. And they’ve had a new arrival, a blue from the north, really small and with a deformed wing. The two of them are getting friendly. See, happy ending. And that film crew have been back, they’re doing a documentary on Aithusa’s recovery. So you’ll get to see him.” He paused. “It would be better if you could come back with me, though. Perhaps one day.” Arthur nodded thoughtfully. “You know, we could marry and bind the two lands together forever,” he said as casually as he could. “When, you know, we’re both king. No peace conferences needed. Everything equal.” Merlin didn’t reply at once, but when Arthur found the courage to look at Merlin again, those blue eyes were gazing at him lovingly. “Really?” “Really. I know it’s only been a few days, but I feel like I’ve known you forever.” “Like we fit? Like we’re meant to be? I know. I feel it too.” “So, what do you say?” Arthur fingered the edge of the duvet nervously. “I mean… if you want to. I hate the thought of not waking up with you every morning, and I’m sick of sneaking around, of watching people push their eligible offspring at you wherever we go.” “You know I would, in a heartbeat,” Merlin told him. “But our fathers… well, your father really, because I think mine would come round, he likes you. Your father would never accept me.” Arthur knew it was true. But there had to be a way. There were only a couple of days left. “If the talks work, I could visit,” Arthur began. There was a thunderous rapping on the door. “Merlin!” “My father!” Merlin hissed. “Quick, hide in the bathroom.” He scrambled out of bed, pulled on the nearest pair of pants then helped Arthur pick up his clothes. “Hurry!” he hissed, then shouted to his father that he would be there in a moment. “Never mind!” Balinor replied. “Just throw your things in your case, we’re leaving right now! I’m done talking to that man.” Arthur and Merlin stared at each other in horror. “I’ll be back in two minutes. Be ready.” Merlin pulled his case out and started throwing things in. He looked every bit as miserable as Arthur felt. Reluctantly, Arthur helped him, silently emptying the closet while Merlin quickly got dressed. “We can call each other,” Merlin ventured. “Email. Skype, we can do that. It’s not like we’re that far away. Maybe we could meet up at the border sometimes?” “I don’t want just sometimes,” Arthur told him, packing up a small tablet computer and cushioning it with socks. “This isn’t fair.” “Life isn’t fair, Arthur. Get dressed, you can come and see me off.” The sound of Balinor stomping back down the corridor was clearly audible. Arthur scrambled into the crumpled clothes that had been lying on the floor most of the night. Merlin winced and Arthur just shrugged. There was no time to go and get the fresh set. “Merlin!” Merlin ran over and opened the door, and his father stormed in. “That man is a narrow-minded, egocentric, bigoted…” he paused, seeing Arthur. “Ah. Arthur.” He looked down at the creased trousers and crumpled shirt that Arthur was wearing. “Arthur came along to say goodbye,” Merlin put in. “You know we’ve become friends.” “Just pulled on whatever I had to hand when Merlin rang,” Arthur confirmed. “And locked the door after you came in?” Balinor queried. “Your father lies, Arthur. You seem to be a better man, generally. So try not to fall into the same habit. Merlin, are you ready?” Merlin gazed desperately across at Arthur. Arthur wanted to grab hold of him and never let him go, tell Balinor to leave by himself. But instead he picked up Merlin’s case, and handed it to him silently. “Thank you,” Merlin whispered. “I’ll call you when I’m home.” Arthur nodded, not trusting himself to speak. “I’ll visit Aithusa and send you some pictures.” “Merlin, come on,” Balinor snapped. “Arthur,” he held out a hand. “It’s been a pleasure. You’ll be a far better king than your father. And you would be welcome in Mercia,” he glanced at his son. “For any reason.” Merlin looked as if he were going to cry as he followed his father out, though if he did it was after they were airborne because none of the photos Gwaine showed Arthur later had Merlin crying. It was as Arthur had expected before Merlin arrived. It seemed Arthur had a real knack for making him leave in tears. Picking up the remainder of his clothes, and a few other pieces that Merlin had left behind, Arthur looked back at the room one last time. Soon it would be cleaned and aired, and there would be no trace of either of them. A flash of bright green caught his eye. Merlin’s dragon had fallen on the floor and been missed when they’d hurriedly packed. Arthur picked it up, and held it close. --- “So the Mercian visit was a complete disaster?” It had been over a month since Merlin left, but the news was still all about the failed peace talks. Arthur was only half-listening to the broadcast. It was on in the background, that awful Nimueh Lake was interviewing his father’s chief Mercian advisor, Professor Gaius. Gaius was secretly one of Arthur’s favourites out of all his father’s advisors. In fact, he was probably the only one that Arthur actually liked. It was the way that he never actually disagreed with Uther as such, just looked at him with that amazing eyebrow climbing higher and higher up his face until, often as not, Uther reconsidered what he said. He was probably the only one who never seemed to be afraid of Uther, and that was something to be admired in itself. “Oh hardly,” Gaius protested. He didn’t like Nimueh, Arthur knew. He wondered how she had persuaded Gaius to appear on the show. “Things could have gone better, but we are talking about two very strong and powerful kings from very different backgrounds, very different countries. These were initial talks. You forget that they lasted five days. Last time, the talks were finished before they’d been here a day. Both countries want peace. This was a very positive step.” It was quite an optimistic attitude. Arthur smiled fondly as he saw that the studio had put a picture of himself and Merlin on either side of their fathers on the screen behind Gaius. It had been taken on the third day, and Merlin was looking relaxed and happy, glowing even. So did Arthur, for that matter. “But King Balinor left in a fury, did he not? He stormed out of the palace and vowed never to return.” There was a quick piece of footage showing Balinor striding towards a waiting helicopter, Merlin hurrying along behind him, head down. They hadn’t even waited for Kilgharrah to collect them. “Of course he did. As I said, King Balinor is a strong-minded individual, as is King Uther. This will take time.” “But you believe it will happen, that we will have an alliance with Mercia eventually?” “Without question. Think of the future. While the talks didn’t go as well as we might wish, there was the tour by the princes. That went far better than anybody had hoped and was a huge success.” The picture cut away to footage of Arthur and Merlin walking along together, Merlin laughing at something Arthur had said. Then it focussed on them coming out of the theatre together, Merlin clutching that stupid dragon toy happily. There were a number of other similar clips, and then it moved to the zoo. “This part didn’t go as well,” Nimueh said, talking over the footage. “It went very well. The two young men who will one day rule both kingdoms worked together to prevent things escalating, and ensured that the dragon went home. I believe there has been some very positive reporting in Mercia of Arthur’s role in freeing the beast. There’s even talk over there of setting up a reciprocal visit, with Arthur touring key sites in Mercia.” Arthur couldn’t imagine his father agreeing to that for a moment, but he let himself daydream about the idea for a few moments. There was some footage of the two of them doing a walkabout, Merlin bending over to talk to a little girl. Arthur felt his heart wrench at the sight. He really, really missed Merlin. “It’s all a very good omen for the future,” Gaius was saying. “Excellent, thank you Professor Gaius.” Nimueh smiled brightly at the camera. “All very different from our last report on Prince Arthur.” The screen behind her filled with a picture of Arthur falling on his face outside a nightclub. Off-camera, the microphone managed to pick up Gaius’ exclamation of irritation and disgust. “Now, after the break we’ve got our regular cookery slot with…” Arthur turned the television off before it numbed his brain. Cookery slots had never appealed to him much, and he’d been feeling a bit queasy that morning anyway. Strange, when he’d spent most of the previous evening on Skype with Merlin and hadn’t drunk anything. Still, Gaius thinking that he and Merlin boded well for the future stayed with him. He glanced over at his computer and wondered if Merlin was online yet. --- The one good thing about the end of the Mercian visit was that Arthur didn’t have to suffer breakfast with his father every day. In fact, it was barely more than once a week. He was largely left to his own devices first thing, and had taken to eating in his rooms whenever possible. Sometimes he just didn’t feel like eating, and it was easier to hide that if he was alone. Also it was the only part of the day he got to himself, a time when he could call Merlin. He cherished it. “Are you putting on weight?” Uther regarded him critically (was there ever any other way?) over the top of his newspaper. Arthur shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was true that his tailor had taken out his trousers for the official function last week, and that there were few things in his wardrobe that didn’t feel a little snug. But it had been a busy month, what with all the fallout from the treaty discussions and everything, there had been a lot of official dinners and not much time to visit the gym. He was probably comfort eating. It was pretty miserable having found someone he could actually envisage spending the rest of his life with and then having them wrenched away from him like that. “I’ll get rid of it.” “Good. Looks bad in the papers, as if we’re greedy.” Arthur imagined Merlin’s response to that, and put down the slice of toast he’d been about to help himself to. Thinking about it, he didn’t feel particularly hungry anyway at the moment. It was probably a reaction to the sickness bug he seemed to have picked up and which didn’t seem to want to go away. Though really he thought he should be losing weight rather than putting it on because of that. Morgana gazed at him thoughtfully across the breakfast table. “You know, Arthur, you’re looking a little pale, and you’ve not been well recently. Perhaps you should have a doctor look at you?” Uther snorted disparagingly. “Don’t be ridiculous, he’s as strong as an ox. Didn’t you see him last week taking part in that tug-of-war contest at that ridiculous country fete?” “I saw him worn out that evening, yes,” Morgana mused. “Still, you know best.” Her tone suggested quite the opposite and Arthur wasn’t surprised when she followed him out and walked behind him all the way to his rooms. There was no chance of stopping her from following him in, so he didn’t bother trying. “You look terrible, Arthur. What’s the matter with you? And don’t say nothing.” “It is nothing. I’ve had a bug, nothing to worry about.” He took a seat, not bothering to offer her one because there was no need. She would just take one anyway. Sure enough, she sat down and fixed him with that penetrating gaze she had. “I am worried. Have you seen a doctor? A proper doctor, not just the check-ups with the nurse.” Arthur hadn’t even been bothering with the check-ups. There wasn’t any point, he wasn’t sleeping with anyone, not for months, not since Merlin left. He told Morgana as much. “I don’t need a doctor, Morgana. It’s just a bug.” “But you’re putting on weight, and being sick.” She pursed her lips together thoughtfully. “That’s contradictory, you know?” “I’ve stopped being sick, that was just the virus.” She reached into her pocket, and pulled out her phone. “I don’t agree. I’m calling someone.” “Morgana!” It was Professor Gaius, of all people, that she called. He was a medical doctor, after a fashion. But he’d studied in Mercia, and his knowledge had to be years out of date. Arthur liked the man, but had no wish to submit to any sort of examination from him. “Absolutely not,” he insisted when she turned the phone off. But it was hopeless to disagree with her, like trying to hold back the tide. And so he found himself sitting in his own bedroom, with Gaius insisting on listening to his stomach. Worse, whatever Gaius found left him with a faintly horrified look on his face and insisting that Arthur have a scan. He wouldn’t say why. It was, frankly, quite frightening. The scan was booked in for the afternoon. Left alone, with nothing to do but think and worry, Arthur called Merlin. --- Merlin loved modern technology. He particularly loved Skype, which allowed him to sit and chat with Arthur for long periods of time each day. He could see Arthur’s face gazing back at him, see what he was wearing that day (or sometimes not wearing, though they hadn’t done that for a few weeks because Arthur often wasn’t feeling too good), hear his voice and see the little toy dragon sitting there next to the screen, because Arthur claimed it was waiting for him to come back and collect it. Arthur didn’t look well. He hadn’t looked well for a while, but he looked pale and tired, and his smile wasn’t as bright as usual when he appeared on the screen in front of Merlin. It was horrible, being so far away and unable to do anything to help. He’d many times urged Arthur to visit a doctor, but now that he had, and the doctor (or antiquated old quack as Arthur referred to him, not entirely fondly) appeared to have found something. Arthur’s stomach was swelling up, yet he wasn’t eating as much as usual, was feeling sick and tired and rundown. He had stomach cramps sometimes too, although he swore they were only very mild. Merlin could see the fear in Arthur’s eyes and knew what he wasn’t saying, the fear that it could be something terrible, something fatal even. Merlin had tried to reassure him, but he was terrified himself. Losing Arthur didn’t bear thinking about. They talked for over an hour, only stopping when Morgana came back to Arthur’s rooms to sit with her brother. She’d looked concerned as well, and hadn’t greeted Merlin as brightly as she usually did. He thought he would call her later, find out if there was anything more, if there were things Arthur wasn’t telling him. Perhaps she could even find a way that he could visit. Merlin shut down his laptop after the Skype session, still worried. He sat there for a moment, thinking about what Arthur had said, trying to think of other possibilities. If he wasn’t horribly ill, what were the other possibilities? Merlin wanted something to cling onto, some hope. Perhaps it was just an infection, and he needed antibiotics or something. Or, it almost sounded as if Arthur was pregnant… but it couldn’t be. That wasn’t possible. Arthur wasn’t a dragonlord, he wasn’t even Mercian, and even if he was there was the whole dragon ceremony to go through… The dragon ceremony, which involved the dragon conjuring some form of mysterious magic over the host. How would they do that? He thought of Arthur, standing in front of Kilgharrah, and that awful moment when he’d thought the dragon was going to incinerate him. Kilgharrah hadn’t, but Merlin wondered what he might have done to Arthur instead. With more than a little trepidation, Merlin got up and went to find his parents. --- Arthur had never been hospitalised in his life. He didn’t like it, didn’t like the smell, didn’t like the way people kept coming in and out of his room, didn’t like the way Morgana insisted on sitting there holding his hand as if he were dying or something. No, there was nothing to like about it. “I want to go home,” he grumbled petulantly. “I’m starving.” They wouldn’t give him any food until the scan results came back. Arthur had been in the hospital bed for hours, being poked and prodded and tested. His stomach growled loudly in support of his words. “Just a little bit longer,” Morgana assured him. “Don’t worry, Arthur. It’ll be okay.” He thought he liked her better when she was being mean to him. --- Queen Hunith was up in her office when Merlin found her. He thought to try his mother first, because when on form Balinor could rival Uther Pendragon for his ability to shout. And if Merlin’s wildly improbable theory was correct, both kings were going to put that rivalry to the test. But it was a ridiculous theory. He went in and stood beside her desk. “Mother, can I ask you something?” “Very formal, Merlin. Sit down.” Hunith put down her pen and swung round to face him. “What is it?” “Well, I wanted to ask you about your wedding.” “It was beautiful. You’ve seen it many times.” Merlin nodded. “It was the dragon ceremony afterwards that I was curious about. Is there footage of that anywhere?” “Ah. No. Kilgharrah would never allow that. I don’t think your father would either. You won’t want that filmed when it’s your time, will you? It’s nice to keep some things private.” Merlin wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know the answer to his next question, in case it involved a scarring retelling of his parents’ sex lives that he might need counselling to erase from his brain. “But… what exactly happened? What does the dragon do?” Hunith’s smile softened further at the recollection. “Oh, well, I suppose there’s no harm in telling you. It was very beautiful. We went out together, just the two of us, to meet Kilgharrah. We’d just married, but with there being so few dragonlords, your father wanted an heir right away. So we knelt before Kilgharrah and asked for his blessing. And he blessed your father, and that was it, we went back to the wedding celebrations and I’m sure I don’t need to explain that part any further! And then nine rather stressful months later, because your father did not enjoy being pregnant one little bit, you were born.” Merlin was glad he’d missed that time. The thought of his rather acerbic father in such a condition was horrific. But his mother hadn’t quite answered his question. “So, this blessing… does the dragon speak it?” “Oh no,” Hunith smiled. “It was lovely. He breathed a sort of cold fire over your father. It glowed silver, just for a few moments. It was so pretty. And look, it gave us you.” She reached out and touched his cheek fondly. “Is that what you wanted to know? Oh Merlin, you look quite shocked, is something wrong?” “Maybe nothing,” Merlin said, hoping that was true. “It would only work on dragonlords, or those with Mercian blood, wouldn’t it?” “Of course. Most Mercians have dragonlord blood in them somewhere.” “The Pendragons don’t though, they’re not Mercian. So if… say Uther was king of Mercia, he wouldn’t be able to receive the dragon’s blessing?” Hunith laughed. “I don’t think so, for many reasons. He would probably be the last person in the world who might receive it. Kilgharrah would blast him where he stands if your father allowed it. And of course there probably isn’t a drop of Mercian blood running through his veins, so no, he wouldn’t be able to. What a strange question!” Her eyes were twinkling, and he supposed she had a very good idea exactly what he was really asking, though probably not why. His father had interpreted Arthur’s dishevelled appearance in Merlin’s bedroom on that last morning quite correctly, and both his parents would gently tease every now and then, thinking it only a crush or a dalliance. This was confirmed a moment later when she added, “Arthur, though, he’d be another matter. His mother was half-Mercian, I believe… Oh goodness, Merlin! Your face! Whatever is the matter?” --- Arthur stared at the fuzzy, black and white scan in front of him. He had been staring at it for several minutes. It was a mistake, of course. This wasn’t possible. He’d told Gaius as much, and had then had a long explanation about family on his mother’s side and how it was indeed quite possible, if a little unusual. “Arthur, please say something,” Morgana urged. He looked up at her, still too stunned to speak, then back down at the picture in his hands. “He seems perfectly healthy,” Gaius continued. “He? It’s a boy?” Morgana peered at the picture. “Isn’t that the umbilical cord?” An umbilical cord. Arthur stared at it. Inside him. Growing. It couldn’t be true. “This is a joke, yes?” He looked up at Gaius hopefully. “It’s not funny.” Gaius raised an eyebrow at him. “Considering what we originally thought this might be, I think I would take the pregnancy and be happy about it. I won’t ask how this came about, because I’m sure we are all under no illusions who the other parent is. But we will need to think very carefully how we break this to your father. Perhaps you should call Merlin, tell him what’s happened. You shouldn’t have to face this by yourself.” Arthur looked down at the picture again, then at his faintly swollen stomach. He wasn’t going to be facing anything by himself by the looks of things, not for a long, long time. At least he’d get to see Merlin again. That would be good. He could strangle him… --- In the end, the peace talks went very well. King Uther and King Balinor shouted and yelled at one another for a very long time, though that was only to be expected. The shouting generally involved accusations of whose son was more to blame, and the evilness of dragons and sorcery, and general rages about unnatural practices. Arthur missed all that, because Gaius had kindly decided to declare him delicate and unfit for any sort of stressful situation, which suited Arthur just fine. Merlin’s mother was a kindly woman who insisted on looking after him and making him soup and hot tea, and generally fussed around him, and Merlin was sitting there all through it holding his hand and looking horribly guilty. Arthur sort of liked the guilty look. Merlin, he supposed, probably deserved it. He might not have meant to do it, but Arthur’s condition was entirely Merlin’s fault. Merlin’s and that wretched dragon. It was a situation Arthur intended milking for many years to come. Uther, reluctantly, agreed in the end that there was only one course of action. A wedding, quick and quiet, and a suitably vague press release that, whilst not actually saying that Merlin was the one expecting the child, heavily hinting that this was the case. Arthur was to go to Mercia and stay out of the public eye until the child was born, then there would be a huge and very public wedding next year with a ceremony in both countries. Uther wasn’t too bothered about the huge wedding, but he made it very clear that he would not budge on any of the other points. Arthur found that he didn’t care too much. When he packed his bags and left with Merlin, it was the last time he would call the city of Camelot his primary home. Instead, he and Merlin set up a new home, together, on the border between the two countries. They didn’t look back with any regrets. Later, Arthur found he didn’t want to think back too much on the pregnancy. It was uncomfortable and the eventual caesarean had left a faint scar. But he was happy and contented with his family, and the little dark-haired boy who looked so much like Arthur’s mother was worth it, even if he did go through a phase where he kept waking up every hour, every night, and then months later was toddling around, getting into everything, always clutching that wretched little dragon. At least there were no rival princes to take it away and throw it into fountains, Arthur thought fondly. He stood in the nursery, watching as Merlin tucked in their little boy and laughingly refused the demands for a second bedtime story. They both kissed their son goodnight, then stood watching for a few moments as the little boy who would one day be king of all Albion cuddled up to his favourite toy, before turning out the light and leaving him to settle into sleep. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Mpreg, Modern Royalty, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting Collections: Merlin Mpreg--2014, Hurt/Comfort Bingo - Round 5
Published: 2014-11-16
Words: 22629

Five Times Merlin Used Magic to Court Arthur and the One Time He Used It to Save Arthur's

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Merlin uses magic to court Arthur. It takes awhile for Arthur to realize just how impressive Merlin's magic is. Notes This is for the wonderfully patient and generous pt_tucker, based on their prompt idea of a power reveal. See the end of the work for more notes Introductions Merlin decided to tell Arthur about his magic the same day he decided to court him. Not seduce. Court. Though he hadn’t served Arthur that long compared to the other servants in the castle, he had seen enough of who Arthur was, after their initial antagonism at being forced together faded away, to spark his interest. That initial spark, ignited during adrenaline and adventure, did not fizzle out as he had hoped and proved to be more profound and enduring than Merlin wanted to acknowledge. There were so many complications that came with royalty itself, throw in Merlin’s magic and any kind of relationship was just bound to be a disaster. But the comforting warmth that encased his heart every time he thought of Arthur would not be denied. Even in his short time at court, Merlin had seen the kind of people that flocked around the prince, trying to tempt him. Noble and common alike, they flattered, beguiled, and contrived, always in an attempt to seduce the prince into their clutches—but they never wanted Arthur. The only thing those malicious opportunists who tried to con their way into Arthur’s bed saw was his title, his wealth, and the favours they could get from him. They never saw the Arthur who was a hopeless—and helpless—romantic or the Arthur who had a biting sense of humour. They didn’t know that Arthur rarely showed his softer side, so in those small moments when he did let down his guard, you knew you were someone important, even if he sometimes said the opposite. All they cared about was what the prince could give to them; they didn’t care that Arthur was just and risked his life, not just for the nobility, not just for the people of Camelot, but for anyone who turned to him for help. And they never saw the man who desperately wanted a hug. Unlike all those others, Merlin didn’t want trinkets, power, or a crown. He didn’t just want into Arthur’s bed either, which possibly could have been managed and ignored. Though the physical appeal was undeniable and had been from the start—Arthur was very attractive with his golden hair and muscular body—that alone wouldn’t have compelled Merlin to think the unthinkable and try to court a prince. What he wanted was to be in Arthur’s heart. In the almost year that he had been working as the prince’s manservant, Arthur had forced Merlin to reassess the decidedly negative first impression he had left on Merlin with acts of bravery, caring, and loyalty. It was so unusual for a prince to trust and be loyal to a servant, and that had Merlin slowly discovering another side to Arthur, one that actually believed in honour and love. Arthur was not easy, he wasn’t always kind, but Merlin’s own natural sassiness challenged Arthur’s moods and made him Arthur’s equal. They complemented each other—and Merlin could just hear Kilgharrah laughing at him for that thought—and the second Merlin acknowledged that, at his heart, Arthur was a good man behind the privilege and title, he was lost. Merlin had made his decision but he knew he couldn’t approach Arthur like everyone else, all those conniving people who tried to use trickery to get what they wanted from Arthur. Merlin didn’t want a quick fuck, anyway; he wanted a partnership, as presumptuous as that was for a servant to think about a prince. That meant honesty and courting. And honestly, Arthur deserved courting. He deserved to know that Merlin was serious, that Merlin had thought this through, and, since no one ever dared to court a prince, only seeking fleeting connections, Arthur deserved to be treated like a worthy potential partner. Merlin wanted Arthur to know that his interest wasn’t some ploy, that it was genuine and sincere. However, since he wouldn’t be able to court Arthur properly if he were executed, he would have to find the perfect way to tell Arthur about his magic—one that inspired confidence and trust. Not something easily accomplished, given Arthur’s upbringing. Merlin was tempted to just say the words one evening after Arthur was done with his meal. He imagined them sitting before the crackling fire as the hour drew later and later, their bodies slowly moving closer together as Merlin explained his magic, stressing how much it had been used to help Arthur and the people of Camelot. He imagined Arthur looking at him with understanding and respect as he finally saw the part of Merlin that he kept so carefully hidden, his blue eyes shining, drawing Merlin in, until their words melted to kisses, Arthur’s sword-calloused hands scraping along Merlin’s neck… Merlin wished it would be as simple as that but he knew that Arthur was more a man of action than words. Just saying that he used his magic to help, not to hurt, wouldn’t be enough to convince Arthur. He had to demonstrate it somehow whilst Arthur was actually looking and couldn’t dismiss it as “luck.” And it couldn’t look like an accident, either. Merlin needed Arthur to know he was sharing this side of himself on purpose. It took a week of agonizing, imagining things going right, dreading how it could all go terribly wrong, before Merlin decided on a plan. Each day in that week, Merlin woke with a surge of energy, knowing that he was ready to tell Arthur, that he had to tell Arthur, but that energy quickly dissipated under the weight of actually figuring out how to tell him and so Merlin would put it off to the next day. By the end of the week, Merlin was exhausted, the constant strain of his decision hanging over him and wearing him down. It was as he was drifting off to sleep one night, feeling almost like he was floating though he was cushioned comfortably upon his mattress, that an idea struck him. It took some practicing to get the spells right, Gaius covering for Merlin’s absences as he worked. Arthur never commented on Merlin’s disappearances—though he was developing a strange habit of making loud clanging noises with whatever metal happened to be nearby whenever Merlin entered a room—and Merlin never offered any explanation. Much sooner than Merlin had anticipated, he had mastered the spells, which meant it was time to go to Arthur. Except, he didn’t. He put it off for the next day, then the day after that, then the day after that. He had thought learning the spells would take longer, he reasoned, he was just keeping to his original schedule. Merlin didn’t want to admit that he was scared and it wasn’t really about the magic. Revealing his magic was only step one, the next part was courting Arthur, alerting Arthur to his feelings, his interest. What if Arthur didn’t reciprocate? What if Merlin’s attentions made Arthur feel uncomfortable? What if Merlin ruined everything they already had by trying for something more? Merlin was risking more than just his life. A week went by, then another, and, though Merlin felt like his whole body became paralyzed every time he even thought of enacting his plan, he knew he couldn’t delay any longer— he couldn’t let a whole month go by with Arthur none the wiser. He knew, he just knew, that if he kept putting off this beginning step, he would suddenly find that years had passed and he had missed his chance, an outcome he would regret for the rest of his life. Merlin might be, possibly, maybe, a little scared of putting himself and his heart in a vulnerable position, opening himself up to Arthur’s derision and rejection, but the idea of letting the moment pass by completely scared him even more. This was going to be a big step; no matter how Arthur reacted, it would lead to a big change. It could bring him unending happiness but it could also prove to be a devastating risk. Arthur , Merlin thought with renewed resolve, is worth it . Merlin woke up that morning frightfully early after a very restless night, his stomach churning in a strange mixture of anticipation and fear. Fittingly, given his plan of action, his stomach felt like it was swooping around inside of him and Merlin might actually wind up having to postpone again because he was going to be sick. Despite waking up much earlier than usual, the morning flew by. It felt like Merlin had only blinked an eye and suddenly it was time to go down to the kitchen to retrieve Arthur’s breakfast. Another blink and he was in front of the door to Arthur’s bedchamber. One last blink along with a large, fortifying breath, and there was Arthur, the red of his sheets complementing the tan of his half-bared body exceedingly well. Merlin set about his morning tasks. Falling into the routine of opening the curtains, pulling out clothes for the day, and just generally puttering around, being as loud as possible so as to wake the prince who was always nearly comatose in the morning, soothed his jangling nerves and somersaulting stomach. If he just focused on the present task, he wouldn’t have to worry about how the rest of the day would go. He steadfastly did not think about how momentous this day might prove to be as he helped Arthur change, he forced his mind to focus only on the moment as Arthur ate his breakfast, and he ignored the increased shaking of his hands as the blank haze of sleep slowly left Arthur, his eyes becoming more focused as he slowly came properly awake. “Morning,” Arthur yawned as Merlin made to take away his empty breakfast tray. Merlin stopped, the utensils clattering on the tray slightly as he tried to calm his suddenly pounding heart. If Arthur was talking, that meant he was awake enough to comprehend the meaning of Merlin’s words, which meant it was time to put his plan into action. He wasn’t ready! How was he going to start again? With a big gulp, Merlin turned back to Arthur, who was still sitting in his chair at the table, not looking at all enthused about starting the day. Merlin knew perfectly well that today Arthur was set to attend council meetings with the king instead of training with the knights, so he wasn’t surprised by Arthur’s forlorn demeanour. In fact, he had counted on it. Trying to sound as casual as possible, Merlin said, “You know, Arthur,” Merlin paused as Arthur brought up his gaze to meet Merlin’s, causing Merlin to swallow several times before he felt like he could continue with the level of nonchalance he was striving for as he offered, “You look like you might benefit from some fresh air, maybe a nice walk?” Arthur leaned back in his chair with a frown, surveying Merlin critically as he asked darkly, “Is that so?” “Yes,” Merlin said with one too many nods, noting Arthur seemed to already be in a bad mood but, now that he had started, he couldn’t imagine turning back. Rallying his nerve under Arthur’s direct stare, Merlin suggested as if the thought had just occurred to him, hoping his words didn’t sound like he had been practicing them for over two weeks now, “Maybe we should go somewhere, maybe we should, we could go somewhere away from the stress of the castle?” “So, you’re saying I should leave the castle,” Arthur said in an exaggeratedly thoughtful tone and Merlin knew this wasn’t going to go his way. “And where will you be as I take this ‘nice walk’? The tavern, maybe?” Arthur asked innocently but Merlin heard the edge of steel in his voice. “No,” Merlin said long and low, confused by the suggestion. “I thought, well, I actually thought,” Merlin stammered, thrown off by Arthur’s cold stare, “I was thinking we would both go.” Arthur visibly relaxed at that and he sounded much less angry when he asked, “To the tavern?” “No!” Merlin nearly shouted before checking himself. What was Arthur’s obsession with the tavern? “To the waterfall.” “What waterfall?” Arthur asked and Merlin nearly groaned. He had had everything planned out and it was all falling apart. How had everything gotten so mixed up? Taking a deep breath, Merlin started over. “I was actually thinking that both of us could go see this amazing waterfall I found. I think you could benefit from it, freshen you up,” Merlin said in a deliberately teasing voice, hoping that Arthur would take the bait and they could get the day back on track. Arthur paused before answering, scrutinizing Merlin from head to toe and Merlin knew he failed at stopping himself from fidgeting but then Arthur smiled, all ill-humour from moments ago dissolving. “Are you saying I smell, Mer lin?” Arthur asked dangerously and at that particular tone, Merlin smiled from ear to ear in relief and then gave an exaggerated sniff. “I wasn’t going to say anything, sire, but you do spend most of your day in sweaty armour.” “I do not stink,” Arthur said in outrage and Merlin felt victorious as he saw Arthur’s cross expression, knowing from his antics that Arthur was considering it. “Not after we visit the waterfall,” Merlin said jauntily, “Of course you won’t.” Merlin was already moving away as he anticipated Arthur’s response, easily dodging the hurtled candlestick holder that came his way. Merlin was halfway down the corridor when he heard his name imperiously hollered. He turned to see Arthur standing in the doorway to his bedchamber. When he saw he had Merlin’s attention, Arthur gave a stiff nod and said, “Be ready in ten minutes” before disappearing back into his rooms. Merlin hurried down the rest of the way to the kitchen with a relieved sigh, working valiantly to not obsess over what would come next. Arthur threw back his head, soaking in the random rays of warm sunlight that occasionally broke through the canopy of trees above them as he and Merlin rode through the forest surrounding Camelot. The day was clear and bright, the kind of day that always beckoned Arthur to spend its entirety out of doors, enticing him with the joyful song of the birds and the wide expanse of sky. Usually, he could accept the sun’s warm invitation by training with his knights but all he had had to look forward to that day had been council meetings and enclosed walls. He had to admit, it was one of Merlin’s rare good ideas to make his excuses to his father and sneak out to the forest. Though he found Merlin’s stated motivation suspect; his reasoning sounded very flimsy. At first, Arthur had thought Merlin was trying to ditch him again. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Merlin had been acting a bit off, a bit clumsier, a bit more distracted than usual, and spending way too much time at the tavern. When he realized Merlin was intending for them to go off together, Arthur thought there was a chance Merlin might have finally decided to confide in him. Something was clearly bothering him and Arthur suspected he knew what it was. But he wasn’t going to press. It was a sensitive subject, after all. Given his suspicions, Arthur wasn’t at all surprised that Merlin wasn’t his usual, chatty self and Arthur found himself loathe to break the tenuous silence as they rode deeper into the forest. Instead, he focused on the sun above him, the trees around him, and the sedate clop of the horses’ hooves as they picked their way through the underbrush. It was a pleasant ride and Arthur decided to enjoy it despite his serious doubts about the existence of Merlin’s “waterfall.” As if he needed a waterfall to freshen up! And he knew for a fact he didn’t stink, which a very quick check as Merlin was delivering his dishes to the kitchen had confirmed. It was clear, Merlin just wanted a break from the castle and it wasn’t hard for Arthur to piece together why. Who was Arthur to deny a broken-hearted Merlin? He actually felt a little honoured that Merlin would turn to him to help cheer him up. Why Guinevere would reject Merlin’s advances, Arthur had no idea, but he wasn’t entirely displeased with how things had turned out. His only complaint was that, in wallowing in his misery, Merlin had been absenting himself from Arthur’s side and Arthur needed him around. He was the only one who made endless meetings bearable, his eyes upon Arthur acted as a constant challenge on the training field, and, God help him, his constant prattle had the unfortunate tendency to soothe Arthur and make him feel better. All things considered, though, this was the preferable outcome than Guinevere accepting Merlin. Arthur could only imagine the kind of nightmare that would be. Merlin was completely hopeless and sure to bungle the courtship to a spectacular degree, which would hurt Guinevere and enrage Morgana, and Arthur did not need a vengeful Morgana coming after him and his hapless manservant. No, it was best for everyone involved that things had not progressed any further than they already had. When Merlin finally indicated that they should stop, Arthur was not at all surprised that they were in an isolated clearing with no waterfall in sight. Merlin truly was an abysmal liar; he couldn’t hide anything from Arthur. Feeling charitable due to Merlin’s heartache, Arthur didn’t make any comment about the lack of any kind of water, let alone cascading water, as they dismounted from their horses. The instant his feet touched the ground, Merlin started to pace, completely ignoring Arthur and the horses that still needed attending to. Deciding to let Merlin sort through his feelings on his own, Arthur set about doing Merlin’s job making sure the horses were comfortable as Merlin acted like he wanted to pull his own hair out, his body nearly vibrating as he paced. Arthur shook his head sadly as he started towards Merlin. Honestly, such a simple confession wasn’t worth all of this. As he drew near, Arthur heard Merlin muttering as he wrapped his arms around himself, hands cupping his shoulders like he was giving himself a hug. “I’m just going to, just going to tell him. Yes.” “It’s okay, Merlin,” Arthur said compassionately, not liking just how nervous Merlin sounded. “I already know.” “What?!” Merlin strangled out, spinning around and freezing, like he had just found himself caught in Arthur’s crosshairs. “Whe-why- HOW ?” Merlin asked bewilderedly, looking slightly dazed and completely mad with his eyes boggling like that. “It’s not like you hid it very well,” Arthur said reasonably, keeping his tone light and slightly teasing, hoping it would reassure Merlin and get him over whatever was causing this panic. It produced the exact opposite effect, however, as Merlin suddenly appeared distraught and maybe even scared. What had happened between him and Guinevere? “Look,” Arthur said seriously, punching Merlin lightly on the shoulder which he didn’t need to wince so dramatically at, Arthur was just trying to cheer him up here, “I know it hurts now but don’t worry. Guinevere is undoubtedly very pretty and unendingly kind and, yes, you would have been very lucky to have fallen into her good graces, but there are other women out there. A whole castle’s worth, a whole city’s worth,” Arthur felt a frown pull at his lips at that statement but Merlin wasn’t looking at all comforted by his words, so he pushed through whatever had caused his own momentary displeasure to focus on Merlin, “And, despite the unfortunate ears, you’re not completely terrible to look at. Your eyes, for example…The point is,” Arthur said brusquely, “Your heart will mend and though Guinevere could not return your regard, someone else is bound it.” Arthur gave a firm nod and went to give Merlin’s shoulder another punch but stopped himself this time, taking in the stiff way Merlin was holding himself. “What I’m trying to say is…don’t give up?” Arthur finished hesitantly as slowly, Merlin’s confused pinch turned into a very peculiar expression, like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to laugh or throw up. “What’re you talking about?” Merlin asked surprisingly calmly, given his face. Arthur felt his frown deepen as he took in Merlin’s question, said like a man who genuinely had no idea what was going on and not like one who was trying to recover from his secret being exposed. “You and Guinevere,” Arthur answered slowly, “Her rejecting you.” “Gwen didn’t reject me,” Merlin said and Arthur swore his heart stopped beating. “I mean,” Merlin sputtered, “There’s nothing to reject. I never, I didn’t, I don’t…Gwen’s in love with Lancelot!” Merlin shouted and then he was pacing once more, thrusting his hands through his hair which gave him a very wild look as the hair stuck out in every direction. Arthur took a step back, thinking Merlin needed some space and definitely needing some of his own after this embarrassing debacle, though he did catch Merlin’s morose, “Why waste time making a plan if he’s just going to ruin it at every opportunity” before he had completely moved away. Several minutes later, a heavy sigh announced Merlin’s approach to where Arthur was lying on the grass, indulging in a rare moment of stillness. “I have something to tell you,” Merlin said stoutly, “And it has nothing to do with the tavern or with Gwen or anything like that.” Arthur rose at Merlin’s words so that they were facing each other as he replied, “Alright, so why don’t you tell me what it is about.” Merlin opened his mouth, paused, started to say something, stopped, and just as Arthur was about to ridicule him for hurting his brain with all that thinking, Merlin took a visible breath and said all in a rush, “I have magic.” His whole demeanour changed after he said those words, his shoulders dropping down, a small, tentative smile pulling at his lips, and his blue eyes meeting Arthur’s steadily. Disappointment weighed heavy on Arthur’s heart. Here, he thought Merlin had actually decided to confide something in Arthur and he gets this nonsense. Arthur gave an exasperated sigh and said, “Merlin, whatever’s going on, you can tell me. If it’s not about Guinevere, that’s fine. I can admit when I’m wrong. Just tell me what this is really about.” Merlin just looked annoyed at Arthur’s words which he took deep exception to. If anyone was going to be annoyed, it should be him. He was the one trying to be supportive and a good friend, even though they weren’t actually allowed to be friends, and Merlin was just spouting rubbish in return. “I already told you,” Merlin gritted out, “I have magic. I use magic. I am magic!” “Right,” Arthur said doubtfully, wondering why Merlin kept carrying on about this, “The manservant to the Prince of Camelot is a sorcerer.” “I can prove it,” Merlin said obstinately and Arthur was getting really tired of whatever game this was. “Okay,” Arthur said hotly, “Do it.” Merlin suddenly looked nervous again, uncertain, and Arthur decided to put an end to his sick game. “What’s it going to be, Merlin?” Arthur asked snidely, ignoring Merlin’s upset frown, “You gonna push me back, push me down? Crush me with magic?” “Of course not,” Merlin said sadly as Arthur took a menacing step forward. “What? Is that not cruel enough? Or were you thinking something subtler? You gonna infiltrate my mind? Take away my free will?” Arthur was advancing and although Merlin looked like he might start crying, he didn’t retreat from Arthur’s anger. “Or were you planning on something more vengeful. Tell me, Merlin, were you planning on burning me alive?” “No!” Merlin shouted, horrified, as any decent denizen of Camelot would be, just as Arthur knew he would be. He may be sticking to this twisted lie for some unknown reason but Arthur knew his heart, knew he couldn’t be a murderous sorcerer. Arthur shook his head, his anger vanishing, replaced by a sort of dejection. He didn’t understand Merlin at all in this moment. “Then what is it?” Arthur asked tiredly, fervently wishing that Merlin had just told him the truth but not being able to bring himself to say it. “I practiced something,” Merlin said hesitantly, “Just for you. Well,” he added hurriedly, “Just for this moment. To show you that I will never hurt you.” “As if you ever could,” Arthur scoffed at that. Merlin ignored Arthur’s comment and held out his hand. “All the proof is here,” Merlin said precisely, the words sounding slightly rehearsed, “All you need to do is take my hand.” Arthur didn’t even think about it. He stretched out his own hand and wrapped it around Merlin’s, who used the contact to pull Arthur close. They were far closer than they needed to be, their chests brushing against each other as they breathed, Merlin’s breath coming out rapid and anxious. Licking his lips, Merlin ordered, “Stand on my feet” and instead of commenting on who actually gave the orders here, Arthur stepped forward, closing whatever gaps may have existed between them as he placed his feet on top of Merlin’s. After a steadying breath, Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur’s torso, giving him a hug. Arthur snorted at that. If this was all just some elaborate plot to get a hug out of Arthur, there were better ways to go about it. Arthur was going to say as much but, feeling how Merlin was trembling against him, instead he decided to wrap his own arms around the lanky man and return the embrace. The quiet peacefulness of the moment was shattered, however, and Arthur immediately stiffened and tried to push Merlin away as he heard the unmistakable sounds of a spell being cast. Though he couldn’t recognize any actual words, he knew the sound of that magical language, even when uttered in Merlin’s clear voice. Arthur struggled to free himself but Merlin held him in place with an iron grip Arthur wouldn’t have previously credited him with and then they were rising. Arthur struggled, trying to gain his freedom whilst the ground was still a reasonable distance away but Merlin’s hold was unforgiving and then it was too late. Arthur went deceptively docile in Merlin’s arms as they approached the tops of the forest trees, thinking they would stop below the tree line and though they weren’t near any branches that he could spring to, still, his mind was a constant whirr of escape routes. Yet, Merlin’s spell took them even with the trees and then lifted the pair above them, the wind whipping around them furiously, they were so high. Though no longer struggling, Arthur kept rigid in Merlin’s encircling arms, cursing that he had left all his weapons with the horses. Due to their position, their heads were pressed alongside each other, their cheeks brushing and the clean scent of Merlin’s hair infiltrated Arthur’s nose; Arthur would have to pull his head back to actually look in the face of the traitor who held him suspended in the air, something he wasn’t willing to do. So instead, his glare was lost on the unending sea of green of the forest below him as he growled his accusation into Merlin’s ear, “You have magic.” “Yes,” Merlin replied, the feel of his lips ghosting against the shell of Arthur’s ear as Merlin worked to make himself heard above the roar of the wind. “I was born with it,” Merlin said as if that was any kind of explanation. “It’s illegal, Merlin,” Arthur said adamantly, “Everyone who uses it is evil.” Merlin’s grip around Arthur tightened before he said perfectly matter-of-factly, “It I was evil, then this is the point where I’d be dropping you, wouldn’t it?” Arthur grabbed hold of Merlin’s shirt in preparation for just that but Merlin didn’t even twitch, keeping his arms wound tight around Arthur. “Arthur,” Merlin said earnestly, “You can trust me. I have magic and I use it to help as often as I can. I have magic,” Merlin said again, not having the decency to sound the least bit ashamed by that fact, “And you can trust me. I won’t let you fall.” Arthur scoffed at that, not loosening his hold on Merlin’s shirt by one iota, not willing to have the moment he let his guard down be the moment he plummeted to his death. He would have to be a fool to trust a sorcerer and the fact that this particular sorcerer was Merlin would not sway him. All sorcery was evil, there were no exceptions. There couldn’t be. Merlin wasn’t speaking anymore, letting Arthur stew in his thoughts. Arthur wanted to rail and rant, he longed to have the reassuring weight of some kind of weapon in his hand as he processed this betrayal, and he wanted, very badly, to be on the ground so that he could put some distance between himself and Merlin. He couldn’t think properly, he couldn’t fully commit to his father’s lessons, with Merlin’s solid form pressed against him. He couldn’t force the level of detachment he needed to separate his memories of Merlin with this sorcerer when Merlin was so solid and real in his arms. He needed space, he needed distance…he needed Merlin to try and kill him. That would force his decision and prove his father right, that his father’s actions were in the right. Yet Merlin remained silent, staying faithful to his last words and keeping Arthur safe in his arms. As long, protracted minutes passed, Arthur’s hands started to ache from the strain of clenching them around the rough material of Merlin’s shirt. Arthur gritted his teeth as the pain in his hands increased, using every technique he knew to ignore the growing need to let go as his hands steadily fatigued. He stood at a precipice—almost literally—and it was only the strength of his hands that kept him from both a literal and metaphorical fall. If he let go of Merlin and his father was right, Merlin would let him fall. However, if he let go and Merlin maintained his firm grip on Arthur, then that meant Merlin, a sorcerer , could be trusted and that his father was wrong, putting everything Arthur had been raised to believe in in doubt. Arthur truly didn’t know which outcome he would prefer. He held off as long as he could, his hands starting to shake as he fought to maintain his hold on his only chance at making it through this encounter alive. Eventually, Merlin started talking, outlandish stories where he acted as the hero, using his magic to save the day, but Arthur refused to give his words credence. The strain in his hands rose in tandem with a growing weight in his heart, but Arthur strove for control. He was a knight, the best Camelot had ever seen; he could overcome the limits of his body. “You can trust me,” Merlin was saying, over and over, finished with his stories of falling branches, statues coming to life, and magical rescues, “Magic is a part of me and you can trust me.” Arthur felt the urge to break his stalwart silence and refute Merlin’s claims but pride wouldn’t let him. And then, he had other concerns to occupy himself with; his strength finally failed him and he was forced to loosen his grip. The pain of hands too tightly clamped closed for too long finally stretching open was negligible to the pounding of his heart as he fully expected to feel the sickening jolt of falling now that he could no longer latch onto Merlin. Arthur hurriedly opened and closed his hands, pushing past their reluctance to close and stretch, trying to get them back to a point where he could once again reliably take hold of Merlin. Eventually, it entered Arthur’s panicked mind that Merlin had not sent Arthur plummeting to his death yet. As that fact truly penetrated, unbelievably, Arthur began to relax. As his frantically pounding heart began to slow and the pain in his hands slowly receded, the words he hadn’t wanted to listen to, the stories he hadn’t wanted to believe, stubbornly came to the fore and forced Arthur to consider them. Merlin had once again fallen silent, only the roar of the wind as it whipped around them meeting Arthur’s ear, reinforcing just how high up Merlin had taken them both. Magic, clearly and unequivocally, and yet Merlin wasn’t using it to harm Arthur; he had the chance and he was letting it pass, keeping Arthur safe instead. That action revealed more to Arthur than anything Merlin could have possibly said and as each second ticked by with Merlin keeping Arthur secure in his arms, the safer Arthur felt, until eventually, he was ready to pull his head back a little and look upon the face of the sorcerer who had served him and (apparently) saved him for the past year. “Did you really do all of that?” Arthur asked as he met Merlin’s worried gaze with his own, steady one, having to shout even louder than he had been before to be heard as he was no longer speaking directly into Merlin’s ear. “Yes,” Merlin said after moistening his lips, increasing his volume as well, though it was still a little hard to hear as the wind tried to steal his words away. “I did.” “Why?” Arthur asked, genuinely curious how this impossible man had come into his life and upended it so completely. “Because,” Merlin said with deep sincerity, “You’re a good man, Arthur Pendragon, despite your best efforts to hide it,” Merlin added with a small smile, “And I wouldn’t see you dead. Not if I can stop it.” Arthur paused, really letting Merlin’s words sink in, before giving Merlin a curt nod of understanding, if not acceptance. It was all too new, and they were still way too high up, for Arthur to really know how he felt about all this at the moment. “Do sorcerers make a habit of flying around?” Arthur asked, wanting to change the subject and thinking of how he would have to change his knights’ formations to compensate for such a skill. Merlin laughed, distracting Arthur, his heart jumping in a much more familiar way at seeing the unabashed joy that Merlin never made any attempt at concealing. He started talking just as the roar of the wind reached a crescendo, drowning out some of what he said. “…Magic comes in many talents, categories, with a variety of skills associated with each talent. Magic requires practice for us to master any skill, let alone a talent. It took me a week to feel I could perform this skill. To put that in perspective, it took me only a handful of hours to successfully transform the dog statue,” Merlin explained, joy still radiating off him as Arthur actually listened to his explanation on magic without looking like he was battling murderous rage. “Though,” Merlin added, an almost shy look overtaking his joy as he continued, “it took that long because I practiced something else, too. Something I want to show you, if you care to see it?” Arthur had to strain to hear Merlin’s question, as his voice became uncertain as he offered to show Arthur more magic. And, as much as Arthur longed to feel the reassuring firmness of solid ground again, he was curious to know what Merlin had spent a week doing whilst not getting drunk at the tavern. “Alright,” Arthur gave his permission and Merlin’s smile rivaled the brilliance of the sun, in Arthur’s estimation. Still, Arthur felt uneasy at what he had just done, what he had just agreed to. When Merlin started casting his spell, that magic language falling from his lips, Arthur couldn’t help but tense. And when Merlin’s eyes flashed gold, Arthur nearly flinched, as he had never experienced anything pleasant in the presence of that flash. Arthur took stock as the swirl of gold slowly receded from his eyes to once again reveal Merlin’s vibrant, comforting blue but nothing seemed to have changed and he wondered if Merlin’s spell had failed. It wouldn’t surprise him, given how inept Merlin could occasionally be. “Do you trust me?” Merlin asked, looking hopeful. The question took Arthur off guard, though, he supposed, it really shouldn’t have as Merlin had been saying all along that Arthur could trust him. It was a question that should have an obvious answer; Merlin was a servant and a sorcerer. One, Arthur had been raised to ignore as they were only there to serve a function, whilst the other, Arthur had been trained to hunt down and destroy. Of course, where Merlin was concerned, he had never been able to do the former and the latter…was unthinkable. But did that mean he trusted Merlin? Before today, if pressed, he might have said yes but he wasn’t sure that was the case anymore. Merlin had held back a fundamental secret, had lied to him to protect that secret, and though Arthur understood why Merlin had done it and at least he was bringing everything out in the open now, Arthur really didn’t know if he could completely trust this new Merlin. “I don’t know,” Arthur answered honestly, Merlin giving a nod of acceptance though he couldn’t hide his disappointment. He was just opening his mouth to say something when Arthur spoke over him, words rushing out that he hadn’t actually meant to say but that he refused to take back, “But I’m willing to try.” Arthur hadn’t realized he was going to say that, he didn’t know where this supposed “willingness” had come from. He hadn’t even been aware of making any kind of decision, one way or the other, but some part of him, perhaps the part taking note that Merlin still held him close, making him feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the sun as he felt almost like Merlin was holding him like he was something precious to him, must feel some form of certainty. “Okay,” Merlin said reassuringly into Arthur’s ear, head once again pressed along Arthur’s, his warm breath a gentle caress compared with the whipping wind, “That’s okay.” Arthur felt the scrape of Merlin’s cheek against his own as Merlin nodded, probably inanely but Arthur couldn’t see to be sure. “Can we get down now?” Arthur asked, much more politely than he felt he ought. It seemed his mouth and brain still weren’t agreeing on what he was feeling at the moment. “Actually,” Merlin said, a bit of mischief in his voice that Arthur didn’t trust at all, “I thought we might stay up here a little bit longer.” “What have I told you about thinking, Merlin?” Arthur drawled, the playful words coming easy. “To do it, since you can’t be bothered,” Merlin shot back without hesitation and since there was no way he could see Arthur’s face, Arthur let himself smile, just a little. “Just wait until we’re back on the ground,” Arthur said menacingly, a small part of him shocked that Merlin had revealed that he used magic and yet, seemingly, nothing had changed between them. “But until then,” Merlin chirped, uncowed by Arthur’s false anger, “The spell I practiced, the one I just cast.” Arthur clenched his jaw at Merlin’s casual attitude towards his magic use, like it was an everyday, normal thing that he did but held his tongue and listened to what Merlin had to say. “This spell, it’ll make the air feel as solid as the ground under your feet. You can take a few steps, move around, just don’t let go of my hands.” “And why would I want to walk around on air that feels like ground when I can just walk on the ground without the pesky risk of falling to my death?” Arthur asked. “I bet Morgana would do it,” Merlin taunted, the smile clear as day in his voice. “Are you calling me a girl, Mer lin?” Arthur asked indignantly as he’s the one who is supposed to needle Merlin with that jab, not the other way around. Merlin was not only a sorcerer; he was a thief! “Actually,” Merlin said with a laugh, “I believe I said that a woman is braver than you.” “Fine,” Arthur snapped after thinking that over for a moment. Arthur took a big gulp of air that he tried to hide by turning it into a sort of half-snort, ordered himself sternly not to so much as glance down at the ground far, faaar below him, and took a deliberate step back, shooting a challenging glare towards Merlin as he did so. Arthur’s foot sank lower and lower, much further than he thought reasonable if Merlin’s spell worked at all like he said it would. He was just starting to think Merlin was a liar when, it turned out, he was just incompetent and put the “floor” too low. Arthur’s foot finally hit “solid ground” a good half metre below where he and Merlin had been floating, causing Merlin to tower over Arthur as Arthur removed his other foot from Merlin’s. Arthur shifted his weight slightly, testing just how reliable the spell below him was. It certainly wasn’t at all like standing on true terrafirma. Sure, his feet were being supported and he wasn’t plummeting to his death but there was an insubstantial quality to the “surface” beneath his feet, like stepping onto land after a long time at sea and feeling the rock and roll of waves that were no longer there. “What now?” Arthur asked with a surly expression as he had to look up to talk to Merlin, which just should not happen. Temper turned to shock, however, as Merlin gently ran his hands up Arthur’s sides, around his shoulders in a sensuous glide, and then down his well-muscled arms, the warmth of Merlin’s hands seeping through Arthur’s shirt pleasantly. Then, they were holding hands, Merlin’s surprisingly large hands clasped around Arthur’s own. Merlin then took a step down—a very strange sight in mid-air—and started to sway. The roiling quality of the “ground” didn’t seem to unsettle Merlin as he used his hold on Arthur’s hands to move him side to side, mirroring the “ground’s” movement with an odd sort of grace. For a being who was so clumsy on the ground, up here Merlin appeared to be at ease, more confident in his movements and Arthur found himself following Merlin’s lead. Though the only sound surrounding them was the rushing wind, Merlin led Arthur through the steps of one of his favourite dances, pulling their bodies close, then back, close and to the side. Arthur took a step back from Merlin, keeping him at arm’s length and shouted in confusion, “Why are we dancing?” Merlin responded with a joyous laugh, throwing his head back, the sun glistening along his pale throat like the caress of a lover. “We’re walking on air, Arthur,” Merlin replied, “What the hell else are we going to do?” Arthur thought about that and, for the first time since Merlin took him up into the sky, truly took in his surroundings. The wide expanse of blue had never seemed to vast, the sun so warm and welcoming, the earth below him a tapestry of colour, like a living quilt. It was all wondrous. Secretly, as Arthur tipped his own head back to take in the kiss of the sun’s rays, he thought, no wonder people turn to magic, if this is the result . “Can I spin you?” Arthur asked playfully, a quirk to his lips that Merlin ignored in favour of letting go of one of Arthur’s hands, taking control of his body, and leading him through a breath- taking and perfectly executed twirl. “No,” Merlin said with a smirk. Accepting that he was in no danger and that Merlin, at his heart, was still the same idiot and friend he’d been before this reveal, Arthur play-growled and wrested control back from Merlin, twirling him and leading him through the dance steps until they were breathless with laughter and falling against each other, the wind stealing away and hiding the sound, the evidence, of their joy in the use of magic.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), OCs
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon-Typical Violence, Getting Together, 5+1, Magic Reveal, power reveal, BAMF!Merlin, switching POVs, Misunderstandings
Published: 2020-08-30 Completed: 2020-10-25
Words: 61053
Chapters: 6/6

One in a Million

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Merlin is attacked, and Arthur is furious, but revealing the reason why may change their relationship forever. Based on a tumblr post by whumpster-dumpster. Notes See the end of the work for notes “Merlin,” Arthur said, his voice as flat as the stare he had fixed on his manservant, “you’re bleeding.” “Huh? Oh.” Merlin put down the tray of food he had been carrying on the table, tentatively touching his split lip and flinching a bit at the pain. When he drew his hand back, he was, in fact, bleeding. He chuckled, trying to ease some of the tension that was emanating from Arthur. “I’ll just get myself patched up by Gaius once I’m done here.” Arthur stood abruptly from his desk, his chair scraping against the floor. Merlin felt his heart start racing as Arthur stalked closer to him, Merlin leaning onto the table as Arthur’s arms came to rest on either side of him. They stared into each other’s eyes for a moment before Arthur tugged out the chair that was next to Merlin. “Sit.” For the first time in his entire career as a manservant, Merlin did what he was told without complaint. Arthur’s eyes scanned Merlin’s entire face, his hand coming up to gently cradle Merlin’s jaw. His other hand brushed away Merlin’s fringe, tracing along a cut just above his eyebrow and traveling down to circle a bruise along his cheekbone. Finally, his touch feather-light, his thumb grazed across Merlin’s lips and wiped away the remaining blood there. His eyes were soft as he did this, and Merlin felt himself growing dazed, heat following wherever Arthur’s hands touched. “Merlin.” “Yes?” Merlin hated how breathy his voice sounded, but he was sure that in this moment, he would do anything Arthur asked. Arthur’s soft eyes grew murderous. “Who did this to you?” Merlin snatched his face back as if Arthur’s enticingly warm touch now burned. It’s not that Merlin couldn’t tell Arthur who attacked him, but to tell him the reason he was attacked… Merlin plastered on a reassuring smile, doing his best to sound normal. “Oh, you know how clumsy I am, sire. I simply,” Merlin searched for a probable explanation for his face and, though Arthur hadn’t seen the bruises yet, his body. “fell down the stairs.” “You—” Arthur’s eyebrows furrowed before he let out a scoff. “You fell down the stairs?” “Yep.” Arthur turned his back to Merlin, walked a few paced, then turned on his heel and stomped back to him. “You are a terrible liar, you know.” “I’m not lying!” Merlin tried and failed to sound indignant. “If you don’t tell me yourself, Merlin, I’ll simply have to investigate.” Arthur crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, giving Merlin a look that rivaled Gaius. Merlin felt his heart stutter. If Arthur found out the truth, he would never look at Merlin the same. He might even fire him on the spot… or worse: execute him. “You can’t!” Arthur sighed heavily, kneeling in front of Merlin. He put a hand on Merlin’s knee, his thumb absentmindedly stroking as he said, “Merlin, you can tell me anything.” “Arthur…” Merlin’s hands were gripping the armrests so tightly that his knuckles turned white. It was just a simple touch, yet Merlin was having immense trouble thinking clearly. “Stop.” “Stop what?” There was his confused look again, and Merlin would’ve found it endearing in any other situation, but right now, Arthur was just too close. “Stop caring about me so much, stop being so kind to me, and stop touching me!” He blurted out, and the hurt on Arthur’s face as he withdrew his hand from Merlin’s knee was enough to prompt him to add, “I don’t deserve it.” “Who told you that? Your attacker?” The murderous glint to his eyes was back. “No—I—It’s—” Merlin sighed heavily, deciding to just get it over with. “Arthur, I like men.” When he was met with a blank stare, Merlin continued, “That’s why I was attacked. There’s a rumor going around the lower town, and it happens to be true.” Merlin, whose eyes had been trained on the floor during his confession, risked a glance at Arthur. He looked stunned, and Merlin wanted to make a hasty exit before that shock turned to disgust. “I understand if you aren’t comfortable with me as your manservant anymore, and I promise I never tried to take advantage of my position or anything like that, but I’m just going to go and—” Arthur’s hand grabbed his shoulder as Merlin tried to stand, gently pushing him back into the chair. “Tell me everything. Start at the beginning.” Though confused, Merlin obliged. He told Arthur of how he realized he was different from the other boys of his village around puberty. While everyone was busy with courting the prettiest girls in the village, Merlin was busy thinking about Will. He told him about how, while supportive, his mother told him he must never let anyone know or even suspect his preferences. He told him about his heartbreak when he found Will kissing a girl by the creek, and how he was glad to be sent to Camelot after that. He told him how he wished he was normal, or at the very least, that he could find someone like him. By the time he finished his tale, Merlin found that he was crying, mourning the fact that he would never know true companionship. He startled out of his reverie when Arthur wiped away one of his tears. “Arthur?” Merlin asked, hesitant. “I thought I was the only one.” Arthur smiled, ruefully. “What?” Merlin croaked, his mouth suddenly dry. “Merlin,” Arthur smiled, happily this time, “I like men, too. My whole life, I thought that there was something wrong with me and that I was the only one, but now… Now there’s you.” A laugh burst out from Merlin, shocking them both. “I just can’t believe it.” “But, Merlin,” Arthur sobered, “while we’re being honest with each other, I must tell you something.” Merlin felt his heartbeat quicken as he nodded, fearing the worst. “I don’t just like men… I like you.” Merlin leaped out of his chair, his hands coming to cradle Arthur’s face as he pressed their lips together. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the pleasantly surprised look on Arthur’s face. “I like you, too.” “What are the odds?” Merlin smiled as he wrapped Arthur in a tight hug that was quickly returned. “One in a million.” End Notes Hey, guys! I know it's been forever since I've posted anything, but I've been really depressed lately lol I hope y'all are doing better than I am Also, sorry if the ending is super cheesy!! Comments and Kudos are much appreciated as are prompts since I'm not in the most creative headspace right now! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Protective Arthur, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), but just a little bit, Coming Out, First Kiss
Published: 2020-09-13
Words: 1054

At the Last Moment...

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People [are] hiding everywhere; stand still as a stone... Merlin has imagined telling Arthur his secret. He's thought about it countless times, hundreds upon hundreds. Thought about his fate, his destiny to serve Arthur as the Once and Future King. But he's never imagined this. Never thought this would happen, never thought he would take such a step. And now he is certain that his end has come. (Or, Merlin plans or rather decides spur of the moment to reveal his magic and - if necessary - die trying. Because how can he be completely, utterly certain that he is immortal, Kilgharrah? And how can he truly serve Arthur if he forever conceals an integral part of himself?)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: Gen, F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) & Other(s), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Will (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Undisclosed Relationship(s), Minor or Background Relationship(s)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Additional Tags: What-If, During Canon, Magic, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arguing, Fights, Self-Esteem Issues, Self-Hatred, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Crying, Implied Relationships, Visions, Anger, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Alternate Ending, Fate & Destiny, Banter, Protective Arthur, Anxiety, Panic, Panic Attacks, What Have I Done, Humor, Attempt at Humor, Mistaken Identity, Swearing, Confused Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is So Done (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Epic Friendship, Friendship/Love, Season/Series 05, Post-Season/Series 05 Finale, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Innuendo, Arthur Pendragon is a loveable idiot, He's a good sort though, Both he and Merlin are, Merlin has had enough of this, Hugs, Gwaine is a supportive bestie, Everyone Loves Merlin (Merlin), Affectionate Insults, Nicknames, Elyan Lives (Merlin), Declarations Of Love, Canon-Typical Violence, Deviates From Canon, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine's Hair (Merlin), Gwaine Flirts (Merlin), Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Post-Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Dreams, Dreams and Nightmares, Cuddling & Snuggling, Sleepy Cuddles, War Boys Showing Affection, Merlin has a lot of feelings okay, Pre-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Post-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Arthur also has feelings they're just a bit... repressed, Oblivious Arthur, dumbasses in love, Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), Idiots in Love, They're both idiotic and dumbasses let's be honest, Emotionally Repressed Gays, Emotionally Repressed Bi Boys, The author relates so hard Series: Part 6 of Storm the Court and Save the King
Published: 2020-09-23
Updated: 2020-12-28
Words: 19065
Chapters: 18/25

the dragon said it was destiny (but my dear, that was never enough)

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“What can I do for you, Sire?” Gaius asks. “Is Merlin around?” Arthur says. A pause. “No.” “You sure?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “He is out gathering herbs.” “Mind if I come in, then?” Arthur insists. He walks in, without waiting for a response. He is the King, after all. Merlin is literally just sitting at the table. The idiot didn’t even try to hide. The druids really ought to find a better leader. ******* Arthur doesn’t want to have to deal with the ways he is different from his father. Merlin is tired of secrets and pretending they don’t both know what is going on. And Arthur doesn’t know much about destiny, but he does know that Merlin isn’t evil, and Gwaine possibly is. Anyway, the trees have seen it all. Notes some disclaimers: you’ll have to forgive any historical inaccuracies here, I’m definitely not an expert. I also took the liberty of having Lancelot happily engaged to Gwen. They are very wonderful, and Merlin and Arthur are very stupid. I literally just wrote this for the last scene, which came to me in the middle of the night and had me way too emotional. The friendship between the knights is probably one of my favourite things about Merlin and I wish I had explored it more. Maybe I’ll write something else soon about that friendship, but please know as you read this that they are all completely obsessed with each other, even if they won’t admit it. I don’t really reference much that actually happens in the show, this is sort of an au where everything else is vaguely is the same but the actual plot is also put on hold for a bit so Arthur can sort out his feelings for Merlin. Don’t think too hard about it. See the end of the work for more notes 1.The Dragon said it was Destiny. Arthur finds it is different, in the woods and in the castle. In the castle, Merlin is his terrible servant who lives with Gaius and who makes fun of his knights. In the woods, Merlin is his terrible servant who is also his closest friend and who he would willingly give his life for. It’s not his feelings that change, necessarily, but out here, everyone understands the way they feel because they feel almost the same way. That undeniably makes it different. The sky is starting to darken as they eat, Arthur and the knights having dragged Merlin out on a hunting trip. He complained, but honestly, Arthur swears he’s starting to enjoy parts of it. Perhaps not the killing animals, but the escape, the stars, the comradery, probably. And Arthur understands. He lives for those bits too. It’s not that he minds being King. It’s all he’s ever known or imagined and he’s happy with it, as bold a claim as that may be for one only officially crowned a week ago. Still, sometimes it is nice to escape for a short while and eat stew made with fresh meats around a fire. Arthur hears laughing, and pulls himself out of his thoughts. “And that’s not even mentioning the time Uther married a troll!” Merlin was saying. “Oi!” Arthur frowns. “Stop laughing at my father, he’s not even cold in the ground.” “Well it’s not like he can hear us, Princess. And this is so fascinating!” Gwaine grins. “Anyway, I’m not laughing,” Merlin shakes his head, definitely still laughing. “It’s literally just a fact that it happened.” “He’s got a point, Sire,” Leon raises his eyebrows. The traitor. Arthur shakes his head and clicks his tongue. He doesn’t mind, not really, and they know it. He’d even grudgingly admit to thinking it’s nice to have people who don’t step so carefully around him. Not out loud, of course, that would hardly be proper. Anyway, the stew Merlin makes is nice enough to almost make up for his complete lack of manners. “I will put you all in the stocks. Don’t test me.” He says, and he truly thinks he is pulling off the Stern King act, until he notices his own smile. By the time they finish eating and talking, the moon is high in the sky, and it is a warm enough night to sleep on bedding rolls without any shelter. Merlin goes to clean up while the knights prepare for the night and lay around the fire that is burning itself out slowly. And if Arthur puts his bed a little closer to Merlin’s than he ought to, he’s pretty sure nobody notices. It is only when he can hear Percival’s gentle snores that Arthur allows himself to open his eyes and turn his head to find Merlin looking over at him. Merlin’s smile widens, and Arthur cocks his head, gesturing for Merlin to come closer. Arthur is no idiot. He knows he shouldn’t so desperately want to lay under the stars with Merlin in his arms, and he suspects that Merlin has the same fears. For now though, they settle with this - an unspoken embrace that they won’t even think about when the sun can see them. 2.His friend said it was betrayal. There are definitely advantages to being King. Arthur likes that he can make his own judgements now - likes to think he is being more just and fair than Uther ever was. He likes that he isn’t always being monitored and told if he is a good enough son, a worthy heir. He even, admittedly, likes the clothes and the crown. However, the way he sees it, the biggest disadvantage is that he can’t ever get a moment to himself. He is constantly surrounded by guards and servants and as much as he tries to tell them that he can look after himself thank you very much and he already has a servant who is more than capable - which he even manages to say with a straight face - they still won’t leave him alone. He expects it will wear off eventually as they learn that he doesn’t want the same constant dedication his father did. For now, though, it’s frustrating. It is only really his chambers that they don’t come into. Guards still stand at the end of the corridor, but he’s used to that, and the servants have gathered that Arthur won’t allow them to enter without clear permission. Apart from Merlin, of course, but that hardly counts, him being Arthur’s personal manservant and also probable best friend and all. He regrets thinking that almost immediately, remembering that he is currently annoyed at Merlin. The idiot failed to show up for his job today and left Arthur without anyone to share knowing looks with at today’s meeting. It is a relief when Arthur’s duties in court are finished early and he can retire to his rooms. He is just thinking he should maybe send somebody to find Merlin and remind him that he is in fact required at the feast tonight when he hears the crash coming from his bedroom. Instinctively, Arthur puts a hand on his sword and races to open the door. Well. There’s Merlin. There’s also a washing pot smashed on the floor in a puddle of water. And a selection of Arthur’s own clothes, suspended in mid-air. They shouldn’t be doing that. Merlin is holding a broom and the horror in his eyes even scares Arthur. Arthur takes a step back and shuts the door again. He stumbles over to the nearest chair and collapses on it. He counts to thirty and then stands up. He doesn’t have to address this. If he addresses it that means he has to think about it and if he thinks about it that means it happened and Arthur really, really doesn’t want it to have happened. He knocks on his own bedroom door, like some sort of commoner. Merlin opens it. Arthur peers inside. There is still a broken pot on the floor, but now the clothes are laying in messy piles and the broom is in the puddle. Arthur looks Merlin in the eyes. “Please refrain from breaking all my pots, Merlin. And tidy that mess.” He says. His voice doesn’t even shake, which he is quite proud of. Merlin frowns, but Arthur doesn’t let him speak. Instead, he promptly leaves his chambers. There’s never been a better time for a training session with the knights, Arthur decides, so he gathers them and lets them complain about it. It’s a good distraction. Over the next few weeks, Arthur gets good at pretending he didn’t see anything. Thankfully, Merlin seems to get the message. Sometimes, Arthur genuinely does question what he saw. Honestly, he really might have got it all wrong. There’s certainly no cause for concern. He has bigger problems, anyway, like preparing the castle in case Morgana attacks again. Still, he can’t help but notice little things. Like when they go on a hunting trip and Merlin lights the fire without anything in his hands. Or when Leon is playing a card game with Merlin and Leon just happens to lose his grip on the cards right before he makes a winning move. The time when the two of them almost get captured by bandits, until a branch falls from a tree and blocks the path just after they get past it. But Arthur isn’t thinking about it. Coincidence is a wonderful thing, and there’s no way that his idiot servant could really have done any of that. 3. His Mother said it was safety. Arthur has been king for over a month now. It’s all going quite well, really. The people are warming up to him and he has heard rumours that they are feeling a lot better about his reign than his father’s. He misses his father, naturally, but he can also accept that he wasn’t the fairest of rulers, so he understands why they speak this way. He’s happy that they accept him as King so easily. Merlin rolls his eyes when Arthur mentions this. “You just like that they like you, you arrogant prat.” He has even gotten away with not having to face any magic within the kingdom, up until now. Up until this idiot of a druid shuffles into his court, asking to speak to a man named Emrys. Arthur doesn’t know what to do. For a start, he doesn't even know an Emrys, let alone have one in his court. And that’s not even getting into the fact that according to the laws of Camelot, he should technically be immediately ordering the execution of this woman. He doesn’t want to do that. It’s not like she’s hurting anyone. Arthur has never felt right about killing people for no reason. But really, she comes walking in here, putting him in this position! It doesn’t feel like a considerate thing to do. “Who is this man you speak of?” He asks. He hears Merlin shuffle behind him, and assumes his servant dropped something. He manages not to turn around and roll his eyes. “Emrys is our leader, Your Majesty. I need to speak with him. It’s important.” The druid woman says. “Right. Well I’m afraid I can’t help you. You’re aware magic is banned in Camelot, aren’t you?” The druid nods, hesitantly. Merlin coughs. Arthur still doesnt turn around. He deserves congratulations, honestly. He doesn't even need to turn though, after all, because Merlin takes it upon himself to try to sneak out of the room, which means Arthur both can look directly forwards and roll his eyes at Merlin. “Merlin?” He sighs. “Sorry. Um. I need some water.” Merlin says. “Yes, fine, go on.” Arthur waves a hand. The majority of the court around them looks annoyed, a few of the older members even starting to tut. Arthur glowers at them, but he’s definitely going to shout at Merlin later. He turns back to the druid woman. “Right.” “I was mistaken.” She shouts out. “There is no Emrys here.” Well, obviously. Arthur nods. “Leave, and never return.” He commands. The guards step to escort her out, but Arthur shakes his head. No need to treat her like a criminal. If she leaves as she is told, then surely nobody can blame him for that. The session gets back to normal, after that. Just the typical Not Enough Grain and Too Much Sickness problems that he is equipped to handle. Merlin never makes it back in, but as Arthur is leaving he bounds up to the door and walks with him back to his room. “What the hell were you playing at, Merlin?” Arthur asks. “Do you want me to look like I have absolutely no control whatsoever?” It comes out more pathetically than he would have liked. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.” Merlin grimaces. “Just be quieter next time, I suppose.” Arthur says as they turn the corner. Merlin chuckles, but he sounds slightly on edge. They reach Arthur’s room, and Merlin locks the door behind them. That’s unusual. Arthur turns to him, brows furrowed in his unspoken question. Merlin breathes out slowly. “What is it?” Arthur asks. “I should make up another lie, you know. But I am so tired of it and it’s not even like it’s actually a secret anymore.” Merlin mutters, more to himself than anything. He seems to shake himself and nods. “Ok. Arthur. I have magic. Was born with it. We should talk about that.” Arthur feels his blood run cold. No. They definitely should not. But now Merlin has started talking he doesn’t seem to be able to stop and Arthur can’t figure out how to make his tongue work. “And really, I would never dream to use it against you, Arthur, or Camelot, or anyone, really, unless it’s in defence. And I didn’t choose to have it but I do and it’s part of who I am and the prophecies all speak of how I should protect you with it so I do that but it doesn’t really make me evil, I swear, and-” “Merlin.” “Yes, Sire.” Wow. Merlin really must be frightened, to be using titles. Arthur sits down on his bed. Merlin continues to fidget where he stands. Finally, Arthur lets himself think about it. He lets himself feel all the things he has been scared to feel and he has refused to think. The main emotion surging through him is one of betrayal. If he can’t trust Merlin, who can he trust? Why did Merlin never tell him? Oh Gods, was Merlin scared of him? Did Merlin have such little faith that he thought Arthur could ever do him harm? “What do you mean, protect me?” Arthur tries. So Merlin tells him. Staring at the floor the entire time, Merlin tells stories of all the times that apparently Arthur failed, and it hurts. It hurts that Arthur never achieved the things he thought he had. It rips him apart, in a way. And so does the fact that Merlin risked his life, so many times. That hurts too. Merlin tells him stories in the meekest voice Arthur has ever heard come from his mouth. After, Merlin stops, and says “I think that’s the big ones,” and Arthur stares at him. “Why are you telling me now?” He asks flatly. “The druids need help.” Merlin says, quieter than ever. “Why would you know this?” Arthur continues to use his best monotone. “The druid that came today told me. Um. The druids call me Emrys. Well. I’m in some prophecies. She said that there’s a beast attacking all their camps. They just need a place for their injured and homeless to stay, for a bit. They want to come here because I’m here. I think they’re under the impression I have a bit more leverage than I do.” Arthur sighs. “And what? You expect me to do something?” Arthur asks. Merlin scrunches his face and his shoulders sag. “Get out of the room, Merlin.” Arthur sighs. Merlin unlocks the door, his hands visibly shaking, before he turns and leaves. Arthur can’t clear his mind well enough to think clearly about this. He knows he is upset. And he wants to be angry. He really does. But all he can seem to feel is pity. Pain for the man who suffered through all he did without any recognition. Merlin doesn’t show up for work the next day. It is George that brings the King his breakfast. That morning, he sends a message for Gaius to pass on to Merlin that he will not do him any harm. That afternoon, he sends a messenger to the druid camps, telling them that if they are inconspicuous about it he is willing to house those who need it most. That evening he sends a second message to the druids telling them that he will help them fight this beast if they need it. 4. The old King said it was a reward. Two weeks go by, and Arthur hardly sees Merlin. He hears that Merlin is doubling down on his work with Gaius. Lancelot comes to him, one evening when Arthur thinks he had slipped away into the woods alone, and asks where Merlin is. Arthur shakes his head, but then Lancelot says “I know,” and Arthur finds out he knew about the magic all along and he feels jealous. “So, what is he getting up to?” Arthur asks, and he tries to say it casually, at least. “Tending to the sick. He helped the druids who were attacked get back to their camps. Uh. I’m not entirely sure what it was, but he got rid of whatever it was attacking them.” Lancelot says, his face schooled into a blank expression. Arthur shut his eyes, ashamed he didn’t even know. “That sounds dangerous.” He says. Lancelot shrugs, then nods. “He’s feeling really down. He misses you.” Arthur makes a noise of exasperation in the back of his throat. “Why did he have to go and tell me then?” He throws his hands into the air. “I don’t know what he expects me to do! It’s illegal. I’m being ridiculously lenient!” “I know, I know. I don’t think he wants you to do anything. I don’t think he imagined this part - the part after he told you about it. But I think you should talk to him. We all miss having him about.” Arthur makes no move to react, and Lancelot walks away. Arthur stays in the trees for some time, probably hours. When he starts to feel too cold, he runs a hand through his hair before climbing onto the horse he brought. He heads back, keeping the horse moving slowly. He misses Merlin too. Of course he does. But everything he has ever been taught tells him that magic is evil. It was drilled into him for all his life - magic corrupts and taints people until they aren’t even people anymore. That the kindest thing you can do for a sorcerer is kill them. But the thing is, Merlin doesn’t seem very evil. Arthur saw him trip over his own shoelaces, once. There’s been times when he has shown up in the morning with his tunic on backwards. Plus, Merlin’s been in Camelot for years. Surely if he wanted to do them harm, he would have done it by now. He seemed so genuine when he was telling Arthur that he didn’t mean to hurt him, too. And Merlin does that thing where he tugs on his ear when he’s lying so Arthur would know. The idea that Merlin has been ‘protecting’ him seems hardly better, though. He thinks back to the things Merlin said he has done to look after him. It makes him sound so pathetic. How can he be a great king if he can’t even look after himself? Furthermore, it makes him sound like such a horrible person. He has been insisting Merlin is an idiot, thinking nothing of it. Was that all an act? Who even is Merlin, and did Arthur ever see it? Then there’s all the things Merlin must have suffered. He couldn’t even talk about it! He has mourned people Arthur didn’t even know existed and never let it show, not once. How much has he dealt with all by himself? Arthur has always thought he knew the man well; could tell how he was feeling, but he fears that his servant was a stranger all along. When Arthur gets back into Camelot, he takes a back passage - a secluded one with less experienced guards. It’s mostly used by servants, but Arthur used to come here a lot as a teenager. He never felt the need as he grew up and tried to become the perfect heir, especially not now he is King, but his knowledge of how to sneak in and out never failed him as a youth and it is certainly not going to fail him now. He shrugs off the guards as he goes through the gates, insisting he needs to be left alone. Hah. They should never have let him in like that. He could be anyone really, they didn’t even ask to see his seal. If he wasn’t so grateful for it he’d have them fired. He is tying up the horse, still avoiding attention when he hears the crying. It’s so quiet that if there were others around, he’d have missed it, but the sound is so heartbreaking that Arthur whips around to see who is there. It’s coming from behind the stables, he realises. He treads round, keeping his footsteps as silent as he would close to rabbits on a hunt, and cranes his neck around the corner. It’s Merlin. It’s Merlin who is crying. Guinevere is sitting with her arms around him on the floor, squatting in the mud. Merlin is facing away. Guinevere is not. Her eyes meet Arthurs, and she scowls. It’s a shocking expression on her face, but it does clear up what Merlin is upset about. And Arthur is terrible at emotions, but the thought that after everything Merlin has done, Arthur has upset him this much - that isn’t nice. Guinevere jerks her head, and Arthur takes the hint. He edges away from the stables and climbs the stairs to his room. George is standing in his doorway. Brilliant. Exactly who he needs to see, Arthur thinks sarcastically. “Ah, there you are Sire. We were beginning to worry.” George says while bowing deeply. It’s so unfair. How does he manage to be both overly respectful and passive aggressive all at the same time? Arthur nods, and pushes past him through the doors. George follows. “Why are you serving me George?” He sighs, rubbing his face. “Merlin said you asked for me. He said you no longer require his service.” George says, frowning slightly. He gasps. “Did I understand wrong, your Majesty? My greatest apologies if I have wronged you?” “No, no. ‘S fine.” Arthur says. “It’s just, I never really fired him, exactly.” George’s eyes widen. “I never meant to assume-” “Nothing to do with you. Just. Tell him I’m expecting him back tomorrow morning, okay?” Arthur says. “And tell him if he keeps avoiding me like this I’ll have him in the stocks again, for old times sake.” George nods dramatically. Arthur rolls his eyes. “And deliver that bit as a joke.” He allows. “He’s apparently a bit fragile at the moment.” 5. The Knights at the table said it was friendship. There is no servant waking him up the next morning. Instead, he is woken when Gwaine comes crashing in, followed by spluttering guards who clearly don’t know if they are supposed to arrest the knight or not. “Son of a bitch. He’s still in bed.” Gwaine shouts. “What the hell is going on?” Arthur breathes, sitting himself up. It’s never his favourite thing to say immediately upon waking. “You’re late to training Princess. And I was all for saying, hey, fuck it, I didn’t even really want to be here anyways, but Leon got all serious saying we have a duty or whatever, and then Lancelot seemed a bit worried something had happened to you, and then I realised that you would never let us get away with being late so I came to get you. And here you are. Asleep.” “Oh.” Arthur said. Merlin still wasn’t showing up, then. “I’ll be down in ten. Tell Leon he’s in charge until I get there.” Gwaine nods. “Ok. I definitely won’t be doing that, but okay.” He pauses. “Why were you asleep? Are you not meant to get woken up and like, dragged around?” Arthur appreciates that he didn’t use Merlin’s name, but they both know that is what is being alluded to. “Hm. You’d think.” Arthur grimaces. Gwaine snorts, but then his face flickers into something more weighty, for a moment, and he says, “look, I don’t know what you and Merlin fell out about. But it’s pissing me off a bit, ‘cos he won’t talk to me and I do not appreciate the way he will talk to Lance but not me. And like, no offence Princess, but I came to Camelot for him, really. So fix it.” He nods, and then skips out again. Arthur makes it out to the training grounds about half an hour later to find Gwaine and Lancelot missing. The others - Leon, Elyan, Percival, and then all the ones that he doesn’t like quite as much - are doing pretty well without him. Still, if there’s two things Arthur is an expert on, it’s fighting, and asserting himself. So he shakes his head and strides over. He’ll deal with his personal issues later. *** The trouble with later is that it tends to come pretty quickly, so now Arthur is pacing his room as he tries to figure out what to do about Merlin. He wants to talk with him, obviously. He just isn’t entirely sure what he wants to say. He had been hoping not to have to plan it too much. If Merlin had just stopped hiding away and showed up this morning they could have a nice spontaneous conversation. But now Arthur is having to think about it and he really can’t think of an outcome that works. He is just about to give in and call for a different servant to take Merlin’s job when Gwaine bursts in, again. “What the fuck?” Arthur says flatly. “We need to talk, actually.” Gwaine says, his eyebrows raised. He swivels and shoos the guards hovering behind him. They look to Arthur who sighs and nods. They leave and shut the door. “Why the fuck was I not the first to know about this whole magic business?” Gwaine demands. So he knows then. “Keep your voice down.” Arthur begs. “And why are you asking me? It’s got nothing to do with me.” “I mean, it does. In a way. But I’m not asking you, I’m asking the Gods at large. Because Lancelot? sure. They met before you were all blessed with my friendship, but why on earth would the idiot not bother to let me know once we did meet? But no , he waits until I ask Lancelot what’s going on and Lancelot sends me over like he has some sort of authority.” Gwaine storms. “Lance says its because he was trying to protect me and he didn’t want me to go down with him if you decided to murder, but obviously you would never do anything to hurt Merlin because you’re in love with him and I think if you were going to kill me you’d have done it by now. And no offence, but your laws are pretty stupid because everything I’ve seen in kingdoms where magic’s legal has got me feeling pretty okay with with it. Actually, judging people by what they do with the magic seems so much better, so he didn’t need to worry about me caring in that way. I just don’t get it.” Arthur notices he has stopped talking vaguely, but can’t find it in himself to respond even to the blatant treason. He’s pretty sure his face has gone white, and his thoughts are, very unhelpfully, just circling the word ‘love’ round his brain over and over. “Anyway-” Gwaine goes to continue, having caught his breath, but Arthur holds a hand up to stop him, and for once, Gwaine shuts his mouth. “Love?” Arthur breathes. “Ah.” Gwaine grins. “Yes.” Arthur makes it over to his desk and collapses into a chair. Gwaine finds an armchair to throw himself into. It’s times like this that Arthur remembers that Gwaine is much more intelligent than he gets credit for. He knows how to talk bullshit, clearly, but he also knows when to shut up. After at least five minutes of silence as Arthur leans his head on his desk, he looks up. Well. He has a plan. It’s a terrifying plan, yes, but the knights of Camelot don’t get scared. So he takes a deep breath. “Tell me more about how other Kingdoms treat magic, Gwaine.” *** Right then. Time to start destroying his father’s legacy. Arthur is doing everything he can not to become hysterical. He’s never loved the way that people who hadn’t hurt anyone were killed so quickly, but he never dared to consider doing things another way. Yet, if Gwaine is telling the truth, which is already a dangerous assumption, it can be safe. It will have to be done slowly, and it will take a long time to build any sort of trust between his courts and the users of magic. Hell, he’s still half convinced that magic is inherently evil and it’s going to take a lot of educating himself to change his mind. But Merlin? Definitely not an evil man. Just an idiot and a liar. That he is apparent in love with. And that is why he needs to learn more. He has already found all of the books that Uther confiscated on magic. He tried reading one but put it down about three sentences in. He’s not that big on reading, but he will do it. At some point. Honestly though, he has bigger priorities now. He glances at the parchment on his desk, which reads: find Merlin tell Merlin I am not going to kill him or even banish him but I am still angry with him tell Merlin I want to legalise magic shout at Merlin for keeping secrets from me and ignoring me for almost three weeks without even being dismissed legalise magic find out if Merlin loves me It’s not the sort of list he would like his father to be looking down and reading. Or maybe looking up? Arthur isn’t sure. He turns the parchment over, just in case somebody comes in. By this point he has no more excuse not to just get on with it, so he heads out to find Merlin. He likes having a plan. It makes everything feel less like treason against his Father and more like he is just doing a job. He knocks on the door of the physician’s chambers, and Gaius looks surprised to see him when he pulls it open. “What can I do for you, Sire?” He asks. “Is Merlin around?” Arthur says. A pause. “No.” “You sure?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “He is out gathering herbs for me.” “Mind if I come in, then?” Arthur insists. He walks in, without waiting for a response. He is the King, after all. Merlin is literally just sitting at the table. The idiot didn’t even try to hide. The druids really ought to find a better leader. “Hello Merlin.” He smiles. It doesn’t quite reach his eyes but he hopes it comes across as friendly. “Arthur.” Merlin replies. “Let’s go for a walk.” Arthur says. It’s a command and Merlin can tell. He’s got that look in his eyes that he always gets when Arthur tells him what to do. Unusually though, he doesn’t complain. He gets up and gives Gaius a placating look, then leads the way out of the room. They walk in silence as they leave, and Arthur takes them the back way out. The leaves on the trees above them are starting to turn golden and drop underfoot. Arthur knows this is Merlin’s favourite time of year. He mentioned it a few years back. Maybe being out in it now will make things better. They get to a clearing in the trees, close enough to the castle walls that they can hear the bustle of the town, but far enough away that they won’t be overheard or seen. Arthur squats down to sit on the floor. Merlin copies. This feels like a sitting down conversation. “You’ve been avoiding me.” Arthur accuses, then flinches. Great. Whining was exactly how he wanted to start this. “Can you blame me?” Merlin frowns. “Yes. A bit. When have I ever given you the impression I’d do anything to hurt you?” Arthur says, wounded. “What?” Merlin shakes his head. “That’s not what I mean.” “Oh.” Arthur falls silent, trying to work out what the fuck he’s talking about. “I just didn’t want to put you in that position. How could I make you choose between me and Camelot? You’d hate yourself either way.” Arthur lets out a shaky breath. This was all for his benefit. Again. Merlin has let himself suffer for Arthur’s benefit. He doesn’t know how to start talking about that though, so instead he says “Why did you even tell me, then?” Merlin laughs, but there is no humour in it. “I didn’t really mean to tell you, then, you know. I’d always imagined you finding out on some battlefield, somewhere. But then you saw. And you didn’t say anything and I felt so awkward and wrong all the time. And I’d just spent all morning lying to Percival about why his arm was getting better so quickly and I was just so tired of it all. So I ruined everything.” “That’s dramatic,” Arthur snorts. Merlin doesn’t react. “Right, sorry. You didn’t ruin everything, Merlin. I don’t hate you for it and I didn’t hate you even when you first told me, really.” “You sent me out of the room.” “Yes. That was wrong of me. We needed to talk. Maybe I’m the one who ruined things.” Arthur agrees. “No. It’s my fault.” Merlin closes his eyes. Arthur looks at him properly, at a loss for where to go from here. And fuck, does he look terrible. He’s looking almost as scrawny as when they first met, and there are deep dark circles under his eyes. He seems paler than before. The worst part is that the spark of joy that Arthur took for granted as a part of Merlin is gone. He just looks exhausted. How is Arthur supposed to be angry with that? “Open your eyes.” He instructs. Merlin does. “You are such an idiot. Stop being awful. You don’t get to keep putting me above yourself. Anyway, I’m going to make magic legal.” There. He said it. “Gwaine says it’s possible, and before you complain this is not just to win you over. I have been thinking about it for ages.” (That’s a bit of an over exaggeration, but he does truly believe he would have gotten there eventually even without Merlin, so it will suffice as an explanation.) Merlin blinks. “You aren’t taking advice from Gwaine? ” And there’s the spark, coming back. Arthur smiles. “Well, my favourite advisor is having a strop. I’ve been making do.” “You can’t just make magic legal Arthur. It will never be that easy.” Merlin sighs. “I know it won’t be easy. It’ll take years probably. I’ll need your help, I think. I think the first thing I need to do is make official peace with the druids.” Arthur shrugs. Merlin turns to look him in the eyes with a hesitant grin. “Gods, you’re serious. I didn’t think you were.” Arthur shrugs. “It’s been a long time coming, probably,” he says, and then looks away with a smirk. “I do what I must to get my armour polished.” “I literally sent you George. He probably polished it ‘til it was a whole new colour.” Merlin laughs. Arthur has missed that sound. He shakes his head slowly and gazes at Merlin, with his stupid cheekbones and his idiot hair. “I was going to be angry with you. For keeping secrets and lying to me and putting yourself in far too much danger. At first I really thought I should hate you. I still probably should be angry with you.” Arthur pulls up a blade of grass and twirls it in his fingers, speaking almost absently. “I should be angry with you, Merlin, but all I can think about is how much I love you.” Gods, Arthur hopes he isn’t blushing. There’s at least thirty seconds that pass in silence. That definitely feels too long and Arthur is about to stand up and run back to his room and never get out of bed when he feels Merlin’s lips on his. And then, the world is right. 6. The servants said it was a job. Merlin wakes him up the next morning, but it is different because Merlin is also in his bed. Arthur likes this a lot more. Merlin apparently does too. “I get it.” Merlin nods. “You get what?” Arthur asks, brow furrowed. “Why you never want to get out of bed. Obviously I was wrong about the fact that you have better things to do because I think this mattress is the best thing that there is in the whole of Albion.” Arthur agrees wholeheartedly. To prove this, he pulls Merlin closer by his waist. It’s like it is in the woods, only so much better, because they have all the time in the world. “That being said,” Merlin declares and pulls the covers off the both of them. “I have a job to do and so do you. Rise and shine Arthur!” He chimes. Arthur decides he actually does hate Merlin a little bit. He buries his head in his pillows. There’s a knock on the door and he sees Merlin look over questioningly. Arthur considers not letting them in because whoever that is should definitely just schedule a time and place to talk to him properly. He never gets to make that call, though, because the doors crash open and Gwaine strides in. “Morning Princess,” he says, rubbing his eyes. He spots Merlin and does a double take. “Oh! Brilliant! I was just coming to see if he was doing his job again and here he is!” Arthur nods, silently wondering if there was a coup he didn’t hear about that put Gwaine in charge. He rolls his eyes and Gwaine skips over to Merlin and pulls him into an embrace. “I am so very happy for you both.” Gwaine nods. “I will tell the other knights that you are busy this morning so that you can have sex.” Arthur throws a pillow at his head as he dashes out, and Merlin’s cheeks colour. “Well, I suppose everyone basically knows now.” Merlin groans. Arthur decides that Gwaine is definitely not too good for the stocks, knight or not. “Wait. No. He can’t tell everyone.” Merlin blurts out. He’s already starting to run out after his friend as Arthur asks why. Honestly. This is the second day in a row of getting himself dressed. Obviously he doesn’t actually care that much, but it’s the principle of the thing. He sleepily heads out of his room in search of a different servant who can be trusted to bring him breakfast without running away. It’s not until he is almost finished eating that Merlin waltzes back in and helps himself to a sausage. He sits down on Arthur’s bed to eat it, and explains that he figured Gwaine shouldn’t spread rumours due to the fact that they don’t want any suspicion that Arthur is ensorceled, and that’s the reason for legalising magic. Arthur’s eyes widen. He should have thought of that. When he gets to training later, Gwaine winks at him and Lancelot looks away in a way that shows he is definitely just pretending not to notice. The point is further proven when he sidles over to Merlin at the edge of the field and they start to talk animatedly. Arthur looks away. Leon smirks at him, eyes flicking between him and Merlin, and Arthur rolls his eyes. Elyan nudges Percival in the ribs and nods over at Merlin with a grin. That’s maybe a good sign. They’re probably just happy he’s back, right? But then Gwaine saunters in their direction, whispering “I swear nobody else” as he passes Arthur, who promptly decides that keeping a secret from all his idiot friends is a lost cause. It’s a good job they are all too obsessed with Merlin to think the worst. Probably, if Merlin did put a spell on Arthur, they would take Merlin’s side anyway. They can all come when he goes to find the druids. It will be nice. *** Next time they are all in the woods, it is with a peace treaty to propose. Merlin thinks the druids will be open to it, if Arthur makes himself out to be truly sorry. That shouldn’t be hard. As he has learned more and more about these people, partially from books but mostly from Merlin, he feels worse and worse about the way they were treated. Merlin has been telling him lots over the last two months, and Arthur has learned lots. He has learned that magic is not good or bad, and the person using it is the one who does the harm. (Or good, as Merlin puts in.) He has learned that the druids are an inherently peaceful people. He has learned that Merlin is the son of the dragonlord they found and he has learned that he was probably very insensitive when Merlin watched his father die. He has learned that there were prophecies made about him, calling him the Once and Future King, claiming he will bring about a Golden Age and bring magic back to camelot, and then unite the whole of Albion, so long as Merlin keeps him alive long enough. He has learned that these prophecies were thrust upon Merlin when he was just a teenager and he feels upset that Merlin has been carrying such a heavy burden by himself for such a long time. He has learned that Merlin is supposed to be the most powerful warlock there ever will be, and has even been called magic itself. He has also learned that this changes absolutely nothing about Merlin’s character, because Merlin definitely is still a clumsy idiot who doesn’t know the difference between types of spoon and sometimes puts his socks on inside out and hates to let him kill animals they have hunted or even found running around the castle. His favourite thing he has learned is all about Merlin and the way his mouth tastes and the way he squirms when Arthur touches his neck and the sounds he makes when they are in bed with the candles blown out. The point is, that he truly does want to apologise to the druids. It’s just annoying that they are so hard to find. Merlin sighs and says that they have had to be because they don’t want to get killed. Arthur shoves him into a puddle. They stop riding when the sky starts to darken, and set up camp for the night. As the winter approaches the blankets they need are a lot heavier and Arthur wishes the fire wouldn’t burn out while they sleep. He says this out loud and Merlin shrugs before his eyes turn gold and the fire grows stronger. “Ok.” He says and Elyan starts to applaud. Gwaine quickly joins in and before Arthur knows it they are all laughing and the knights are asking him to do more magic, and Merlin is actually doing whatever they ask for like some sort of court jester. Arthur rolls his eyes. He knows his part of the performance. They all know that’s all it is. They climb under the blankets, and Arthur shares the widest one with Merlin as they lay together. Everyone definitely notices. 7. He said it was love. Arthur still hasn’t really been king for long, and he doesn’t feel particularly good at it yet. He isn’t doing a bad job, whatever he knows his father would think, but the people still don’t quite know what to make of him. Sometimes, he takes walks through the lower town and hands out food to the hungry and helps children reach the apples on trees. Merlin says that this is a ridiculous performance at being all good and noble. Arthur agrees that that might have a bit to do with it, but he does also like being helpful. The servants have backed off and are treating him as they did when he was prince again, which is nice. There are still guards who seem to think they need to watch him wherever he goes, but he has gotten quite good at shaking them off without offending them. He has made a tentative peace with the druids, who don’t properly believe it yet but Merlin is trying to bridge the gaps. Arthur still pays Merlin as a servant, but he makes an effort to give him as little work to do as possible and finds that he actually doesn’t mind doing a lot of the servant’s jobs for himself. In public, of course, Merlin still pours wine and carries bags and walks two steps behind Arthur. But Merlin has always been so much more than a servant and they both know it. *** The castle is feeling oppressive tonight. There is no specific reason for it, but Arthur wants to get out. Merlin laughs and says they could always just leave, then, so they do. They take a horse each and charge through the woods under the stars, and Arthur doesn’t know what type of King he is going to be yet, but he can feel that the promised golden age is coming, and he wants Merlin by his side for it. They come to an open space and Arthur slows down. Merlin copies. Arthur jumps from the back of his horse. Merlin sort of awkwardly slides down. “Did you ever learn the constellations, Merlin?” He asks. “No. Because I’m not a rich prat.” Merlin comments. “I always liked looking at the stars, though,” he concedes. “Let’s do that, then.” Arthur decides and so they lay on the floor on their backs together. It is very uncomfortable, but then Merlin reaches out to hold him and it gets nicer. They lay in silence for a while, enjoying the night air and the occasional sound of owls in the trees. “One day, Merlin, when we’ve sorted all of this out properly, I’m going to make you court sorcerer.” Arthur whispers. “No you aren’t. That doesn’t exist.” Merlin whispers. “Used to. In the old days. I’m going to bring it back.” Arthur shrugs. “People will have to call you by a title.” He adds. “They definitely will not,” Merlin says. “But the rest of it sounds nice. You should do it. I dare you.” Arthur laughs. They are quiet for a moment longer. “And then, Merlin, I am going to marry you.” He says, still whispering. Merlin keeps his eyes on the stars. “I’d like that.” He answers. “Will people mind, though?” He asks, sounding genuinely unsure. “Lancelot had the idea I could frame it as an alliance to magic. To prove I’m dedicated to righting the wrongs and all.” Arthur tells him. Merlin beams at the moon. “This better not be the proposal.” He says. “Of course not. I will do a much better proposal when you are least expecting it. Guinevere will tell me what to do.” Arthur nods. “No, I mean this isn’t the proposal because I will be proposing.” Merlin whispers. “I’m going to tell Gwen she can’t help you at all, because you are a clotpole and I will do it better.” “Shut up, Merlin.” “What will you do next?” Merlin whispers, obviously just to be annoying. “I don’t know. I suppose I’ll have to find some general King Stuff.” He snorts. “Do you want to hear my idea?” Merlin murmurs. “Well, I suppose you are going to be my most important councillor one day.” Arthur pretends to consider. “But you are not yet.” “What is that supposed to mean? That’s a terrible answer. Do you want to hear it or not?” “I would like nothing more.” Arthur says. He says it sarcastically but doesn’t really mean to, and Merlin takes it as an invitation anyway. “I think we should listen to the dragon. Unite Albion. End all these wars that keep happening over land.” “Imagine.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “I am. Nobody in Camelot ever goes hungry if you can do anything about it. You actually get to know your people. I will never ever say this again but other kings are worse than you. I think if anyone is going to do it, it should be you.” Merlin is still speaking quietly. It’s as though they think that by whispering, the things they say don’t mean anything. Arthur doesn’t talk for another minute. “I suppose it would be nice. To not have people suffering all the time.” Arthur allows. “The balance of the old religion would be restored, if you did it, I think.” Merlin mutters. “It’d be impossible, though, Merlin.” “Maybe. Maybe not. You’d go down in history.” Merlin grins. “We would go down in history.” Arthur corrects. Merlin smiles. He turns to face Arthur for the first time since they lay down, and now they’re looking into each other’s eyes as they shiver in the cold. “Yeah,” Merlin breathes. Let’s be legends, Arthur.” “Let’s be legends.” *** And so, they were. End Notes thank you for sticking this out!! ly all Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), George (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), gwaine is a good friend, Lancelot (Merlin) Lives, this is set before his death anyway, I just want to make it clear that I love him, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), but emotionally, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, There's a lot of praise for the woods, because I wrote this listening to the over the garden wall soundtrack, The knights are good friends, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), honestly merlin is a bit ooc, but that’s just because i was sad and i would have liked arthur to comfort me, so i guess it’s just me projecting, anyway, Protective Arthur Series: Part 1 of dragons and destiny
Published: 2020-09-28
Words: 8057

Ear muffs?

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Two of our favorite idiots in a story that leads to the invention of........ Notes So this is something that popped into my mind in the middle of my French class today. And then I wrote it in between classes.... Please bear with the horrible writing. I thought it was kinda cute and shitty at the same time. But who cares, it's out for the world to see I hope y'all like it :) See the end of the work for more notes It was a chilly afternoon in Camelot. The usual hustle and bustle had simmered down by this hour. The people walked around the town covered in their blankets, cloaks, or the closest piece of fabric to give them warmth. Meanwhile in the castle, going about his routine like any other day, Merlin waltzed into Arthur's room to wake him from his siesta. He expected to find the King tightly curled up in his quilt and yearning for a little more warmth for comfort. Instead he saw Arthur sitting at the edge of his bed with a tiny frown playing between his brows, staring intently at the floor with a hand propped on his knee cradling his beautiful face. He hadn't noticed Merlin's presence….. yet. This is unlike Arthur. Merlin thought to himself and made his way to his sweet, sad (?) King. "Arthur." No response. "Arthur?" Still no response. "ARTHUR!!" Can he not hear me?! My dragons would have appeared in front of us if I summoned them immediately. Realization dawned on him and a mischievous smirk slowly crept it's way to Merlin's lips. Hmm….maybe this will work. "HEY DOLLOP-HEAD!!" "Huh!?! I'm up! I'm awake!" A startled Arthur seemed to react to this endearing name. Although barely glancing at his beloved confidant. Classic. Merlin thought and let out a faint giggle. "Oh, it's only you, Meeerrrrliiiinn." Arthur lets out a sigh and goes back to being his gloomy self again. Merlin moves closer to his bed and makes himself comfortable next to Arthur. "Arthur, you know you can tell me anything right? I'm here, to listen to you talk, all you want. But please don't shut me out. Please Arthur. Whenever you're ready, let me know." As Merlin was about to get up, Arthur didn't speak instead he tugged at Merlin's hand, a gesture to make him stay. So he stayed. Arthur gently rested his head on Merlin's shoulder and the two of them sat in silence staring ahead at the fireplace, while Merlin conjured a variety of shapes and forms subconsciously. But it was okay, Arthur knew he had magic and lifted the ban on sorcery in Camelot for him and only him. Minutes had passed by, when finally Arthur broke his silence. "Emrys, I-" "Please don't call me that, Artur." "Okay, alright. I'm sorry. Merlin, I'm feeling all sorts of things. I can't quite put my finger on it. Can you help with that? I don't think so Merlin. It's mine alone to bear. I can't have you taking this upon yourself, not when you have a great destiny resting on your shoulders…." Merlin was not expecting that as a reply to his question from Arthur. He was….. Confused? Perplexed? Now he wasn't sure what he was feeling either. Arthur really put him in a spot. Either way Merlin responded. "Arthur, you are my destiny. Nothing can change that. So you might as well tell me, because what goes around comes around. Get that in your pretty little head, clotpole." Arthur, still not looking at Merlin, smiled a little at this. When Arthur finally does look at his beloved, he's bemused and is lost for words. He'd never seen Merlin wearing such strange things before. He's trying to hold back his laughter. But quickly reverts back to his frown because he remembers he's sad. Instead, he plainly questions Merlin. "What are those things you're wearing?" "What things?!?" "The things on your ears!!! You look ridiculous! A complete idiot! I'd even go to the extent to say you look like a total turnip-head!" "First of all, STOP STEALING MY WORDS ARTHUR PENDRAGON!" "Or what Merlin?! You're going to throw me out of my own kingdom? And what's your second point, cabbage-head?" Merlin visibly calm, pointed to his ears and said, "These are my old neckerchiefs stuffed with cotton. I put them over my ears to keep them warm, besides it's so chilly and my ears get cold really fast and I'll catch a cold." "Clearly only an idiot like you would do such a thing!" "Only a prat like you wouldn't want to protect themselves from the cold. Look at you! You're not even wearing a shirt when the majority of Camelot is freezing! And you shall see Arthur Pendragon, one day the people of the world will be grateful for this invention of mine." "Oh really Merlin, I'd like to see you try. So what are these 'things' called then?" Clearly Merlin didn't have a name for his invention. After giving it a little thought, he did come up with a name. "Hmm…. Ear muffs?" End Notes It was terrible, wasn't it? I'm gonna vanish from the face of the Earth. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen, M/M, Other
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table/Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Magic, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Merlin - Freeform, less than 1k words
Published: 2020-09-29
Words: 767

That's not Emrys

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“To my shame, I must admit that I have made a small -”, Uther took a deep breath. “- miscalculation.” ...... “My lord, are you suggesting that I impersonate your son?” ----- Or: Of course, the king of Meredia didn't just come for a round of tea. No.... It is his goal to get the mighty Emrys out of the way to finally get rid of Arthur. There are two things he didn't calculate, however: 'Arthur's manservant' isn't Emrys. And Arthur is much harder to kill than he expected. That might have to do with the fact that Arthur isn't actually Arthur. That aside... the Castle faces bigger problems. Because no matter how much Leon needs George as his pretend manservant.... The staff needs George even more. And no, they do NOT care that someone is trying to kill Leon.... again. Well I suppose Merlin's and Arthur's past lives also play a role in this. But you gotta have to figue that out by reading ;))) (Merthur)
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: George & Leon (Merlin), Gwen & Leon (Merlin), Leon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius & Leon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), (IMPLIED)
Character: Leon (Merlin), George (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Gwen's Mother (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Cornelius Sigan
Additional Tags: Poison, Impersonation, Uther is a mess, Immortal Leon (Merlin), Magic- Users, All Magic Comes With a Price, Hostage Situations, Memory Loss, Memory Magic, Reincarnation, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Leon Knows About Merlin's Magic, George Knows About Merlin's Magic, Gwen knows about Leon's immortality, George knows about Leon's immortality, accidental romance, Accidental Plot
Language: English Series: Part 2 of The eternal suffering (BBC Merlin) , Part 56 of Merlin´s magic Collections: Merlin
Published: 2020-09-22 Completed: 2021-09-15
Words: 76,734
Chapters: 16/16

When Arthur saw Merlin

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Arthur and Merlin go swimming. And Arthur sees Merlin. Notes Thanks to @SpiritWorld for being my beta! This fic is dedicated to the lovely people on the NootNoot Merthur server. <3 It was late afternoon and the sun was dancing through the trees of the forest that Arthur and Merlin were riding in. After hunting all day long, Merlin was tired, but Arthur seemed hesitant to return to Camelot, even though it wasn't far from their current location. "Arthur, can we take a break or go back home, please? You haven't even looked at the animals for a while now and I really don't wanna be on that horse anymore," Merlin complained. "Does your skinny arse hurt, Merlin?" Arthur mocked his companion with an amused grin on his face. "Yes, it does, if you must know. Even though my butt is really none of your business, your majesty," Merlin mocked back. Arthur wheezed. Funny enough, he hated it when Merlin addressed him with his official titles. Suddenly, Arthur stopped his horse and looked at his friend for a moment. "We could go swimming," he said. Merlin's eyes lit up instantly. "I know a lake that's only a couple more minutes from here," he answered with a wide grin plastered to his face. Arthur nodded and motioned for the guards to come closer. "You are dismissed for today," he advised them. "Return to Camelot and bring the prey to the kitchens. We will return before nightfall." "Follow me," Merlin said when the guards were gone before he rode off in another direction. * * * As soon as they reached the lake, Merlin jumped from his horse and secured both of their horses to a tree. "Finally!" he exclaimed overly dramatic, making a weird stretching pose with his arms. "I bet I will be faster," Arthur laughed and started to undress faster than Merlin had ever seen. "No way," Merlin laughed back, easing himself out of his boots and tunic at the same time. When Merlin was left in his small clothes only, he glanced up, finding Arthur struggling with the ties of his breeches. Merlin chuckled a bit and turned to his friend. "Let me help you, Clotpole," he said. With skilled fingers, he undid the knot. "There you go. It was a double knot." When he glanced up, he saw that Arthur was staring at his muscular chest. "Arthur?" Merlin said, stepping out of Arthur's private space, laughing more to himself, than to Arthur. "I -" Arthur shook himself out of his stare "- wasn't even looking." With one motion, he stepped out of his breeches and small clothes and ran into the lake. Merlin followed only seconds after. * * * The cold water was like a gift to Merlin's naked skin. He could feel the sweat and dirt of the day coming off and felt as if he could finally breathe again. "Don't enjoy yourself too much, Merlin," Arthur shouted from somewhere behind him. Merlin turned around and before he knew what was happening, Arthur tackled him and pushed both of them underwater. Merlin wiggled himself free from Arthur's grip and quickly emerged back over water. He caught his breath, and muttered a "You'll regret that, Arthur!" to his friend. "Yeah?" Arthur smiled flirtatiously. "Show me." Merlin splashed water into Arthur's face to buy himself a split second more of time. Then he yanked his body forward, throwing himself at Arthur with his arms outstretched. It didn't quite work though. Being a skilled fighter, with and without a sword, Arthur wasn't thrown off his feet in the way that Merlin had predicted. Although Merlin wasn't the small, lanky boy anymore that he used to be when he first came to Camelot, his stature was still smaller than Arthur's. Years and years of daily training and healthy eating had turned Arthur into a fit and muscular man whose body wasn't pushed under water easily. Years and years of hard work as a servant of Camelot, however, had provided Merlin with some physical power himself. The two men continued their water-battle for a while. Free like little kids they were chasing each other through the water, laughing together. Just two friends. Not a king and his servant. Just two men. * * * Soon, their movements became more gentle. Softer. Their touches lingered longer than before. "What's that?" Arthur said, pointing at a big scar on Merlin's right shoulder. "Oh, this," Merlin answered. "Back in Ealdor, shortly before I came to Camelot, Will and I were climbing a tree. The branches broke and we fell. Will almost died that day and I put all my energy into saving his life. I didn't even notice that I was hurt too. By the time we were back in the village, the wound had ripped open even further. My mom was angry at me for taking such a big risk. That's where the scar is from. From the wound that wasn't treated in time to heal completely." Merlin was avoiding Arthur's gaze, for reasons that Arthur didn't understand. "Look at me," Arthur demanded, softly turning Merlin's head around with his index finger. "It was not your fault. You were very brave and you managed to save your friend. You are a brave man, Merlin. You are not to blame for the accident. " "Thank you, Arthur," Merlin smiled. Arthur still hadn't taken his hand from Merlin's face. "Can I -" Arthur pulled his hand back into the water. "- I've never seen you like this before. Can I see you?" His cheeks flushed. "What do you mean?" Merlin answered, before the realization about what Arthur was asking for sunk in. Arthur had never seen Merlin naked before. He had never been this exposed to Arthur before. Merlin was a servant, he was always dressed when he was around Arthur. He was dressed when he helped Arthur to dress in the morning. He was dressed when he shaved Arthur's face. When he cut his hair. When he washed Arthur's back during bath time. "Oh," he said. "Yeah, I guess that would be fair, wouldn't it?" "Only if that's ok. I don't want you to do anything you don't want. But I would like to see you," Arthur added. Merlin nodded quietly, then he grabbed Arthur's hand and walked him out of the lake towards the shore, where he let go, took a step back, and turned around to face his friend. And Arthur saw Merlin. He saw his strong shoulders, the black hair on his buff chest, his strong hands, his legs, his everything. He saw Merlin's scars and bruises that seemed to cover his whole body and wanted to ask about every single one of them. He saw the curve of his neck, beautiful and exposed, without the usual neckerchief covering it. Arthur stepped forward into Merlin's private space, his eyes locked to the blue eyes of the other man. "You are beautiful, Merlin," he breathed, tracing the outlines of Merlin's lip with his fingers. Arthur's heart was hammering in his chest like it never had before and Arthur thought it might burst when Merlin leaned in to press a gentle kiss to his lips. * * * The End Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Fluff without Plot, Nudity, Consent, Swimming, Canon Era, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Intimacy
Published: 2020-10-02
Words: 1160

Servant Mine

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It’s an old tradition. Arthur’s not even sure who started it. It was in place long before Uther and, if Uther had his way, it would be in place long after Arthur. It was something that Arthur kind of…accepted as something that Camelot did. Though…as he thinks about it, that may not be the best basis for what to count as good or bad. Notes Thanks so much to nonny on tumblr for the prompt! I'm sorry it took so long and I hope it's what you wanted, I had fun with it See the end of the work for more notes Prompt for you - An age old Traditional practice in Camelot states that whichever visiting lord wins a celebratory tournament on Uther’s birthday gets to take two servants as an offering of goodwill. Arthur puts a stop to it when Merlin is picked to be one of them. It’s an old tradition. Arthur’s not even sure who started it. It was in place long before Uther and, if Uther had his way, it would be in place long after Arthur. It was something that Arthur kind of… accepted as something that Camelot did. Though…as he thinks about it, that may not be the best basis for what to count as good or bad. “Wait, what?” Arthur sighs, setting the parchment down and looking up at Merlin. “Have you got ale in your ears?” “Have I—what?” “Well, considering how often you’re at the tavern.” “Maybe if you’d just speak clearly I’d hear you just fine.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “I told you, Mer lin, it’s tradition. Whenever a lord wins the tournament on the king’s birthday, they get to take two servants from Camelot as an offering of goodwill.” “And what does Uther get if he wins?” Arthur shrugs. “It’s his birthday.” “You say that as if that makes it so Uther won’t demand something extra just because it’s his birthday.” “Fair point.” Arthur winces, stretching out the kink in his shoulder. “He wins the glory of making the visiting lord admit defeat and concede to his might, I suppose.” Merlin makes a face that is truly impressive, almost as impressive at how little he tries to hide it from Arthur despite knowing that Arthur is the prince and his father is the king. “Well, at least we know they won’t win,” Merlin grumbles as he continues his chores. “Why’s that?” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “You saying my father is a magnificent warrior all of a sudden? You told me he couldn’t break a pot if someone dangled it on a rope in front of him.” “First off, that was you that said that—“ “No, it wasn’t!” “Yes, it was!” “No, it most certainly was not.” “And second, ” Merlin continues, raising his voice slightly, “it’s not as if Uther has to win for the lord to lose.” Arthur raises an eyebrow. “And who do you suppose is going to win if he doesn’t?” “Well, you’re fighting, aren’t you?” There’s a slight flutter of something in Arthur’s chest but he pushes it away. “Are you saying you’ve finally realized what a magnificent fighter I am?” Merlin stutters, his mouth opening and closing like a gaping fish. “N-no.” Arthur’s grin widens. “Yes, you are, aren’t you? Well, good. It’s about time you realized how impressive I am.” “You are not that impressive.” “No?” He tilts his head. “Then why’d you say that I was fighting?” “You, um,” Merlin mutters, stumbling over his words, “ happen to be better than a large majority of people.” “So you think I’m good.” “I didn’t say that.” “You just said I’m better than the majority of people.” “The majority of people in Camelot have never swung a sword before,” Merlin points out, “that gives you an unfair advantage.” “ Unfair—“ “Plus, you know the other knights will throw it if they go up against you,” Merlin continues gleefully, “Leon will, Lancelot will, Percival will…Gwaine might not…oh, but Gwaine could win.” “Merlin!” Although Arthur is loathed to admit it, when the day of the tournament finally rolls around, even Uther looks a little uneasy at the lord that walks inside. Arthur’s very glad he’s wearing his heavy cape and circlet. It gives him an excuse to shift under the guise of making himself more comfortable and not under the threat the lord’s heavy plate armor and solid stance gives him. Already he starts looking for anything that could be wrong; leaning too much weight on one side, slowness of step, even a slight tremor in his hand. But no, the lord moves as gracefully as a swan gliding through the water, nary a hitch in sight. “Uther Pendragon,” the lord booms, grasping the king’s hand in an enthusiastic grip. “Seibert.” Uther shakes his hand. “Good to see you again, old friend.” “What, you think I’m going to miss your tournament?” Seibert grins. “Not on your life.” “You may think you’ve still got something over me, but you won’t win.” “That’s what you’ve told yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked yet!” “On the contrary,” Uther laughs, “it’s worked several times.” “Well, if that’s the attitude you have…” Seibert starts looking around the hall. His eyes land on Merlin and Arthur’s hackles rise. Then his gaze flits over to Gwen and he sees Morgana’s hand twitch. “I think I know which two servants will be coming with me in a week’s time.” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, old man.” “I don’t like him,” Merlin mutters as the two of them move off down the corridor. And as much as Arthur wants to correct him, say he’s suspicious for no reason, something is there, just under the surface, that stands the hairs on the back of Arthur’s neck on end. “I don’t like him either.” But Arthur’s hands are bound. He can’t do anything about it. Not that his father would listen. Then he notices the three women that follow Seibert down the hall. He frowns. Merlin follows his gaze. “Who’re they?” “They’re…” Arthur squints again. “I know them.” “So who are they?” “They’re former servants of Camelot,” Arthur says finally, “that’s…that’s Holly…and Malwen… and Lillith.” “You? Knowing servant names?” “Morgana,” Arthur says by way of explanation, “they—they must’ve come with Seibert.” “You never said he’d won before. ” “Apparently,” Arthur mutters as they turn their attention back to Uther and Seibert, still laughing like old friends, “there is a lot my father doesn’t tell me.” Uther might not tell him much, but Merlin tells him plenty. Merlin comes back into their chambers that night, his brow furrowed like a lizard’s elbow. Arthur lets him get on with it until he stumbles around the edge of his desk and there’s no snarky comment. He sighs. “Alright, out with it, what’s wrong?” “What?” Merlin glances up at him. “I’m fine.” “You’ve been quiet all evening, now tell me.” Merlin stares at him a moment longer, then looks away. “It’s nothing.” “It’s bothering you, it’s not nothing.” Arthur waits as Merlin chews on his lip. “It was Holly,” Merlin says finally, “I was helping her get Seibert’s chambers set up and she was limping.” Arthur frowns. “And?” “And I told her she could go to Gaius, that he’d help her out, and she…” Merlin twists his hands together. “She looked…confused.” “Like she didn’t know where to go?” “Like she didn’t understand why I told her to go to Gaius.” “Well,” Arthur says, crossing his arms, “she’s been away from Camelot for a while, surely that might’ve been something she forgot. That Gaius is the Royal Physician.” “No, she remembered who he was,” Merlin insists, folding the clothes almost angrily, “but she… she didn’t understand why I told her to go to him.” Well…Merlin’s right, that doesn’t make sense. If someone is injured they go to a physician. That’s what you’re supposed to do. “The other thing that was weird,” Merlin continues before Arthur can say anything, “is that she said she tripped on the stairs and that’s why she was limping. Funny thing is, yesterday, someone managed to spill oil across the stairs from the kitchen to this floor, and it’s been blocked off.” “So…she lied?” Merlin shrugs. “Apparently.” That’s certainly out of the ordinary. It’s not like Holly would’ve been in trouble for limping. Much less in trouble with Merlin. Arthur shakes his head, walking forward to clap Merlin on the shoulder. “Look, it’s not like Camelot’s going to fall because one servant lies about how she got hurt, right? She’ll go to Gaius, he’ll fix her up, and we’ll be fine.” Merlin sighs. “I know. I’m just worried.” “You’re a soft one,” Arthur teases lightly, “it’s in your nature.” Merlin shoves his shoulder. “Anyways,” Arthur laughs, “I’ve got to get ready for a training session tomorrow. Since we learned about this Seibert fight we can’t afford to be down one of our best fighters.” “Aside from Gwaine, of course?” “If Gwaine’s alcohol tolerance counted as fighting skill, we could take the whole world,” Arthur says wryly. Then it’s time for the feast. Arthur watches Merlin scurry off to join Gwen as he and Morgana take their places at the table. He catches sight of a quick conversation the two of them have and sees Malwen join them, polite smiles giving way to real warmth as Gwen takes her hand and gives it a squeeze. “They’re getting along quite well,” he hears. He turns, sees Morgana sit down next to him. “What do you think of them?” “The servants?” Morgana nods. “I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to them yet. Although…” He glances around to make sure no one’s watching them and whispers what Merlin’s told him. Morgana’s brow worries slightly as she takes it in. “Maybe she was embarrassed,” she murmurs, “didn’t want to tell anyone something happened?” “I don’t know.” Morgana glances over her shoulder and leans in closer. “Between you and me, and no one else, do you like Seibert?” “I haven’t talked to him either,” Arthur says, but he knows by Morgana’s tone that’s not what she’s asking. Sure enough, the look she gives him makes him lower his voice to a whisper. “No, I don’t like him.” “I don’t like him either.” Morgana risks another glance over her shoulder. There he is, coming in with Uther, both of them looking as proud as peacocks. “Well, at the very least, we know there are servants there who’re from Camelot.” “Yes, I’m sure Gwen will have a lovely time.” “As if I’d let him take Gwen.” “You may not have a choice.” Morgana gives him a look. “Would you let him take Merlin?” Before Arthur can answer, Uther and Seibert arrive, Uther raising his glass in a magnificent toast and the feast beginning. Everything runs smoothly, Merlin standing behind Arthur’s chair, Gwen behind Morgana’s, until they join the mass of servants filling glasses around the hall. Then there’s a sharp crack of pottery as everyone’s head whips around to see Malwen with her hands clapped over her mouth, a jug of mead spilled all over Gwaine. The hall falls silent. Gwaine peels away his mead-soaked chainmail as Malwen gathers the broken pottery with shaking hands when Holly came up and whispers in her ear. Malwen looks up in disbelief before nodding. As she bends to continue picking up the rest of the pieces, Arthur notices her hands are no longer shaking. “If you wanted to see me with my shirt off, sweetheart, you only had to ask.” Gwaine winks at Malwen as she mumbles another apology. He waves her off. “It’s alright, no harm done. Just fetch another and we’ll be set.” “Of course, sire.” She hurries away to grab another before making a swift exit, cradling one of her hands. Arthur’s about to turn away when Seibert makes what is quite possibly the lewdest joke he’s ever heard. Gwen freezes at his shoulder and even Gwaine looks slightly put out. Morgana’s mouth drops open and Uther stares at him in the uncomfortable silence. There’s an awkward pause until someone takes the goblet out of Seibert’s hand. “Perhaps that is enough for one night, sire.” “Feisty little flower.” The lord makes a grasp for the goblet but the hand lifts it and spins away. It’s handed to Gwaine who downs it gratefully. “I think Merlin’s right, Seibert, you’ve had enough.” He catches Percival’s eye and winks. “And that’s me saying that.” Just like that, the hall is back to ringing. Merlin makes his way back to Arthur and mumbles something to Gwen. Gwen nods sharply and takes the jug from him. “I’m going after her,” Merlin says to Arthur, “make sure she goes to Gaius.” Arthur nods, understanding what Merlin’s not saying. That’s two of Seibert’s servants now. And if Arthur watches the third one like a hawk for the rest of the night, well…he’s just doing it to make up for Merlin’s absence. As it turns out, it wasn’t Lilith that Arthur needed to be watching. It was Gwen. He finds her crying as she sweeps the throne room, and forces her to stop and sit with him for a minute after threatening to tell Morgana she was upset. “It’s nothing, sire, I’m just being silly.” “Gwen, I know you well enough to know that you’re never just being silly, you work too much for that.” Arthur rests his hand on her own. “Let me talk to Morgana, see about giving you a few days off. I swear, once this tournament is over everything will be better.” “No!” Gwen grabs his arm. Her eyes widen as she releases him like she’s been burned. “I’m sorry, sire, I didn’t mean to.” Arthur isn’t focused on her apology. He’s too busy looking at how she cradles her arm to her chest and recoiled from him as if…he’d raised his hand to strike her… “Gwen, has someone threatened you? Because if they have, I swear they’ll be dealt with swiftly.” “No, it’s nothing like that, no one’s threatened me.” Gwen’s voice is back under control. “I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.” Arthur opens his mouth to argue when a small knock comes from the door. “Sorry to disturb you, but the Royal Physician wishes to speak with you, Gwen.” “Of course, Sara, I’m on my way.” Gwen drops a curtsy to Arthur before walking over to Sara. “Shall we go now?” “Of course.” She leads the way out of the hall, leaving Arthur with far more questions than answers. Gwen comes back that afternoon. She seems happier, at least more at ease. Morgana corners him after Gwen left to see to the rest of her chores. “What happened to her?” “I don’t know.” “There’s no use feigning ignorance, I know something happened to her,” Morgana growls, crossing her arms, “she’s been flighty all day, now what happened?” “I told you ‘Gana, I don’t know she seemed different, especially…” He trails off but Morgana catches him. “Especially what? ” “Especially when I found her crying in the throne room this morning,” Arthur confesses. “ What ?” Arthur winces. “Why was she crying? What did you do? Why didn’t she tell me anything?” “Arthur? Morgana?” “Oh, hello, Merlin.” Morgana drops into a chair as Merlin walks in. “I didn’t mean to shout.” “I, uh, didn’t mean to overhear, but I can promise you Gwen is alright.” Merlin gives Arthur a look that says they need to talk. Arthur nods. Merlin sets the tray down on the table. “Gaius has seen to her and Gwen assured her she was fine.” “Gaius would do well to remember that Gwen is my handmaiden,” Morgana says sweetly, “and that if he has any concerns regarding my handmaiden he should come to me.” “Of course, my lady,” Merlin smiles as he leaves. “You do realize that wasn’t necessary,” Arthur says as he leaves, “he’s hardly going to rat you out to Gaius, and even if he did, it’s not like anything would happen.” “Not only do I have a reputation to maintain, dear brother, but it’s quite fun.” Morgana picks up the dagger he’d given her on her birthday and runs her fingers over the blade. “Merlin isn’t bothered by it and he’s are a relief after those awful haughty servants Vivian brought with her.” A smile crawls across her face. “Though I’m sure you enjoyed it.” “Says the woman who batted her eyes at every knight that arrived from the tournament last month. And did the same with Seibert.” “You know they fight better when you give them something to fight for,” Morgana says loftily, “and that most stupid enough to enter their lives in a game are quite subservient to the brain below the belt.” She snickers as Arthur makes a face. “Don’t worry about Gwen,” he says instead, reaching across the table to take her hand in a squeeze, “she’s a strong woman. She’ll be alright.” “I suppose you’re right. But if I find out who hurt Gwen — “ “I’ll tell Gaius not to bother patching them up.” She raises an eyebrow. “What makes you think there’d be a body to find?” The tournament is in two days. Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur are in Morgana’s chambers, having dinner. A meek knock comes on the door. “Come in,” Morgana calls. Lilith opens the door, slightly hunched, and glances around quickly. “Forgive me, sire, my Lady, I was looking for Gaius.” She bows and turns to leave. “If you want,” Merlin calls quickly, “you can tell me, or I can take you to Gaius now.” “No, no, that’s alright, I can find him,” Lilith stutters, “it’s not that urgent — “ “I’ll be right back.” Arthur doesn’t make a move to stop him. Merlin quickly walks over and gently steers Lilith out the door, closing it as they go. Morgana stares after them. “That’s all three of them,” she murmurs, “isn’t it?” Arthur nods, twisting the stem of the goblet back and forth between his fingers. “Something’s wrong.” “Gwen,” Morgana asks gently, “do you know what’s going on?” Gwen’s hands shake as she carefully pours another serving for the both of them. Morgana stands, taking the jug out of her hands and cupping them in hers. “Gwen, you can talk to me,” she murmurs, “please.” “We can’t let him win,” Gwen says simply, staring at their joined hands, “we can’t let him take any more of us.” “Why not,” Morgana prompts carefully, “will you tell me?” Gwen shakes her head firmly. “Not my place.” Arthur reaches out to pat Gwen’s shoulder. She nods in thanks and vanishes out the door. “I don’t like this,” Morgana declares, sitting back down, “and I’m going to get to the bottom of it.” “So what’re you gonna do? Follow them?” Morgana gets that face in response. “‘Gana, no. ” “Bold of you to assume you can stop me from doing anything.” With that, she sweeps out. Arthur sighs. This tournament can’t be over fast enough. The day before the tournament, Arthur finds Morgana in her chambers, face pale, and curled around a hot goblet. “Morgana!” He rushes over. “What happened? Are you alright? Are your nightmares back?” “No…” Her voice is firm but quiet. “Not my nightmares. Nothing happened to me.” “Then what’s got you like this?” She takes a deep breath and tells him. The day after Merlin and Lilith left Morgana’s chambers, Morgana finds Lilith in the kitchens and asks her for a favor. Lilith does as she’s bid and accompanies Morgana back to her chambers. As they work, Seibert comes to see Morgana. They talk briefly, Seibert inquiring about Gwen’s health, Morgana about how he feels about the tournament tomorrow, and Seibert asks her to accompany him to the feast afterward. Morgana accepts if only to keep an eye on him, and Seibert leaves. After she finishes with Lilith, Morgana dismisses her and walks away, only to double back and follow Lilith from a distance. Lilith walks quickly to Gaius. Morgana follows, her heart in her throat. Stopping just outside the door, Morgana leans against the wall and listens. “And he came by?” “Yes.” “And he asked the Lady Morgana to the feast?” “Yes.” “And about Gwen?” Merlin. It’s Merlin and Gaius. “We’ll fix it, I promise. He won’t hurt you anymore.” What? “What happened,” Morgana says, pushing the door open, ignoring the way Lilith startled terribly, “who hurt you?” “Eavesdropping, Lady Morgana,” Gaius remarks dryly, “not your normal style, is it?” His tone is pleasant as if he’d asked about the weather. “I’m sorry,” Merlin mutters to Lilith, “I didn’t think you’d be followed. But I think she can help, if you want.” “Yes, of course I can help,” Morgana says instantly, “what do you need, how can I—?” “That is not up to you,” Gaius says firmly, “but up to Lilith. Morgana watches helplessly as Merlin beckons Lilith to sit on the chair by the fire. “Here, don’t you worry, no one here’s going to hurt you. Are they any better today?” Lilith shakes her head and whispers something to Merlin. Merlin’s turned away so Morgana can’t see his face but she can see his shoulders tense. “Alright.” Merlin lays a comforting hand on Lilith’s shoulder as Gaius turns to escort Morgana out. No. It would’ve escalated had Merlin not spoken. “Lilith, do you want Morgana to help?” Morgana stops, waiting anxiously for Lilith to reply. Then Lilith nods, looking up slowly. “M-my Lady?” “Yes, Lilith, what can I do?” “I…” She looks up at Merlin desperately. “Why don’t you tell her what you told me,” Merlin suggests softly. Lilith nods, worrying her lip. “I was…I have a sister. Mother and father died. Lord Seibert, he…he won me three years ago.” Morgana nods. When Lilith doesn’t continue, she looks to Merlin for help. “Seibert takes you away from your families,” he says quietly, still watching his hand stroke soothing patterns on Lilith’s shoulder, “because it’s tradition. And no one cares who suffers because of it.” Morgana’s breath catches. “… suffers ?” Merlin glances down at Lilith before slowly easing the back of her dress open and sliding the cloth over her shoulders, leaving her back bare and facing the fire. Morgana walks around and looks. She gasps. Lilith’s back is littered with burns and scars, the skin pulled tightly over the bones and the skin cracked and broken. In certain places, the burns are angry and peeling, covering slightly older ones. Lilith winces as Gaius gently begins applying poultices and wrapping bandages around the harshly disfigured skin, murmuring words of encouragement as he works, finding him watching her closely. “What—who did this?” Merlin levels a stare at her. “You know.” “What? No, I don’t know anyone who…” Morgana trails off. No. “Was it Seibert?” she asks weakly. “Yes.” “And all the others, did—did things like this happen to them too?” “Yes.” Morgana takes a deep, slow breath. As she lets it out, the fiery worry in her belly cools to determined steel. “We’re going to get rid of that tradition and see all of you returned home.” Arthur sits back, flabbergasted. Morgana stares at him as if daring him to comment. “So…” he starts, only to stop. He tries again, still nothing. “… hell. ” “Quite,” Morgana nods sharply, taking a sip from her goblet. “I—we—“ Arthur takes a breath— “how long has this been happening?” “I have no idea.” “Is there any way I can help?” Stare. “You want to help?” “It’s not right,” Arthur insists, “and it’s happening in my men under my watch. Of course I want to help.” Morgana smirks and takes a drink. “Well, well, well, look at how you’ve changed. A while ago, you would’ve scoffed and dismissed the whole thing.” Arthur wants to argue…it’s true. “We have to get Uther to stop the tradition,” Morgana says firmly. “How? You know he’s not going to take the word of a servant over the word of a lord, much less his close friend.” “And what about our words?” “It’s tradition,” Arthur insists, even as it makes him sick to his stomach, “and even if it wasn’t… you know Uther. He doesn’t care what happens to servants. Not enough to do something about it.” Morgana’s mouth forms a hard line. Arthur can see how badly she wants to argue, how much she wants this to be anything other than it is. It isn’t. “You’d better win tomorrow,” she says instead and downs the rest of her glass. Seibert doesn’t win. Something happens to his sword, it flies out of his hand at a crucial moment. Arthur has no idea what must’ve got wrong. Absolutely not a clue in the world. Seibert leaves and Arthur watches the caravan exit the citadel. Merlin stands at his shoulder and he wraps an arm around him. On his other side, Morgana takes Gwen’s hands in hers and squeezes them tight. As the four of them stand there, he thinks of family. And home. And the safety of knowing that no one will ever hurt you again. He makes a promise. When he’s king, the first thing he’ll do is get them home. When Uther doesn’t make it to his next birthday, when Arthur passes the order, when Seibert returns thinking he can snatch up two more innocent people, the look on his face is reward enough. But it’s nowhere near the relief that passes over Holly’s face, Malwen’s face, Lilith’s face, when he tells them they get to come home. It’s nowhere near the pride he sees on Merlin’s face, nor the comforting weight of Merlin’s body in his arms when he crushes his servant in a hug the instant their chamber doors close behind them. Never again. End Notes Thanks for reading! Come yell at me on tumblr https://a-small-batch-of-dragons.tumblr.com/ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/F, Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Character: Morgana (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Abuse, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Uther Pendragon Dies (Merlin)
Published: 2020-10-05
Words: 4198

His favourite thing

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Merlin visits Arthur in the hospital. Notes Written for Whumptober prompt nº 13: oxygen mask. When Merlin enters the room, Arthur has his eyes closed, but he opens them the moment Merlin sits in the chair near the bed. “Hello,” says Merlin. “They’ll take this in a moment,” Merlin adds when Arthur tries to remove the oxygen mask. Merlin takes Arthur’s left hand. In the right, Arthur has the oximeter the doctor placed to monitor his oxygen levels. Before meeting Arthur, Merlin would never have thought he had a thing for hands. But now, this is probably Merlin’s favourite thing in the world: holding Arthur lovely hands in his. Arthur nods, and Merlin thinks that he must be on sedatives; otherwise, he would not be so calm. Arthur is usually the worst patient on Earth. “Everyone made it. There are no casualties.” Merlin can see Arthur smiles at hearing that, the corner of his eyes crinkling. “The doctor says there’s no infection,” Merlin continues, “so all is good news.” Merlin never has problems filling the silences. He can talk about everything in any situation. But in moments like this, Merlin struggles not to break down. Even when Merlin can see Arthur is fine and he will recover in a few days. After all, it is not the first time Arthur gets hurt or suffers smoke inhalation, as it is today. It is a common risk of being a firefighter. “The doctor says they’ll discharge you in a couple of days. So you’ll not be getting out of our camping trip,” Merlin says, and he forces himself to smile. Arthur rolls his eyes, and now Merlin’s laugh is genuine. Arthur starts blinking, and soon he is asleep. Merlin feels a bit of the tension fading away and realizes this is his favourite thing in the world: having Arthur safe and sound. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Merlin (Merlin), Hospitals, Whumptober 2020 Series: Part 3 of Whumptober 2020 Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-13
Words: 295

Do I Look Fat?

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Arthur asks merlin if he looks fat. Merlin's answer annoys him to a great extent and he definitely doesn't like Merlin teasing him later. Notes I got this idea from the show itself (The episode where Merlin calls Arthur fat, a number of times and Arthur gets so mad about it). Of course I added my own creativity to it. I also took one particular line from the show (changing it a little bit) because it fit perfectly here. I hope you all enjoy it! “Do I look fat?” Arthur asked looking at himself. Merlin had just helped him get dressed and was busy picking up his other clothes which needed washing. Merlin looked at him squinting a little, carefully studying his physique. Arthur looked up within a second, frowning at the lack of reply. When he caught Merlin looking at him as if considering what to say he got a little furious. “Merlin!” “Nooo!” “You think I’m fat, don’t you?” Arthur gasped. “I just said no.” Merlin raised his eyebrows. “Merlin?” His voice had dropped a few octaves, he sounded authoritative. Merlin had put down his laundry basket at the bottom of the bed, picking up the socks that lay there. He stood up and gave a sheepish grin. “You should probably lay-off sweets and meat for a while.” Before Merlin knew, Arthur jumped at him, both of them falling on the bed and Merlin was pinned below Arthur. “Whoa! I was just being honest, sire.” “I’m not fat!” “The truth may be bitter, but it is the truth.” “Oh you like the truth so much? I will give you some truth.” With that Arthur pressed his lips against his, claiming his mouth. He pushed Merlin’s hands above his head and pinned them down with his own, as he kissed him hungrily, tongues licking and sucking against each other. He nipped at his bottom lip, swallowing the little moan that escaped Merlin’s mouth. Without stopping the kiss, he moved one of his hands down, the other keeping Merlin’s hands in place, and pushed it under Merlin’s shirt slowly, fingers grazing against soft skin. Soon his fingers were circling one of the nipples and he gave it a soft pinch. Merlin moaned into his mouth, which made him deepen the devouring kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds breathless. Merlin was breathing hard too, but his face quickly broke into a grin. “I do appreciate your honesty.” Merlin said with his cocky grin. “You would have appreciated a lot more, if you hadn’t called me fat!” Arthur got off Merlin and the bed, standing up straightening his clothes. Merlin was quick to get up too, the grin still on his face. “I think what I would really appreciate is if you lost a few pounds. You almost crushed my bones there.” He said lightly massaging his shoulder. Arthur glared at him and was about to pounce on him again, when Merlin ran away and out of the room. _ They were on the training grounds with the knights. Their training session was over for the day and they were having a friendly conversation before they left for their duties. Merlin had joined them too, as he always did. “Hey Merlin! Your bottom lip looks a little red and swollen.” Leon pointed out. Soon everyone noticed and looked at him questioningly. Everyone except Arthur, who seemed to have some new found interest in his helmet. Merlin glanced at him once before answering. “Oh it is the doing of a big fat bug.” Arthur’s eyes shot up at him, glaring again. “Well, it could have been poisonous or something. You should probably get it checked by Gaius.” Lancelot suggested. “Lancelot is right. Looking at the swelling and redness, it’s best to consult Gaius.” Leon said nodding his head. “Oh no! Don’t worry about it. It has bitten me before.” Merlin waved his hand. The knights looked confused and uncertain. “You should get your room fumigated then.” Leon said. “That’s the problem. It goes everywhere except my room.” He said animatedly. The knights looked at each other with even more confusion, not knowing what to say next. “Seems like this bug fancies you.” Gwaine said finally, raising an eyebrow grinning. “Maybe but it’s a little cranky at times.” Merlin looked at Arthur mischievously. “Just this morning, I called it fat and it bit me.” The other knights laughed, but Arthur did not look pleased. “You should kill it. It’s probably getting fat by sucking your blood.” “I think my blood is the last thing it would want to suck.” Merlin put a little emphasis on the last word. Before any of the knights could say anything further, he heard a very distinct voice. “Enough with the chit-chat. We should all get to work.” Arthur ordered and turned around walking away. _ Merlin walked to Arthur’s room with his dinner. They hadn’t talked or even been alone together after the training session. Arthur had been in a foul mood for most part of the day and he had either glared at him or completely avoided his gaze. Merlin expected to envision his anger again, but it wasn’t anything he was afraid of, he knew how to calm him down. Merlin opened the door and walked in to see Arthur sitting at his table, going through some papers. He looked sad, almost pouting. When he saw merlin, he frowned a little and went back to looking at the paper in his hand. Merlin set down the dinner at the dining table. “I don’t want to eat.” Arthur said without looking up. “You don’t want to eat? Since when do you not want to eat?” Arthur didn’t say anything as he continued looking at the paper. “What happened? You look upset.” Merlin was a little concerned now. He moved towards Arthur and set his hands on the table looking at him. Arthur pursed his lips. “Nothing.” Merlin peered at the paper he was looking so intently at. He sighed. “Really? Then why are you holding that upside down?” Arthur’s eyes darted between him and the paper. He turned it around, clearing his throat. “What is the matter, Arthur?” Merlin had genuine concern in his voice. “What’s the matter? You called me fat!” Arthur pouted. Merlin narrowed his eyebrows and then let out a laugh. “That’s why you are so upset?” Arthur put the paper down and crossed his arms across his chest, still pouting. “It’s not funny.” “Oh dear Lord!” Merlin got around the table and leaned against the it standing right next to him. “I was just joking.” He took one of his arm and held his hand rubbing his thumb against the back of his fingers. “Look at yourself, your arms, your legs, your back, your chest, you are all muscle.” “So, you don’t think I’m fat?” Arthur asked eyes darting up to meet his. “No, my lord.” Arthur frowned at him. Merlin realized his mistake quickly. He brought Arthur’s hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the knuckles, before correcting himself. “No, my love.” Arthur smiled and got up, moving closer to him till their bodies were aligned against each other. This time Merlin placed his lips on his, arms snaking around his neck, pulling his face closer. Arthur wrapped his arms around his waist, melting into the kiss. What started as a tender loving kiss, soon turned into a more passionate, desperate one. Clothes were being pushed up, hands meeting skin, fingers tracing muscles, soft moans escaping both their mouths. Arthur’s fingers slipped inside Merlin’s trousers and Merlin pulled back. “What about dinner?” He asked gasping for breath. Arthur smiled mischievously and whispered. “I will have you for dinner.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, Teasing, Flirting, Innuendo, True Love, Dorks in Love, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Rough Kissing, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Pouting, Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Touching, Developing Relationship, Secret Relationship, One Shot, Implied Sexual Content
Published: 2020-10-19
Words: 1206

rise through the night (you and i)

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arthur and merlin go hunting on a cold winter day...things get scary when merlin falls into a freezing river. i suck at summaries, but this is a hurt/comfort fic with merlin getting hurt and arthur helping him! Notes this was requested by a friend on tumblr!! they sent me a very detailed prompt and asked if i would be willing to write a full-fledged fic for it (i was willing LOL). the main premise is all credit to them, and i appreciate them being so chill with my little additions and writing style. it was an honor to write this for you, thank you so much for asking :') i hope you like it!! See the end of the work for more notes Merlin didn’t want to go hunting—no surprise there. He had a bad feeling about this trip, but when he told Arthur about it, he just got a scoff in return and a “Sure, Merlin. We’re leaving at dawn.” So, that brings Merlin, who was freezing in the bright winter morning, huddled near their horses, Honey and Llamrei, shivering from head to toe waiting for King Prat to come down. He would use magic to warm himself up a bit, and he would if he was going alone, but it would be too suspicious if Arthur was also going to freeze his arse off. He was told to pack for a three day trip as Arthur wanted to get away from the castle for as long as was allowed. Merlin understood the need to escape—truly, he did, but he would be more sympathetic if it wasn't in the dead of winter. Merlin sighed at the thought, wanting this to be over with. Arthur came galloping down the stairs of the castle, already giddy at the prospect of leaving the cage behind. Merlin couldn’t stop the smile forming at Arthur’s excitement. I guess I can suck it up, Merlin thought defeatedly, for Arthur. Everything is always for Arthur—and Merlin wouldn’t have it any other way. “Perk up, Merlin! This will be good, I know it,” Arthur beamed at him, taking Llamrei from him. “Of course, sire, I can’t wait to kill frozen little innocent animals,” Merlin said sweetly under his breath. Arthur rolled his eyes but didn’t respond, hopping on his horse, looking up at Leon, who was on the top step smiling at them and waving. “I trust you will take good care of my kingdom, Sir Leon,” Arthur smiled at the man who bowed deeply. “Of course, Sire,” and then Leon looked at Merlin, “Take care of our King, Merlin. Though, you never disappoint.” Merlin heard Arthur mutter under his breath, “never disappoint, pff,” but Merlin gave Leon a true smile, “Of course, Sir Leon! I know you’ll do great here.” Leon nodded at him, a small smile on his face at the praise, and went back into the warm castle. Merlin heard Arthur go towards the gate, and with one last long suffering look at the warm castle begging him to stay, he went off after his King. ~~~~~~~~~~ A few hours in and Arthur was still radiating excitement. Being away from Camelot always scared him a little, but it was necessary. Sometimes it felt too much like a dungeon with no room to breathe. But here, in the brisk, winter air, it felt like he was flying. He did feel a little bad about dragging Merlin in the cold, but he knew if he told Merlin to stay home, then he would have just followed anyway. Said man was prattling on about what patients he helped Gaius with this week, and Arthur smiled. He wouldn’t say it out loud, but having Merlin with him was always exciting. Merlin never made anything dull. Arthur didn’t want to bring the roundtable on this trip, wanting to go back to the good old days—adventuring with his best friend at his side. Arthur wanted to go to a specific clearing a few more hours away, but the journey was also part of the fun. Merlin was currently joking about what Gwaine did at training yesterday, but then they hit the river that Arthur had forgotten about. They both stopped short, staring at the frozen water. “Oh, yeah, I might have forgotten about this,”Arthur stated as innocently as he could, “I’ll cross first without my horse to see if it’s stable enough.” But as he got off his horse, Merlin beat him to it. Of course Merlin felt the need to go first, Arthur sighed internally, thinking about how Merlin always shows little to no self-preservation. He gaped at the man, who just stepped on the ice. Merlin turned around and smiled at Arthur, “See, everything will be okay. I’ll make sure it’s safe enough for us, just wait there.” Arthur reluctantly nodded, “Be careful, Merlin.” Merlin gave a small laugh, facing the other side that looked to be about twenty feet away, “Woah, Arthur. That almost sounded like you care for me, sire.” Arthur tried to smile at the attempt at humor but it fell short—especially when he could hear the ice cracking a little. Merlin makes it about halfway when he turns around to face him, “See! I knew it was strong enough, sire, you should trust me more.” Arthur let out a rough laugh, “Yeah...yeah, you’re right Merlin. Hurry up, I want to get there soon.” He meant it to sound annoyed, but it definitely came across more nervous, scared that their good luck wouldn’t last. He was right. Three more steps forwards, and Merlin fell through the ice—tumbling fast into the cold, unforgiving water without a sound. He stared numbly where Merlin just plummeted. Time felt like it slowed, everything freezing in its tracks. No, no, no, no. No. Violently, time began once more when he saw Merlin’s head bob out of the water. “MERLIN?!” Arthur took a fast step forwards, shaking with his palpable fear. He saw Merlin flick a terrified glance his way when Merlin’s frozen, wet arms started flailing on the broken ice around him—the panic obvious in his movements. Even from here, Arthur could see how shakey Merlin’s arms were, how little of his strength remained after it was sapped out of him when he fell. Slowly now, terrified that Merlin would hurt himself more, Arthur started advancing onto the ice —carefully placing his feet to balance out the cracking. Merlin, still flailing in his panic, was almost blue, his body slowly draining of any color. He tried to heave himself up once more, but failed again when holding himself used too much energy that he didn’t have. “Merlin, stop, look at me,” Merlin reluctantly listened, holding onto a piece of floating ice to stay stable, “You have to stop doing that. You’re wasting too much energy, I’m coming. Don’t worry, I’m coming.” As he said that, he didn’t, wouldn’t, break eye contact with Merlin. Arthur steadied himself, trying to emit the strength and stability Merlin needed. “Ar-Ar-tur, d-don’t,” Merlin stammered out, face draining even more. Arthur faked a scoff, “You forget I’m the king, right? You can’t order me.” Stepping slowly, Arthur reached the edge of the broken ice. “Merlin, swim to me. We’re almost there, we’re going to be fine, and you’ll be cleaning my room in no time.” Merlin obeyed and swam sluggishly towards his king. Arthur mumbled small praises the whole time, “That’s it, Merlin. You’re almost there.” Arthur uncliped his cloak and bent down at the edge of the water. When Merlin reached him, Arthur didn’t hesitate. He grabbed Merlin from under his arms and heaved him out onto the unstable ice around them—crackling at the weight. Arthur breathed a stream of curses, picking Merlin off the ground, covering him with his cloak, and ran to the horses. Once he reached Llamrei, he dropped to his knees, rolling Merlin towards him. “Merlin?! Merlin. Come on, wake up,” he hit Merlin’s blue face slightly. They were both shaking so hard that Arthur couldn’t tell if Merlin was breathing or not. Raising a shivering hand, he touched Merlin’s throat, looking for a pulse. He felt nothing. “No,” Arthur shook his head vehemently, “No, you’re not dead. I don’t allow it. No, no, no, no.” Arthur didn’t feel his tears through his frozen exterior as he started banging on Merlin’s chest. “Please, please,” Arthur rambled, “please save him, please.” He repeated it, again and again, his tears blurring his eyes, “I’ll do anything, please, no, no.” Arthur wouldn’t stop trying, and when he lifted up his fist again, a soft golden gold violently encompassed both of them. Arthur stopped, and looked at the light in shock. It felt peaceful, safe, and warm. It was so warm. He looked everywhere around them before landing on Merlin himself—a gasp escaping him. Merlin was radiating the light. Did someone answer my prayers? Arthur wondered in pure awe, putting his fingers back to Merlin’s pulse when his shaking subsided enough. He sobbed out in relief—it was there, weak but fast. He gathered Merlin in his arms, not fearing the power surrounding his servant, and put Merlin on Llamrei before he followed behind him. Grabbing Honey’s reins, he searched for a cave. They needed to recover, and Merlin needed time to heal. And Arthur needed time to figure out what just happened. It was still snowing, and Arthur growled at the sky because of it. Merlin was still unconscious laying against him, no longing glowing, and Arthur wished he would wake up—at least once. He should’ve stopped Merlin from going to sleep, he knew sleeping was never a good sign... we need Gaius, his brain added unhelpfully. First, they need shelter. Camelot was too far a journey with Merlin in this condition. That strange light saved his life for now, but Merlin was still shivering and blue. Arthur couldn’t stop replaying that scene in his head: Merlin tumbling into the frozen waters without a sound, time stopping and beginning, and that light that saved their lives—Merlin’s light. He was terrified when he realized that Merlin might not make the night. But that wouldn’t happen...he wouldn’t let it happen. Never—not on his watch. After what felt like hours, he found a cave large enough for the four of them, and he raced towards it. Quickly, he built a fire inside—rather difficult when everything is soaked, but he managed to find some dry wood—placing Merlin directly next to it, then he made sure the horses were comfortable enough for the long night before he returned to Merlin. The man in question was still soaking wet, and Arthur frowned at Merlin’s shaking. Deciding that he would be warm enough quickly by the fire, he took off Merlin’s shirt and the cloak wrapped around him, placing them on the other side of the fire to dry, and gave Merlin his own shirt—the quality much better than the strings holding together Merlin’s shirt. I’ll buy him better clothes, Arthur thought grimly, he should have warmer clothes. He mentally kicked himself for forgetting how little Merlin spends on himself, and he stared at the shivering man, who was turning less blue every second. The light replayed in his head, and without the adrenaline and panic flooding his system, he truly thought about it. And it stopped him dead. Magic. That was obviously magic. He couldn’t help but back away from Merlin, years of lessons at the forefront of his mind. No, Merlin couldn’t have magic. Magic was evil, wasn’t it? He wasn’t so sure, especially not now. What he felt, it wasn’t cruel, or menacing, or dangerous. It was pure, warm, and light—similar to the light that led him out the cave all those years ago. It felt like a hug from someone you love dearly. This went against everything his father taught him, but then again, don’t I already think magic isn’t wholly evil? He pondered that thought with a small frown. Before the purge, magic was used to heal—Gaius being the prime example—and used to grow crops and help others. But, it was also used to aid in people’s greed, for fighting, for gaining the upper hand...but didn’t swords do that, too? A tool to be used by those who knew how to wield it, and in the wrong hands, it leads to destruction—no different than someone who masters a sword with expert skill and ability. That Dragonlord was magic as well, Arthur thought back to that adventure focusing on how distraught Merlin was when the man died. Maybe they had a connection through their magic? But that brought the thoughts back to the man in front of him. How long has he practiced magic right under Arthur’s nose? For what purpose? Merlin isn’t evil, but why lie to me? And that’s what hurts the most. The lying. Arthur thought they told each other everything. Merlin was his brother in everything except blood—they were stronger together, always. Arthur knew Merlin kept secrets, especially by the way Merlin’s moods would drastically shift one day to the next. Arthur knew that Merlin was hiding something, but why did it feel so bad? Thinking back on their adventures, Arthur could clearly see now that Merlin had magic. The branch that would accidentally hit the bandit behind Arthur’s back when he wasn’t looking, the creatures that can only be killed by magic dying unexpectedly, the way Arthur sometimes healed faster than he thought was possible. All things that aided Arthur. His mind suddenly flashed the scene in his head of him almost killing his father after finding out what his father did to his mother, and to magic users, and Arthur paused this time on Merlin. Merlin didn’t deny the vision of his mother during the long journey back...he almost seemed saddened by the whole thing, taking it to heart. But the minute Arthur was going to kill Uther, Merlin was the one to stop him. Merlin, who has magic, stopped Arthur from killing the man who spent his reign committing a genocide of a whole group of people—Merlin’s people. He did it for Arthur, he had to—just like everything else Merlin did and continues to do. That confused Arthur even more, if he was being honest. Why protect the son of the King who murdered innocent people for a decade? What does Merlin get from that? As if Merlin could feel Arthur’s inner turmoil, he groaned and tried to open his eyes. Blearily, he managed to open them and he stared at Arthur, a confused look adorning his features. He tried to sit up, but failed miserably, groaning from the exertion. Arthur rushed to him, placing his hand on Merlin’s, helping him sit up more, “Stop moving, you dollophead.” Merlin didn’t retort back, making Arthur frown again, and asked, his voice gruff with pain, “Ar- Arthur. What happened?” Arthur leaned slightly away from Merlin, sitting on his heels facing the fire still burning brightly, “You fell in the water, and I got you out.” “Thank you, Arthur,” Merlin breathed, eyes filled with nothing but gratitude, but then, at the thick silence, he narrowed his eyes at the king, “That’s not all, is it?” Arthur, still watching the flames, answered quietly, “No.” Merlin’s breathing went into short, fast puffs, and he eyed Arthur’s sword at his side, moving back from Arthur as nonchalantly as he could, “No?” Arthur missed nothing. He saw the panic, the pure, unadulterated fear flooding through Merlin— almost a tangible thing in the air. Arthur sucked in a quick breath when he realized that Merlin thought Arthur would kill him. Arthur threw his sword to the other side of the cave, and put his hands towards Merlin like a wild animal being tamed. “Merlin. Merlin, look at me,” Merlin, whose tears were already falling, did so slowly, “I would never hurt you. I promise.” He heard Merlin’s breathing hitch, but he continued, “I don’t know why or how, but you saved us from dying out there. When I brought you back to land, we were both shivering so bad that I couldn’t even check your pulse. We were going to die, but we didn’t. You...you emitted this golden glow, and it felt like you. So you, Merlin. It felt familiar, warm, and safe. I’ve never felt safer.” Merlin’s eyes never left Arthur’s, and Merlin sobbed once more, and stuttered out, “Arthur, I’m so, so sorry.” Arthur started shaking his head, but Merlin plowed on, “I was born like this. I was able to do m- magic longer than I knew how to walk. I-I wanted to tell you for so long, but I didn’t know h-how you would react. For a while I thought you would kill me, but then I thought y-you would send me away. But I need to protect you, to save you, to serve you. It was the reason I was put onto the Earth. My magic is yours, Arthur, only yours—as it always has been.” Arthur was speechless, staring at Merlin like he was a puzzle that was just solved. “I believe you,” Arthur said softly, moved beyond comprehension. They had a connection, Arthur already knew this, but to this degree? To this loyalty? Arthur smiled at Merlin, “I don’t know why you place such loyalty in me, but, thank you Merlin. For protecting me.” Merlin gave Arthur a small nod, still crying softly. Arthur saw Merlin look down, with his face going red in embarrassment at what he saw. “Arthur, you shouldn’t have,” Merlin said gently, pulling on Arthur’s shirt, “I’m supposed to be saving your sorry arse, not the other way around.” Arthur scoffed, “Right. I should’ve let you, what? Drown and shiver to death...no thank you, I am a King for a reason, Mer lin. I am supposed to help the helpless.” Merlin’s face went beet red again, apparently not used to being saved. Arthur would help fix that, before Merlin ended up killing himself by his self sacrificing ways. Arthur retrieved some food that was packed in their bags and came back to Merlin, who refused at first at being served, but then he obliged after Arthur didn’t move. “You know, Merlin,” Arthur started, still feeding them both, “getting help every once and awhile is a good thing. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it. No one should go through life alone— especially when there are people willing to be there for you.” Merlin, still shaking from the fall, looked up at Arthur, “Yeah?” Arthur sat back, next to Merlin, again looking at the fire, “Yeah. You scared me pretty badly out there Merlin. I thought I lost you.” Merlin slouched inwards, upset at himself as well, but didn’t respond. Arthur knew that Merlin knew that he (Merlin) had reckless tendencies, that he threw himself at danger all the time without any self preservation—they’ve talked about it before, actually. Instead of addressing his continued self-sacrificing actions, he squared his shoulders and looked at Arthur, “Thank you again, Arthur. You saved my life today, and I will never forget it. It was also dangerous for you to go on the ice to get me, but you did it anyways. So, thank you, and,” he added softly, “thank you for not hating me.” Arthur smiled at him and gave him a small nod, “Well, someone had to save your sorry arse from dying, and Honey wasn’t about to jump in the river to save you...and,” he paused slightly, tilting his head, “I don’t think I could ever hate you.” Merlin tried to smile but he coughed and moaned a bit in pain, and Arthur rushed back to his side. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” Arthur asks, nerves spiking through him. Merlin just shook his head and gave Arthur a warm smile before quickly falling asleep again. ~~~~~~~~~~ Merlin woke up feeling better than he has in a long time. When his magic reacted to his fall, it healed him almost all the way. And throughout the night, his magic slowly knitted him back together. He couldn’t believe Arthur knew about his magic and didn’t hate him for it, and he didn’t banish him, or kill him. Arthur even looked at him the same way, not fearing Merlin or thinking him weak in this state. Merlin hated being helpless, but Arthur was right. It’s okay to get help when you need it, but Merlin needed to work on believing it more—especially since Arthur now knows about his magic, he should probably talk to the king now before secretly stopping someone evil, he mused. Merlin smiled at the thought and looked down to see the King’s shirt still on him, with Arthur shirtless snuggling by the fire. Merlin quickly took it off, missing the nice tunic immediately, and spelled the shirt to be warm and fresh for Arthur once he woke up. Merlin slowly walked to the firepit, picked up his shirt that was now thankfully dry, and put it back on. Arthur woke up with a groan, rubbing his eyes tiredly, but shot up when he saw Merlin cleaning up. “What are you doing? How are you feeling? You should’ve kept my shirt, it would keep you warmer than yours.” Merlin smiled at the rambling, and answered perkily, “I am cleaning up, I feel good, thanks to you, and it’s okay, sire. My shirt was nice and warm this morning.” Arthur narrowed his eyes but nodded, and after a quick breakfast, they took care of the horses and rode off towards Camelot. After a few minutes in comfortable silence, Merlin, with a curious look on his face, asked quietly in the slightly warming morning, “Everything is going to change now, won’t it?” Arthur gave Merlin a true smile—a smile that had even destiny singing in the distance: “Yes, but I think it’s time for some change, don’t you think?” End Notes THANK YOU FOR READING!! i know, i know, this is my second fic in such a short time--isn't that crazy?? lmfaoo i hope you enjoyed this!! if you wanna request a prompt, like i did here, i would love to hear it on tumblr (@bellamyblakru). thank you again for reading, i appreciate you all so much (also, title from jatp's song bright bc i cant stop listening to their music) Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), can be seen as preslash if you want!!, so - Relationship, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), if you squint, it is supposed to be strong friendship, but i ship them with my entire heart, but i really tried for friendship 
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Arthur takes care of Merlin, i wrote this for a prompt i received!!, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), also a little of, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), bc i cant help myself, also, smart arthur, bc i wrote it, arthur is a good king, he was already weary on the whole hate magic thing so merlin helps him come to the right conclusion, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era, Canon-Typical Violence, i dont like hurting merlin so this was hard for me, but arthur saves merlin, so im okay w it, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), mostly arthur! which is new for me, it is separated by ~~~~~, BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Published: 2020-10-21
Words: 3559

What Is So Great About Lancelot Anyway?

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Happens sometime during s01ep05, not very timeline-y compliant with the episode, but it could have happened some time during it. Arthur wants to know why Merlin wants so badly for Lancelot to be a knight (And can't help but compare him to himself) Notes See the end of the work for notes "Why are you so keen on helping this Lancelot fellow!" Arthur said, storming into his chamber with Merlin. "He's a good man, and a better soldier! The rule is unjust Arthur!" "So be it, but it's the rule! You must have greater motivation Merlin." "He deserves it! You dueled him yourself, you know his skill." "Certainly he is skilled, but he cannot be a knight!" "Change the rule then! He is fit, he is skilled, he is young, he is loyal, he's strong, he desires to serve you, he has all the qualities a knight must bear!" Arthur chuckled darkly and paused momentarily. "I know what this is." Merlin stood his ground, waiting for Arthur's statement. "You fancy him." Arthur turned to Merlin, his eyes hard and piercing. Merlin felt taken aback and he looked it. "Certainly he is attractive but I do not fancy him!" "Why not? Why shouldn't you?" Arthur stepped closer to Merlin, backing him against the wall. "He is young, certainly handsome, I'm sure he'd be a good man to you." "I do not fancy him! I only think he deserves knighthood, I have no other motive." Arthur was ever closer, his feet only a step away from Merlin. "You should fancy him Merlin. He'd honor you I am sure, though his skillwork is well, certainly below mine. He is fit, attractive, though I am more so. His loyalty leaves nothing to be desired, but do you think he'd be a good lie?" Arthur closed in on Merlin, the dark haired boy pressed tight against the wall, face flushed. "Perhaps, but I don't care!" "His stamina is quite sure, I'm positive. No match for mine however." Merlin's face scrunched at that, and he turned his face to meet Arthur's eyes more directly. "What's this all about anyway?" "We're talking about Lancelot." "No, we're talking about why I should be with Lancelot." Arthur face contorted in confusion, a glimpse of anxiety passing over his face. "And, you keep comparing him to you. Why are you doing that Arthur? You couldn't be jealous could you?" "Certainly not!" Arthur snorted, but his tone was clearly lacking in truth. "Why would I care if a man caught your eye." Merlin quirked an eyebrow. "You tell me." "Tell you what?" Arthur said, crossing his arms over his chest, both a position to make him appear at ease, and also defensive. "Tell me why you would care if another man caught my eye." "I wouldn't! Has he?" "No! And I think you would. I don't want to jump to conclusions here, so I think it would be better for you to tell me yourself." Merlin was close to Arthur now, their eyes searching each other's. Arthur opened his mouth, closed it again, and then stuttered out a few unintelligible sounds. Merlin looked at him intently, searching his face and suddenly Arthur looked him in the eye, and drew him close to himself, locking their lips in a soft, but assured kiss. They broke apart, and Arthur breathed in, trying to look confident in his actions but clearly unsure of himself. Merlin gasped, and then grinned, a twinkle in his eyes. Merlin stepped closer to Arthur again, and the two locked gazes, before Merlin tilted his head pressing another gentle kiss to Arthur's lips. It devolved from there, and an hour later the two were swollen lipped and rosy faced. "Were you jealous then?" "Well, I mean, er'," Merlin laughed as Arthur tried to duck the question. "Were you truly interested in him Merlin?" Merlin's face softened, replying with, "Never Arthur. It's you, and always has been." Arthur reached a hand out to Merlin's cheek, and gently tilted his face towards him, drawing his lips in for another sweet kiss. End Notes I think we should just agree that I'm never getting around to day 10 of the month of prompts... anyway, comments/kudos appreciated! -L Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Jealous Arthur, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era, Arguing, First Kiss, Set sometime during s01ep05, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Emotionally Constipated Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), A little, he's just bad at feelings and we love him Series: Part 3 of the volume of merlin
Published: 2020-10-22
Words: 627

No 17. I Did Not See That Coming

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Merlin didn’t know how Vortigern had found him. No, that was a lie, he knew the warlord was there to negotiate with Arthur. Finding Merlin was easy once there was that starting point. Never, Merlin mused, had he ever regretted telling about those dragons more than while he was pressed against the wall with Vortigern’s arm on his throat and threats in his ear. Notes prompt: No 17. I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING Blackmail | Dirty Secret | Wrongfully Accused Merlin didn’t know how Vortigern had found him. No, that was a lie, he knew the warlord was there to negotiate with Arthur. Finding Merlin was easy once there was that starting point. Never, Merlin mused, had he ever regretted telling about those dragons more than while he was pressed against the wall with Vortigern’s arm on his throat and threats in his ear. “Don’t worry, boy,” Vortigern was saying, “I know your little secret—you do what I say and we won’t have a problem, won’t we?” “We won’t.” Merlin found himself agreeing. He could’ve cursed himself, all those years where he hadn’t even thought of the man, all for nothing as he caved at the first hint of his magic being exposed. Merlin avoided everyone after that, Gaius had noticed the bruising on his throat and Merlin had made up something that he didn’t remember. Arthur had noticed, coming down to Gaius’ chambers to ask about the servant’s whereabouts. Gaius had lied, explaining that Merlin was sick and Arthur would have to ask a different servant. It wasn’t entirely a lie, Merlin had worked himself into such a state over the worry and fear that Gaius had ordered bed-rest on him until he was more stable on his feet. Merlin didn’t know when Vortigern would leave, nor did he know what Vortigern would force Merlin to do now that he had blackmail. All Merlin was sure of was that Vortigern hadn’t forgotten the prophecies Merlin had given, and the elder was still smarting over the destruction of his castle. Vortigern did, however, believe that Merlin’s name was Myrddin. There wasn’t much Merlin could do about the situation, except to avoid Vortigern and advise Arthur on the situation with backhand comments. Arthur who kept trying to ask about where he had been. Merlin dodged the questions with the expertise of one who dodged questions to live. Finally, Arthur just straight up asked. “Merlin!” He’d called after he’d given up probing for answers, “I forbid you from dodging the question; where were you and why did you leave?” “Sire!” Merlin just answered he didn’t know what to say, “I can’t… tell you.” “Why not?” “Because—” Merlin paused, they were alone, and Merlin didn’t have much to lose from telling a partial truth. “—he’ll kill me.” Arthur stood abruptly, there was nothing but fury in his expression; Arthur was a clear-cut person, zero to sixty in an instant, and a threat to his friends was a threat to him. “Tell me his name,” Arthur ordered, there was no exceptions in his tone, just instant finality. If Merlin said Vortigern’s name, Arthur would kill him. “I can’t,” Merlin started, and when it looked like Arthur would interrupt, he rushed the next words, “You would kill him and then you would get yourself into a situation you can’t get out of.” “I won’t kill whoever it is,” Arthur promised, but his eyes still spoke of murder. Merlin just shook his head and focused on his work. It was effectively a dismissal, and Arthur didn’t do well with dismissals. “Merlin!” Arthur called; when Merlin turned his attention on Arthur, the other man continued, “I won’t kill whoever threatened you, I will instead keep an eye on him and try to catch him doing something illegal, then legally, I can kill him. Tell me who threatened you.” Merlin just stood there, his desire to be seen warring with his fear of being known. Arthur waited, patient and kind, for Merlin to make the final decision. “Vortigern.” Arthur was furious. Merlin had been right, he desperately wanted to kill the warlord, but Vortigern was a guest—to kill him would effectively be treason. True to his word, Arthur watched Vortigern carefully, every move the man made Arthur knew of. There was nothing Vortigern did that Arthur wasn’t aware of. Which meant, that Arthur was completely sure that Vortigern had some sort of blackmail material against his servant. What that blackmail was, Arthur didn’t know. He was sure that it was something serious if the way Merlin flinched away from the warlord, yet still completed his every whim, was any indication. It was a few weeks after Merlin had told him when Arthur had a meeting with Vortigern scheduled. Merlin was nowhere to be found so Arthur arrived at the meeting with a heavy heart and sinking hopes. “Your highness,” Vortigern said, voice silky and yet just harsh enough to set Arthur’s teeth on edge. “Warlord Vortigern,” Arthur replied, carefully keeping the hatred out of his voice. “I have some information that might please you,” Vortigern continued, “it has taken some time to be sure, but I believe I have located where the sorcerer who was responsible for my castle’s collapse is.” All the information that Arthur had gathered was blinking red warning signs in his face. Very carefully he said, “Oh?” “Yes,” Vortigern said, “the true identity of the sorcerer Myrddin—” Arthur’s mind supplied the name Merlin , but he didn’t want to hear it. “—is none other than your manservant, Merlin.” Arthur’s mind blanked at the outright confirmation. Vortigern sat there, a proud wielder of cutting truths. If Arthur hadn’t already had the thought in the back of his mind that Merlin was more than he seemed, Merlin’s life would be eligible for forfeit. Suddenly, Arthur realised that Merlin had never outright said who would kill him, instead, Arthur had asked who threatened Merlin, not who would kill him. Arthur considered this and every situation that suddenly made so much more sense, and said, “So?” This stumped Vortigern. The warlord sat there, clearly expecting Arthur to order the death of his manservant, not simply accept the claims and move on. “I just told you your servant has been committing treason under your nose! You should be furious!” “Merlin hasn’t been committing any treason,” Arthur lied, “He has done everything on my orders and with my permission.” “Magic is punishable by death.” “Oh?” Arthur asked, thinking fast, “Haven’t you heard?” A few meaningless arguments later, Arthur was back at his desk hastily drafting a legislation and law changes. Two hours later he burst into the library and told Geoffrey to get those laws processed immediately, they should have been done yesterday. Vortigern had clearly gone straight to checking the laws, and having not found what he was looking for, had come right back to confront Arthur. “The law still states that magic is punishable by death.” Arthur made a face of confusion and gestured for Vortigern to follow him. He led the warlord down to the library and very calmly asked Geoffrey where the latest laws on magic were. Geoffrey raised an eyebrow, judging Arthur’s decision-making. Arthur ignored the judgement and found the papers he had written and had processed less than an hour ago. “Here,” he said calmly, “the law states that all practice of magic and Old Religion is legal, and Sorcerers and magical creatures will be held to the same standards as those without magic.” Arthur levelled a harsh glare towards Vortigern. “That means,” he said forcefully, “that you have to release my manservant.” Vortigern’s face darkened and Arthur just stood there with a pleasant expression. The warlord marched off in a huff, and all the fight drained from Arthur. He didn’t know how exhausted, nor how worried, he had been until the situation had been resolved. Merlin was released from Vortigern’s rooms where he had been chained with cold iron. The burns from the irons were painful and required medical attention, but he ignored them in favour of finding Arthur. He burst into the king’s chambers mind on only seeing if Arthur was alright. He’d been so sure that the only way he was getting out of this was in death, but then Vortigern had released him with several minutes of swearing. Arthur was at his desk, papers were strewn everywhere, and yet when Merlin burst in he ignored the mess and lunged. Merlin flinched, bringing his hands up in a vain attempt to stop Arthur, but the king just gripped Merlin tight in a back-breaking hug. “Don’t ever do that again,” Arthur ordered, “you hear me? Don’t you ever do that again! I don’t care if you have to use your magic, but don’t you ever leave me alone again.” At the words, ‘your magic’ Merlin went very still, Arthur, noticing this, just handed him one of the several pieces of paper. The words magic and legal jumped out at him and Merlin’s mind shut down. He couldn’t handle the sudden rush of relief and the absence of fear that spread through him. Arthur held him as he sobbed, and once the tears had run dry, Arthur released him. “Merlin,” he said cautiously, “will you be my court sorcerer?” Merlin’s eyes shone with fresh tears, “warlock, not sorcerer, and you’ve got yourself a deal.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Vortigern
Additional Tags: Whumptober 2020, no 17, Blackmail, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Magic is legalised out of spite, Timeline What Timeline, sometime in an alternate canon, who knows what is happening, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin) Series: Part 16 of Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-20
Words: 1482

We Were Hot

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Arthur and Merlin wake Gaius. They're absolutely terrible liars. The homophobia is mostly implied, nothing outright. "Merlin?" Arthur hissed out, as he leaned into a crevice in the wall. "Arthur! Finally." The dark haired boy popped out from his hiding place, bringing a relieved sigh from Arthur. "I was held up. My father." Merlin nodded in understanding and the two slipped into the dark. Minutes later Merlin was pressed back against the stone wall, hips held down by Arthur's hand. The blonde boy nipped gently at Merlin's neck, murmuring into his ear. "Missed you." Merlin sighed into the touch of Arthur's lips, and the blonde brought his head up, bringing his lips to Merlin's. The two pressed together, Merlin tugging his lover close. Several minutes later, the two broke apart, chests heaving and lips swollen. Merlin grinned up at Arthur, who returned the look. Arthur took Merlin by the hand and the two slipped quietly up to Merlin's room. As soon as the door shut Arthur was pulling Merlin close again, seeking any touch. The blonde pushed Merlin back slightly, falling onto the bed. Merlin laughed, then clapped a hand over his mouth, his eyes twinkling. Arthur snorted, but the two quickly became involved in each other's touch once again. Arthur lay on top of Merlin, cradling the dark haired boy's face in his hand, and kissing the life out of him. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur, pulling him closer. Arthur slid one hand away from Merlin's face, and slowly slid it under the fabric of Merlin's shirt, his hand resting on Merlin's stomach, a gentle warmth. Arthur's lips traveled down Merlin's neck, the smaller boy moaning quietly and the sensation. Arthur rested his other hand on Merlin's chest, and then whispered out a rough, "Off." Merlin sat up, tugging the shirt over his shoulders, before laying back down, a blush spreading down his neck to his chest. Arthur smirked at him, then re-connected their lips briefly, his mouth traveling slowly across Merlin's torso, teasing his nipples gently, slowly, before traveling down further. He teased Merlin a bit, tracing patterns across Merlin's stomach, knowing he was ticklish. "Arthur!" Merlin hissed, his stomach tensing in protest. Merlin shoved at Arthur's head lightly, teasingly, but Arthur got off Merlin entirely. "Oh, you want me off then?" He smirked, and Merlin groaned. "No, I don't." "You sure? You really seemed like you didn't there." His tone was teasing, and Merlin replied with, "I don't want you tickling me, but I want you...there..." "Where?" "/There/. Arthur, you know what I mean!" "I wanna hear you say it." Arthur said, murmuring into his ear, as he lowered his body back down onto Merlin's. Merlin rolled his eyes, but muttered out, "I want you on my cock." Arthur laughed, low in his throat. "Perfect." The blonde slid back down to Merlin's stomach, and after pressing a kiss to his belly button and getting a threatening glare from Merlin he went lower. Arthur grabbed at Merlin's trousers, sliding them off his legs. His head went down, and Merlin's back arched. ------- Sometime later Arthur lay on Merlins chest, both boys sweaty, their bare skin rosy from their activities. They lay in silence, snuggled into each other, their legs entwined, candlelight flickering on them. Merlin slid his hand onto Arthur's cheek, tilting the blonde's head so their eyes met. "Hmm?" Arthur mumbled sleepily. "I love you." Arthur smiled, his eyes close to shutting. "Love you too Mer." Suddenly, the door opened, showing the shocked face of Gaius. "Excuse me?!" The two jumped, Merlin trying to stutter out an excuse. "Um, uh, I was jus- I mean, we were just-" Arthur interuppted. "We were just hot." Merlin glared at him when Gaius glanced away, to which Arthur raised his eyebrows, with an expression saying, 'what else could I say.' "You were hot then." Gaius said, clearly unbelieving, "Why were you here in the first place then your Majesty? In Merlin's bed of all places." "Well, um," Now it was Arthur's turn to sputter. "He had a disagreement with his father, and needed some place to cool off. We got tired." Merlin offered. Gaius raised an eyebrow, and then sighed. "I'm sure you could return to your room without confrontation from your father now my lord." "Certainly." Arthur glanced at the door, knowing he was still undressed. "I'll leave in a moment." Arthur nodded at Gaius, who sighed and left the room, but not before giving Merlin a Look. As soon as the door shut, Arthur scrambled for his clothes, as did Merlin. "Hey," Arthur said, catching sight of Merlin's fearful face. "We'll be okay. I can see to that." Merlin nodded, and Arthur brushed his cheek softly with his hand, then leaned in for a quick, very quick kiss. The two went downstairs, and after bidding Gaius goodnight, Arthur was on his way. Merlin avoided the old man's eyes, and tried to walk quietly to his room, but Gaius stopped him. "So. Are you going to explain?" "I thought we already had." Gaius sighed, and sat down. "Merlin. I'm not stupid. Besides the fact that both of your clothes were strewn about the floor and your bodies are both strewn with kissbruises, you are both terrible, terrible, liars." Merlin let out a gust of air, and sat down, his face in his hand. After a moment he raised his head, meeting Gaius's eyes. "I'm sorry." "Do you love him?" "What?" "I asked you if you love him. Do you?" "Yes." Merlin whispered, eyes on the floor now. "And he you?" "Yes." "How long?" "Less than a year. Eight months, in two weeks." "Well. Invite him here tommorow, I just talk with him." Merlin looked up, wary. "Why?" "I'm your guardian, I have to approve of him. He may be the kings son, but that doesn't mean he gets to hurt my ward." Gaius looked down at Merlin kindly, whose face clearly showed his shock. "You aren't going to kick me out? Or report us?" "No, I'm not Merlin. I care for you, if Arthur is who makes you happy then so be it. Doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on him tommorow though." He said with a wink. "Thank you." Merlin said, still somewhat dazed. "Of course." Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Secret Relationship, Period-Typical Homophobia, Protective Gaius (Merlin), Gaius is So Done (Merlin), Caught, Boys Kissing, almost smut but not quite, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Bad Lying, Top Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Bottom Merlin (Merlin) Series: Part 2 of the volume of merlin
Published: 2020-10-22
Words: 1034

trust me a little while longer

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When Arthur is completely outnumbered against a sorcerer, Merlin knows he has to reveal himself. It doesn't go as well as it could. Notes Whumptober Combo of days 12, 15, 16 and 17 broken trust • magical healing • forced to beg • dirty secret the forced to beg one is a bit of a stretch but uhhh whatever See the end of the work for more notes Merlin knew he would have to reveal his magic eventually, he just didn't realize it would be today. Arthur had been feeling tense and decided to go hunting with just Merlin. This obviously meant he was not hunting, but simply riding around to relax with his best friend. That it is until a rogue sorcerer and their henchmen came upon them. Arthur was gotten hit almost immediately, being severely out numbered. Arthur continued trying to fight, despite his wound. Merlin knew he'd have to do something, and he knew there was no way to hide. "Arthur get back!" Arthur stepped back, thinking Merlin had seen someone sneaking up on him, only to curiously look back to Merlin. Before anyone could get the Arthur again, Merlin shot out a spell, flinging them all back. The sorcerer smirked and stepped forward, his henchmen out of commission. Arthur watched in shock, mind reeling. He stepped backward until he hit a tree, slumping against it and clutching his wound. "A sorcerer protecting a Pendragon? Now, this is interesting!" The sorcerer started. "Shut up," Merlin snapped. Arthur needed medical attention quickly and Merlin knew he could not waste time with monologue. Merlin hastily spoke a spell, kneeling to the ground and splaying his palm against it on the least word. The ground rumbled and the sorcerer stepped back in shock. Roots spread up from the ground and wrapped around him, holding him hostage. The sorcerer looked up panicked as the branches entwined tighter around him. "You're Emr-" "Hush," Merlin spoke darkly as his eyes shone a fulgent gold. The sorcerer lost his voice immediately. Merlin quickly turned to Arthur, dropping down to his side. Arthur let out a noise of protest, making to get away from Merlin. "You lied to me," Arthur said in disbelief "I'm sorry," Merlin put a hand on Arthur's shoulder. He winced as Arthur flinched away from his touch. "I need to see your wound," Merlin stated before lifting Arthur's tunic. Merlin winced at the oozing blood. He took a breath and put a hand to the wound. He closed his eyes, examining the wound with his magic. A major artery had been hit, it would be fatal. Merlin would not accept that. His expression turned determined as he whispered a few spells, clearing the blood and healing the wound. Merlin slowly opened his eyes again. Arthur merely stared at him with hurt in his eyes. "You've betrayed me," Arthur stated with growing anger, hand going to his sword. Merlin shook his head. "No, Arthur. I'm sorry, please don't kill me," Merlin whimpered. "Why didn't you kill me?" Arthur asked with disbelief. "Because you're my friend." A tense silence hanged over them. "But you're a sorcerer," Arthur furrowed his brows and held his sword tighter. "There is no evil in magic, only in the hearts of men," Merlin spoke with tearful eyes. Another tense silence. "Please don't kill me, sire," Merlin added. Arthur sighed and loosened his grip.in the sword. He turned around to see the sorcerer Merlin had entangled with branches. "Let him go." Merlin stood and wordlessly retracted the wood and roots back into the ground. The sorcerer stumbled to the ground. "Leave. If you try to attack anyone in Camelot again, I will know," Merlin threatened. Despite Merlin's tearful eyes, the sorcerer nodded in fear and scurried off. He turned back to Arthur. "Do not speak a word of this to anyone. We will talk later," Arthur spoke coldly, back to Merlin as he walked up to his horse. Merlin nodded, despite knowing Arthur could not see him. "Yes, sire," He added meekly. The ride back was tense and Merlin felt his heart aching. Arthur would never trust him again. End Notes wow I really don't like this one. uh chow anyways... ❤ ️ comments and kudos appreciated ❤ ️ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Whumptober 2020, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur is an ungrateful prat, broken trust, Merlin's Magic Revealed, Magic Reveal, Magic Healing, no beta we die like men Series: Part 10 of Donts' Whumptober2020 writings Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-23
Words: 623

If I'm Kindling for a Little While, At Least I'd Feel of Use

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Arthur is dying. Merlin refuses to let this happen. The old religion has rules, it's always been life for a life, hasn't it? Notes um I've given up doing these in order obviously. Whumptober Day 9 take me instead | run | ritual sacrifice See the end of the work for more notes "Thank you." "Arthur," Merlin croaked. "Arthur!" Merlin sobbed. Arthur came back too for a mere second before leaving again. Merlin sobbed, heart shattering. "Please. We're so close. Just-" Merlin begged to no one. He screamed in anguish and looked to the heavens. "Take me instead! I beg of you!" Merlin pleaded to the clouds. "Please," He ended in a broken whisper. A heavy silence hung over him, the only sounds being his stuttered breathing and sobs. A breeze smelling of chrysanthemums and daffodils. Movement. "Merlin?" Arthur looked up at him confused. "Arthur!" Merlin cried and threw his arms around him. Arthur returned the hug, slowly sitting all the way up. He pulled away slowly. "How?" Arthur felt no wound and his skin had returned to it's natural color. All confusion left when he finally took a good look at Merlin. His heart dropped. "No." Merlin wiped away his tears and emptily laughed. Merlin was sickly pale and looked to be getting drained of his life by the second. "It's okay, Arthur. You're alive. I know you will bring the golden age without me," Merlin squeezed his hand. "No," Arthur repeated with more force, eyes watering. "The lake, Avalon. There has to be- they can help-" "No, Arthur. There is nothing-" Merlin stopped to take in a heavy breath, Arthur bringing another arm up to support him. "There is nothing that can be done." "Merlin, no, use your magic, you have to try," Arthur pleaded. "Let's just," Merlin took another shakey breath, "stay here." Arthur pulled Merlin into him, embracing him tightly. Merlin's head rested on his shoulder, his hands weakly laid across Arthur's chest. Arthur ran his hand through Merlin's hair as his breathing grew shallow. "Merlin," Arthur breathed, putting his forehead against Merlin's. Merlin winced in pain as he brought a hand up to Arthur's hair. "Stay," Merlin murmured before his body became slack. Arthur sobbed and pulled him closer. And just like that, one side of the coin was eroded away. End Notes :') Have I published saying I've changed my username? I think so but here it is again just in case you're confused lol Oh the title is a line from one of my favorite songs: Boreas by The Oh Hellos ❤ ️ comments and kudos appreciated ❤ ️ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Whumptober 2020, Self-Sacrifice, Wow who died for the other this time?, That's It that's the Show, anyway, Whump, Angst, Comfort, well I mean there are hugs so, does that count, nothing graphic Series: Part 9 of Donts' Whumptober2020 writings Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-22
Words: 333

staying strong

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Arthur isn't doing as good as he says he is. “Arthur, you slowpoke, come on!” Merlin called from up ahead on his horse. His name calling earned a few laughs from the knights. Merlin smiled, proud of the joke. “Yeah, princess, you’ve been quite sluggish since the bandits,” Gwaine added, although he was less teasing than Merlin. There was a hint of concern in his voice, and he stopped his horse to give Arthur his full attention. The rest of the knights and Merlin followed his lead. Merlin stopped smiling and tilted his head. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Arthur was not alright. He’d sustained an injury to the right side of his chest when a group of bandits had attacked them. It wasn’t bad at first, but as time went on, the wound stung more and more and he grew exhausted, maybe from the blood loss. He wasn’t going to show his weakness, though. As the king, he had to set a certain example for his knights. He had to be strong and keep going no matter what. With a smile plastered on his face, Arthur responded, “Yes, I’m just a little tired after the day's events.” Gwaine didn’t look entirely convinced, but he shrugged, then flicked the reins of his horse and continued on. Merlin hung back this time and trotted at Arthur’s side. “You know,” he started, “If anything really is wrong, you can tell me.” Arthur scoffed. “My job is to protect and serve you, Arthur, not judge you.” “Are you saying you don’t judge me?” Arthur asked with as much humor in his voice as he could muster. Merlin laughed, “Well, that part of the sentence may not be the most accurate, but the rest is.” Arthur nodded. His grip on the reins was starting to slacken and he was even more weary. “Thank you Merlin, but I’m fine, really. The worried look on Merlin’ face was the last thing he saw before he felt himself slipping off his horse and hitting the ground. “Arthur?” Merlin’s voice was echoing. What was going on? Were they in a cave? Merlin repeated, “Hey, Arthur?” His voice was becoming more clear. Arthur groaned, and blearily opened his eyes, then took in his surroundings. He was lying in his bed in the chambers, his shirt gone and chest bandaged. He felt much better, the injury hardly even seemed to be bleeding. Looking at the wrappings, it must’ve been the work of Gaius, but when had they gotten back to Camelot? Merlin sat beside Arthur on the bed with a damp cloth in his hands, and his face lit up when he saw that Arthur was awake. He breathed out a sigh of relief, then said mockingly, “ I’m fine, really .” “Shut up, Merlin,” Arthur responded with fondness. Merlin let out a chuckle and dabbed Arthur’s forehead with the cloth. “You know, you really had me scared there for a second. You fell right off your horse, and I didn’t know if you were going to get back up.” “You were worried about me?” “I always am.” Arthur blushed, then he reached up and took the cloth out of Merlin’s hand and discarded it off to the side. Merlin started to protest, but cut himself off when Arthur intertwined their fingers. They smiled at each other shyly. “Thank you, Merlin.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Hidden Injury, Concerned Merlin, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Fluff, No Angst, Short & Sweet Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-30
Words: 549

merlin and arthur (the autumn version)

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fall photo collection Notes for some reason autumn is not my favorite season but this year has been different and I wanted to put merlin and arthur in the typical couple photos + the most obvious halloween costumes for them I used pinterest references for some of the drawings I really hope you like it :) (photo 1) merlin and arthur playing with pumpkins (the pumpkins won) (photo 2) arthur carrying merlin and a pumpkin (and his dignity) (photo 3) merlin and arthur enjoying the view and a cup of hot chocolate (photo 4) merlin (and arthur) drinking hot chocolate in a roadside restaurant (photo 5) merlin acting mysterious (cute) behind a leaf (photo 6) merlin and arthur in their everyday casual clothes (halloween costumes) Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: polaroids, Photographs, Autumn, Fanart Collections: Merlin Autumn Exchange 2020
Published: 2020-10-27
Words: 69

The fall

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It is just a football match, but Arthur ends in the hospital anyway. Notes Written for Whumptober prompt nº 29: emergency room. For Sunfall_of_Ennien, though I don't know you, you're kind words have encouraged me to keep writing. I hope you like it. There was a blue car in the parking. Merlin knew because that was the last thing he saw before it happened. Merlin did not know why he kept coming to these things. He hated waking up early on a Saturday. It was his day for resting after a long week. And for some reason, football matches had to be incredibly early on a Saturday morning. And then, there was the fact that Merlin did not like football at all. But Arthur beamed so much every time Merlin went to see him play. It had been raining all night long, everything was damp, and Merlin’s seat was hard and cold. He looked at his watch. Twenty more minutes of this torment and then, they could go home. It was too late to go back to bed. But they could still spend the rest of the Saturday lazing around on the sofa. Someone behind Merlin shouted something. He couldn’t make out the words, but a part of him wanted to shout back “it’s just an amateur’s game, calm down”. Of course, Merlin remained quiet. Some people take these things with too much enthusiasm. Arthur was one of those. Because Merlin was not looking at the moment, he did not know how it happened. One moment he was sitting there, bored. And the next, Arthur was lying on the ground while the people around him shouted and the other players crowded around Arthur. It took some moments for Merlin to react. He felt paralyzed, seeing Arthur completely immobile. When someone called for an ambulance, Merlin jumped from his seat. As he approached, he saw Gwaine, one of Arthur’s fellow players, and another player from the rival team doing something to Arthur. “They’re pulling out his tongue,” Merlin thought, terrified. All the players had gathered around Arthur. Merlin ran, terrified and knelt beside Arthur. Merlin looked at Gwaine, kneeling too at his side, his eyes bright with unshed tears. "What happened,” whispered Merlin. But no one knew. “Here, that'll keep him warm.” Someone, Merlin did not know who did it, covered Arthur with a blanket. He had eyes just for Arthur. He knew that their friends were there with them, and they were reassuring him. But Merlin felt lost. “Arthur, Arthur,” Merlin called over and over, but Arthur never reacted. The ambulance came at last. As Arthur was taken inside, Merlin felt someone coming at his side. “Come on, Merlin, I’ll drive you to the hospital,” offered Gwaine. “I have to take our things,” said Merlin helplessly, but he did not move. “Lance has taken care of them. Come on.” They were the last to arrive at the hospital. All of Arthur friends were there. There was Lance, with Arthur’s bag as Gwaine had said. Leon, their goalkeeper, was the first to approach Merlin when he entered. “They wouldn’t say anything to us, but I think the ambulance has arrived already.” “Thanks. Thank you all for coming,” Merlin tried a smile, but failed. They had arrived shortly after the ambulance, and it took a while for Merlin to get information. At first, no one seemed to know anything, and it took all of Merlin willpower not to go into a panic. That would not help Arthur. But Merlin's head was full of dreadful thoughts all the same. What if it was a heart condition? Many athletes had died in the middle of a match, and they had never been diagnosed before. And Arthur had an enough stressful job to cause a seizure. With every passing minute, Merlin’s sinister thoughts just increased. Maybe it wasn’t a heart condition, but what if Arthur had damaged something in the fall? A spinal trauma. Merlin could not recall whether Arthur had been moved before the paramedics had arrived. “Here, take this.” Merlin looked, startled. He had been so lost in his head that had not noticed Gwen approaching. “Thanks.” Gwen smiled, apologetically at Merlin’s grimace, “I know it’s too sweet, but I have heard it helps somehow.” “He is going to be okay,” said Gwen after a while. And Merlin wanted to believe her. But he was so scared. By the time a nurse came to fetch him, Merlin did not know what to do with himself. He threw the empty cup on the floor and then went back to throw it in a bin, panicking when couldn’t find one. Gwen came to his rescue, once again. “How is he?” asked Merlin, already dreading the answer. “The doctor will tell you in a moment,” answered the nurse. There was good and bad news. Merlin breathed relieved when the doctor reassured him about Arthur’s health. “We have found nothing to worry about,” he said. “But because he lost consciousness for some minutes, I prefer he stays overnight, just to be sure everything is fine.” Arthur was awake when Merlin entered his room. “How mad are you?” Said Arthur and smiled apologetically. “Well, you’re lucky I’m more terrified than anything else now,” said Merlin. He went to Arthur and kissed him briefly. Now, seeing Arthur fine, all his anxiousness, worry and fear turned to something else. It was Saturday, and they were supposed to be enjoying each other’s company. Instead, they had a long night ahead of them in a hospital. “Do you have any idea how worried I was, Arthur? I had no idea what was wrong with you.” “I am sorry, Merlin.” Merlin sighed. He knew it was a lost cause. Arthur cared about football and his team of fellow amateurs too much. “I know. It’s just I’m tired of you getting hurt because of football. You’re not a kid anymore. Listen to me,” said Merlin when Arthur was about to protest. “Two months ago you sprained your ankle. You had had tendonitis at least three times. And soon after we started dating, you went under knee surgery.” “Are you calling me old?” “I’m not joking,” said Merlin. “It’s just, you could take sports a little less seriously,” he added. “I’m not that terrible,” said Arthur but stopped when Merlin glared at him. “Fine, I’ll take things more lightly in the future.” “At least you have to, now. Doctor’s orders. And you’ll have to stay the night at the hospital. What a wonderful weekend.” “Come here,” said Arthur, tugging Merlin’s arm until he was lying next to Arthur. “I promise I will make it up to you.” “You better.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Merlin (Merlin), Sports, Hospitals, Established Relationship, Whumptober 2020, Fluffy Ending Series: Part 6 of Whumptober 2020 Collections: Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-10-31
Words: 1071

What Merlin Never Saw

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Things Merlin would probably never know, from Arthur's POV. Notes Hello! Lil Warning- Minor Character Death (no one we particularly care about) Also, this is a retelling of Long Live the King from Arthur's POV because I'm a sucker for jealous and protective Arthur and so it probably won't make sense if you read this first. The first time Arthur saw Merlin use magic, he almost had a heart attack. His manservant, his clumsy, idiotic manservant. Using magic. In Camelot. Under his father’s rule. To remove the stain from Arthur’s white shirt. Arthur closed the door, as quietly as possible, before walking away. It took two rides to the forest, one night at the tavern, three days of ignoring Merlin, and seven broken goblets for Arthur to decide that Merlin was still his clumsy, idiotic manservant. After that, it was mostly very amusing to watch Merlin stealthy use magic. Arthur noticed that his bath water was always the perfect temperature, but now knew it was because of magic. He always wondered how the stains on his shirts always seemed to disappear but thought that it was because the laundry maids were very skilled. That too was magic. He seemed to notice more as the days went by, how the flowers in his chambers were always bright and vibrant, how his armor was impossibly strong, and how his muscle aches seemed to disappear whenever Merlin rubbed them. Watching Merlin perform small acts of magic might be the most endearing thing Arthur’s ever seen. It was funnier to watch Merlin believe that his secret was still a secret. If it was possible, Arthur knew that all these just made him adore Merlin more. Which was slightly impossible because he doesn’t adore anyone as much as Merlin. Of course, if anyone asks, Arthur would deny it until his dying breath. He loved Gwen. He knew he shouldn’t have to keep reminding himself that. When Arthur repealed the ban on magic, he expected Merlin to finally come out and put everyone out of their misery. He didn’t. And so Arthur devised a plan, with Gwen’s help of course. Merlin really needed to work on protecting his secrets. Gwen told him that no one else really knew, and Arthur felt his pride swell at that. See, Merlin? I can be observant too. His great master plan was to host a tournament and invite sorcerers from all over Camelot. Merlin tried so hard to convenience Arthur otherwise, but Arthur didn’t back down. Instead, he used this opportunity to prompt Merlin into confessing. But that idiot kept recommending Gaius instead. Of course, the plan backfired when Merlin went and fell in love with Affodill. Seriously, he couldn’t be more obvious with all that intense staring and the time they spent together. If Arthur knew that, he wouldn’t have invited a Druid. (That’s a lie, obviously. He still needed someone who knew magic to judge the competition). And to make it worse, Merlin barely spoke to Arthur during the tourney. Of course, he knew that Merlin was mad at him, but they always spent tourneys taking and commenting on the proceedings. It was just their thing. And no, he wasn’t jealous. He just felt bad for Affodill, really. But the days went by and the intense staring never stopped. Dammit, it was Arthur he was supposed to look at. And by the looks of it, those two spent a whole lot of time together. Well, at least he had something to keep his mind off of it. Darven was great at magic. Arthur barely knows anything about it, but a blind man could tell that Darven was gifted. To make things better, it looked like Merlin absolutely hated Darven. And so Arthur exploited it as much as possible. You can’t blame Arthur, Merlin looked terribly cute when he went all pouty and angry. Almost like an angry kitten which just needs to be cuddled. Maybe Merlin needed to be- No, bad thoughts. Change of plans. Making Merlin jealous was a bad idea. Now he fell harder for him if that was possible. Gwen, think of Gwen. Now that’s better. And then the world came tumbling down. Arthur was in the middle of tearing down the castle for his search for his wayward manservant when he saw Lancelot drag a limp Merlin into Gaius’s chambers. Arthur rushed into the chambers, ready to scold Merlin for drinking again. And then he saw Merlin. Like, really saw him. With bags under his eyes, pale skin now almost grey, and head rolling like a dead person’s. Arthur froze at the doorway and watched as Gaius instructed Lancelot to place Merlin on the bed. He wanted to be the one taking care of Merlin. This was stupid, really, because Arthur knew Lancelot was hopelessly in love with Gwen. A thought like that should have made Arthur angry, but he knew that his heart wasn’t Gwen’s. It hurt to think that way, but seeing Merlin look dead made him think if there was ever any doubt. “What happened?” Arthur demanded, once he finally snapped out of his internal monologue. “Not now sire, I’ll tell you once I know,” Gaius said, and Arthur should have punished him for ignoring his King, but he barely gave a damn. And so Arthur watched, and on occasion helped, as Gaius fussed over Merlin. “It’s nothing sire, he’s just pissed,” it was Lancelot who said that, and Arthur knew it wasn’t the whole truth. Arthur knew it wasn’t even close to the truth. It made Arthur wonder if Lancelot knew, but perished that thought. Merlin would have told Arthur first. “That is correct, sire. I’ll inform you once he’s fit for duty,” Gaius added, and that just confirmed his theory. There was something else they weren’t telling Arthur. “No, I’ll stay and look after him, I have nothing to do,” which was a lie, but Merlin came first, so. Gaius looked at him with a dubious expression, Lancelot mirroring it. Arthur paid no mind to either of their protests and carried Merlin’s limp figure to Merlin’s room. Arthur was highly alarmed by how little Merlin weighed. Arthur kicked the door close behind him and placed Merlin on the bed. Arthur had training that afternoon, but Leon would take care of it. For now, Arthur pulled up a chair and seated himself beside Merlin. Outside, Lancelot and Gaius were discussing in hushed voices. Arthur moved to the door as silently as possible, in hopes of getting some answers. “... Too much magic,” Gaius was whispering. Arthur burrowed his eyebrows. Was Merlin attacked? “Why would he want to use up so much magic in one go?” Lancelot whispered back. Oh. So Lancelot knew. Which meant Merlin told Lancelot before Arthur. He turned back to glare at Merlin’s sleeping figure. Arthur was too caught up in resentful staring to hear what Gaius said next but then heard Lancelot dismiss himself. Arthur sighed and made his way back to his chair. Arthur continued to glare at Merlin. Did he not trust Arthur at all? Sometime later, Arthur woke up to loud ruffling and silent grunts. Fearing the worst, Arthur jumped and inspected the room. It was dark, and Arthur doesn’t remember falling asleep. When he looked back at the bed, Merlin’s silhouette was thrashing and grunting. A nightmare , his mind supplied. Arthur went into autopilot. He pinned Merlin’s writs to the bed, straddling his waist in an attempt to stop Merlin from hurting himself. Arthur supposed that he could have just woken up Merlin in a normal way, but whatever. Merlin relaxed a bit, but then resumed thrashing a second later. This time, he was screaming and kicking, with an intent to hurt. “Merlin, Merlin stop,” Arthur said, in an attempt to calm him down. “It’s Arthur, stop kicking you moron,” it seemed to work, because Merlin went lax under his weight, sighing in relief. Something about this made Arthur’s body flare-up but trampled down the feeling. “What,” Merlin crooked out, and Arthur didn’t like the way Merlin’s voice sounded. “Water,” Merlin demanded, and Arthur immediately obliged. Arthur filled the glass and lit a candle while he was at it. Merlin gulped down every last drop and returned it to Arthur. “So care to explain?” Arthur asked once he was finally seated. He hoped Merlin would tell him the truth now. Why did Merlin need to use that much magic? “I was.. drunk,” Merlin ‘explained’. Arthur very much would like to strangle Merlin right now, but didn’t since seeing Merlin on the brink of death was enough for one day. Arthur felt his heart drop for every lie Merlin told him. So Merlin didn’t trust him, did he? Arthur finally gave up, there wasn’t any point. He ordered Merlin to stay there, and went and fetched Darven. If the issue was magical, then perhaps Darven could fix it. Arthur was asleep, but not really. He couldn’t open his eyes, couldn’t move his arms, couldn’t scream, but could think, and could hear. He was almost at the door of Gaius’s chambers when there was a whisper behind him, and then darkness. He only regained consciousness when he heard screaming. He didn’t realize it at first, too caught up in figuring out his situation. And then the screaming got harder. “There’s no point. The pain only gets worse every time you use magic,” a voice was yelling. It sounded like Darven, but what pain? Was he talking to Merlin? The screaming got even worse, Arthur wasn’t sure what was going on. Guards, where were the guards? The screaming continued, and Arthur was sure that it was Merlin. He hoped to God he was wrong. The screaming dissolved into little whimpers, and then nothing. Nothing. Arthur was struggling to gain control over his body again, but couldn’t. Arthur hoped it was only a dream, a nightmare, and that Merlin would be there the next morning to annoy the heck out of him. There were footsteps, but other than that, it was eerily silent. Arthur didn't like it one bit. After struggling for what felt like hours, he could finally open his eyes. The silence was more concerning. Arthur scrambled to his feet, cursing the guards for slacking off. He practically ripped the door off its hinges while trying to get in. Empty. The room was empty. Save it for the fact that it looked like a hurricane swept through the small chamber. And Merlin was gone. Gone, and Arthur didn’t know where to find him. Arthur was very well aware of the fact that he looked like a mad man. He was on a straight rampage to his chambers to gather his armor, and to find a way to find Merlin. Someone was calling for him, but he paid it no mind. He put on his armor to the best of his ability, grabbed the nearest sword, and headed down to the stables. “Are any horses missing,” Arthur demanded of the nearest stable boy. He nodded, scrambling to find an explanation. Arthur straddled his most reliable horse, Llamrei. “Which way did it go?” “East, sire, into the forest,” stammered the stable boy. Arthur was off. Darven left very good tracks. There were fresh hoofprints, and it couldn't have been there for long. It was Arthur's only lead, and he didn't want to think about what would happen if it failed. Arthur followed them to arrive at a clearing in the forest, and then the prints began to disappear. Arthur swept the area, but it all seemed to have disappeared. Dammit. Fuck. Merlin. The clearing couldn’t have been more than six feet of radius, but what irked Arthur was that it was a perfect circle. And it hardly was a clear meadow, it looked like someone burnt it through and tried to regrow the vegetative life. Something about the clearing felt off, though. Not, off, familiar. Which was stupid, really, because a meadow isn’t a person you familiarize yourself with. For now, Arthur couldn’t really care, since he only wished to find his Merlin. Arthur made it towards the center of the clearing, where the sense of deja-vu was stronger. From here, Merlin could be anywhere. He couldn’t navigate without tracks. Maybe he should have brought a few Knights. Or at least stopped to think about how he’d find Merlin. But if the screaming did in fact belong to Merlin… Arthur didn’t want to think of it. And so here, at the center of the clearing, he had a traitor in the court, a very much injured friend, and a broken heart to lead him. Oh, yes, and also Llamrei. Llamrei neighed, sounding a bit distressed. A spooked horse really was the last thing Arthur needed. He didn’t exactly get to comfort her before she took off running to the left. Here’s the thing about riding spooked horses- you shouldn’t. Because they have no regard for the rider. Arthur was greatly concerned about his back, and also about the fact that Llamrei was going off in a random direction. He tried to regain control, but all she did was run faster. Arthur was pretty sure he was yelling at this point. Well maybe, perhaps, it wasn’t a random direction she was running off to. Because they arrived at another clearing which housed a little hut. In all his years of playing and hunting and scouring the forest, Arthur’s never seen this part of it. The trees looked new, the ground was unfamiliar, and it was a very silent part of the forest. Arthur wondered how he’s never stumbled upon this part of the forest before. If this, by some miracle, happens to be the place Merlin’s being held hostage, Arthur would make sure to promote Llameri to literally the best horse ever . Arthur tied Llameri to a tree and ran straight to the door, and really, stealth was overrated. The only thought running in Arthur’s brain was ‘Merlin needs me, Merlin needs help, find Merlin, find Merlin, make sure Merlin’s fine, Merlin, Merlin, Merlin’. So really, the only thing Arthur could do was barge in and protect Merlin. No matter what he did, he’d never be able to face the horror that was presented to him. Because what he saw as he entered was one (1) pale, tired Merlin with pain written all over his face, and nothing could stop Arthur from yelling. His fear of losing Merlin was valid more than ever, and Arthur couldn’t tear his eyes away from him. He feared he’d lose him. Feared he'd lose something so very dear to him. And then Merlin smiled, one of his genuine smiles he only reserved for Arthur, although it had a painful edge to it. Arthur could feel his heart seize in his chest, somehow, gaining the courage to look away. Arthur drew his gaze away to inspect his surroundings. Particularly, his eyes landed on Darven, with a knife, arms hoisted high up, aimed right over Merlin’s heart, and Arthur snapped. At this point, all he saw was red, so it was hard to say how he was at the door for a second and then pinning Darven against the wall in the next. Darven was withering like a weasel in Arthur hold, and Arthur enjoyed every second of it. Right when he had a clear path to stab Darven, Arthur couldn’t feel the ground. The air zapped around him, and something hard came in contact with his back. Now, it was Darven who had Arthur pinned to the wall. But really, all Arthur could hear was Merlin screaming, and that’s all he needed to fight against the invisible restraints. “Look, Arthur, I really have nothing against you,” Darven said, testing the weight of the sword. Where did he get a sword from? Oh, it’s Arthur’s. Darven really didn’t know how to hold a sword. Even Merlin could do better than that. Arthur couldn’t help it but laugh. He could see Merlin roll his eyes, and Arthur was glad that he was conscious enough for that. Arthur’s amusement didn’t last long, since Darven was still alive, and not on the floor bleeding out like he was supposed to. Supposedly, this could have gone a lot smoother if Arthur had brought back up. Dammit. DIdn’t matter, Darven was too stupid to do anything. The weasel could barely hold a sword. But he had magic, and Merlin wasn’t using his for some reason. Again, perhaps back up would have been a good option. Arthur only hoped that Merlin wouldn’t figure out that he came alone. Arthur would never hear the end of it. “You cabbage head!” Merlin yelled in outrage. Shit, Merlin knew. “You utter, idiotic, moron!” Dammit, if he had made it out, he’d still be dead due to Merlin’s fussings. (He didn’t particularly mind the fussing). “Sorry,” Arthur could only mumble, ducking his head down. The next thing he knew, Merlin was yelling again, and Arthur couldn’t really stand here and listen to it. Arthur started struggling against the bonds once again, hoping to get free. “Merlin stop! You’re hurting-” “No, you stop being so stupid!” Merlin kept yelling. Fuck, no matter what, if Merlin was insulting Arthur, things aren’t so bad. Things would be better if Merlin was in Arthur’s arms, safe and healed. And then that hypocritical idiot, that hypocritical goddamn moron, says this: “Stop, Darven. Just. Stop. I’ll go willingly. Leave him.” Arthur could see tears in Merlin’s eyes, which was really the last string. “Shut up, Merlin,” he couldn’t help but yell in outrage. His stupid manservant, doing stupid things, being so stupid, was the last thing he needed. And then Darven actually seemed to consider Merlin’s proposal. Arthur kept yelling things at the two of them, struggling against the bonds. At one point, he could feel the bonds give away, but it only lasted for a second. It was all he needed. “How do I know he won’t kill me after I kill you?” Darven, the weasel, was taunting his Merlin. Arthur wanted to scream that he’d kill him anyway. That he’d make sure to kill him in the worst way possible. Arthur was glad that Darven was walking away from Merlin, but now his sword was pointed towards Arthur’s abdomen. Oh. Arthur was still struggling, but he knew it was practically fruitless. Merlin was screaming and was now crying freely. Arthur only regretted that he never told Merlin how he felt. About how much he cared. He wanted to be with Merlin, at least in the final hours of his life. But they were far away, too far away. All he could do was stare, hoping to convey everything. His regret, his love, his anger towards the situation, and his longing. Something was off, Merlin was screaming too much. He never wished to hear those screams again. But one look at his wrist answered his questions. Merlin wasn’t using magic because his magic was trapped. But the shackles around his wrists were glowing, and Arthur couldn’t imagine how much it would hurt. In the corner of his eye, he could see the sword closing in, but he didn’t mind. What he did mind, though, was Merlin breaking eye contact, because at least the last thing he wanted to see were those blue eyes. And then Arthur realized why Merlin looked away. Merlin was screaming again, the sound clenching his heart and milking away all his self-restraint. The shackles around his wrists had exploded, and things were silent for a second. Arthur could see the relief in his eyes, something he missed. His relief was short-lived, because once he glanced up, Merlin’s expression twisted into one of fury, anger, and hurt. Arthur hated seeing that. It took him a while to realize what was different, but Merlin’s eyes were glowing a beautiful gold. Arthur, distracted by Merlin’s eyes, only noticed he was free once his back contacted the floor. Finally. Arthur was ready to strangle the weasel with his bare hands but saw that Merlin had it covered. Perhaps Merlin wasn’t just as pants at magic as Arthur thought. Merlin was literally glowing at this point. His hands held fire, real fire, and Merlin looked absolutely powerful. But when Merlin looked at Arthur, he looked resigned and apologetic. The idiot really didn’t know, huh? Then Merlin looked away, and Arthur wanted to reach out and comfort him but realized he was pinned again. Arthur paused, confused. Why was he being pinned again? What did Darven get from making Arthur immobile? The next thing Arthur knew, there was fire everywhere. In the shape of a dragon, like fireballs, like fire itself. The hut seemed close to burning down. Surprisingly, none of it reached Arthur, even though his surroundings were up in flames. And then it dawned on him, he wasn’t pinned down, Merlin had put a shield around him. Perhaps Merlin wasn’t as weak as he thought he was. Scratch that, Merlin was powerful. A few words and a hand slamming down, and the ground was sent shaking. Arthur could barely feel any of it but saw how much it rattled his surroundings. Debris was littering his surroundings, bouncing off of him. He didn’t want to look away but glanced at Darven instead. He looked terrified. Good. He should be. Arthur wished he was the one to murder Darven, but Merlin should do it if he wished to. Has Merlin killed before? Merlin sent a batch of fireballs raining upon Darven, which broke the shield he built around himself. Merlin summoned a dozen more but paused. Arthur was concerned, and even more so when Merlin fell to his knees. Arthur fought against the shield again, pounding against the walls, wanting to be close. But the more he fought, the more Merlin winced. Arthur paused, staying as still as possible. Darven was on the ground, passed out cold. He could take care of it later. “Merlin!” Arthur yelled, hoping to get an answer. The only one he got was the weakening of the shields around him. Arthur felt something cold pass through him. Merlin looked seconds away from passing out. Arthur wanted to reach out but was trapped. Merlin still wasn’t looking at Arthur. Look at me, you idiot, look at me! Arthur tried to move once more, despising the distance between them. He wanted to be close, to provide comfort for Merlin, who looked worse . Which was a bad idea because Merlin fell forward. The shields dissolved around him. Arthur could feel something clenching his heart in a vice grip. Merlin’s breathing slowed and slowed until it was barely seen. Arthur shuffled forward, regretting his actions. He positioned Merlin so that he could cradle him close to his heart. Arthur could still see the faint golden glow under Merlin’s eyelids before that too went out like a lamp. Arthur scrambled to check for a pulse. Weak. It was barely there. “No,” Arthur could hear himself whisper, but everything felt far away. Arthur maneuvered his limp body so that he could hug him closer, be as close as possible. Arthur’s eyes welled up when he barely heard a pulse. Arthur could feel a part of him strip away, a big chunk of his soul being stripped. He's felt it before, never realizing it for what it was. Once, in the past, Merlin was almost lost to him. And now, once more. He held Merlin’s head in his arms, searching for any signs of life. Arthur’s tears fell to Merlin, and he hoped for something. Anything. “Merlin,” Arthur wanted to say so much, do so much. Now they couldn’t. Merlin was right. Darven wasn’t to be trusted. But he believed that he was after Arthur, not himself. If only Arthur listened… Arthur held him close again, never wanting to let go. And then he heard a chough. His heart skipped a beat, filling up with hope. But Merlin remained the same. Another cough. Darven. Arthur carefully placed Merlin on the ground. He's killed before, although with a tinge of regret for every life he took. But no, not for this one. He felt strangely calm. Maybe it’s because he knew nothing was holding him back from letting his instincts take over. He would make sure to drown Darven in his own blood. Arthur picked up his discarded sword but really didn’t want to use it. He wanted to kill him, preferably with his bare hands. Arthur crouched down, knowing that it was best if he ended this quickly, just in case Darven decided to use magic again. “Arthur-” he gasped, but Arthur barely cared. “It’s ‘Your highness’ to you,” Arthur stabbed his sword to his thigh, knowing it would be a fatal but slow death. He twisted his sword for good measure. Darven’s screams were the only screams that pleased him. Arthur left him there, screaming and yelling in his own pool of blood, and made his way back to his Merlin. Merlin wasn’t dead. He couldn’t be. They had too much to talk about. Too much to do. It couldn’t end like this. This time, when Arthur held him, he could feel a heartbeat. It was faint. Doesn’t matter where it came from. Because it was enough. Arthur held him close, promising himself to never let go. He’d keep Merlin close because Merlin was his . His to protect, his to love, his. Arthur barely left Merlin’s bedside for the better part of three days. On the fourth day, Arthur hurled himself out of the room, reminding himself that he was also King. His advisors weren’t happy about the fact that Arthur cared about Merlin. Arthur was close to murdering them all. Gaius explained it to Arthur, saying that Merlin’s been helping Arthur ever since he’s arrived in Camelot. Gaius told him the gist of it, saying the rest was for Merlin to explain. Affodill, much to Arthur’s dismay, also seemed to be visiting Merlin. Arthur wasn’t heartless, so he couldn’t forbid her from visiting. At one such occasion when their visiting hours overlapped, Affodill sat Arthur down for a chat. “Merlin is our lord,” Affodill explained, and Arthur looked at her in confusion. “Do you remember how I mentioned Emrys in our first meeting?” Arthur nodded, although not seeing the connection. “Merlin is Emrys.” A few days ago, Arthur would have laughed. Sweet, clumsy, idiotic Merlin as the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth? Highly unlikely. But now, Arthur didn’t know. What Arthur did know is that he still loves Merlin, if Merlin would have him. Now that was highly unlikely. But Arthur hoped that Merlin felt the same. Because if not, Arthur doesn’t know. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply, Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Melrin/Arthur, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, minor Gwen/Arthur Pendragon
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Smitten Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur's a confused mess, but he figures it out, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Kinda, no beta we die like men Series: Part 2 of Long Live the King
Published: 2020-11-11
Words: 4399

Long Live the King

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Arthur, who doesn't know about Merlin's magic, hosts a tournament for his Court Sorcerer. Merlin is not jealous. No, why would he be? That's stupid. So what if the new Court Sorcerer seems to be kinda powerful? Also, power-hungry people suck. Like a lot. -or- Arthur knows but doesn't know. Merlin hates the new guy (with good reason). Arthur ignores Merlin. They're idiots. Notes just a smol warning- Merlin gets hurt in this one. Like a lot. Very hurt. Also, BAMF Merlin is one of my favorite things, thank you. hope you like it! It was pitiful how Merlin still had to hide even after Arthur repealed the magic ban. Not that Merlin was ungrateful. No, Merlin was glad. Ecstatic even. Camelot was prospering, the sorcerers were content, the Druids no longer had to fear a raid, and the non-magical citizens were learning how to accept wizards. There were the occasional magical mishaps, but Gaius (openly) and Merlin (secretly) took care of them. Merlin didn’t know why he couldn’t tell Arthur about his magic. He knew the longer he waited, the worse it would get. But he’s been lying for nearly five years and is afraid of seeing Arthur hurt and angry. Not to mention the wrong things Merlin did while hiding. Would Arthur forgive him for turning Morgana away from them? Would he forgive him for releasing the dragon? Would he be furious after discovering it was him who killed his father? Which is why Merlin decided he’d continue hiding. Not forever, though; the truth was bound to come out one day or the other. But until then, Merlin was content with protecting Arthur and Camelot from the shadows. A repeal in the magical ban, sadly, did not put an end to the countless assassins from both magical and non-magical humans alike. Repealing the magic ban might have pleased the magical community, but it also angered the anti- magical community. It consisted of people who were utterly loyal to Uther (shocking, almost everyone Merlin knew hated Uther and adored Arthur) and his claims against magic. They believed that magic was the mother of all evils and wished to see it purged from the land. Needless to say, they were outraged when Arthur repealed the ban on magic. There were also the sorcerers who were wronged by the Pendragons and wanted Arthur to pay for his crimes. Granted, the number of magical assassins decreased drastically after the repeal. But a radical wizard would make an occasional appearance, which is why Merlin was finally ready to strangle the King of Camelot. “... It is a brilliant idea Merlin. There've been a lot of magical crimes that need to be addressed,” said the prat. “I need someone knowledgeable enough to advise me on magical matters.” “You have Gaius! He has magic and is a trusted person!” Merlin said. “Yes, but Gaius is already a Court Physician and Advisor. I can’t give him a third title,” Arthur said. To be honest, he had a point. Giving one person too much power in court matters was a disaster in the making. Arthur should have thought of this before repealing the ban. Merlin still was unsure of what gave Arthur the final push to repeal the ban, but he was grateful nevertheless. “Then sack him as your Advisor and make him Court Sorcerer!” Merlin said. “I can’t do that Merlin, I need someone trusted as my Advisor,” Arthur said. “Exactly! You’re going to host a tournament filled with strangers to compete for the position of someone you’re meant to trust .” “Well, do tell me, Mer lin, is there a sorcerer you know who I can trust? I’d gladly make them my Court Sorcerer,” Arthur said. Me! I’m a sorcerer! Is what Merlin so badly wanted to say, but refrained. “... No,” Merlin said, disheartened. He sighed and continued cleaning up the room. Merlin saw that Arthur was done with his dinner and reached out to collect the plates and set them aside. “Let’s get you ready for bed.” Merlin set out Arthur’s nightclothes and urged Arthur to stand. He dressed Arthur up for bed and prepped the fireplace. Once Arthur was tucked in bed, Merlin snuffed out the candles and closed the curtains. “Goodnight, Arthur,” Merlin said as he collected the dishes and went out the door. “ ‘Night Merlin.” Merlin needs to convince Arthur to not hold the tournament. He did not know how many people wished him dead. A tournament like this would be the perfect opportunity to carry out an assassination. Merlin doubted any sorcerer would be foolish enough to kill Arthur out in the open, but the days leading to and after the tournament were perfect opportunities. Amongst all the sorcerers, they can easily avert any accusations and escape. “You’ll die,” Merlin said. Arthur was a bit shocked at the sudden proclamation. “Everyone dies, Merlin,” Arthur said. Merlin stopped pacing around the room and came towards Arthur on his desk. He put both his hands on the table and leaned forward. “No, you don’t get it,” Merlin said, shaking his head. Arthur rolled his eyes and rested his chin in his arms. “Please do explain the natural cycle of life, Merlin,” Arthur said, looking slightly amused. Merlin was getting frustrated by Arthur’s aloof tendencies. “There’s always been an attempt at your life every tournament,” Merlin said. Arthur huffed and leaned back towards his chair. “But Mer lin, this is different,” he said. “How so?” Merlin asked. “I won’t be participating. Plus, not every tournament was an assassination plan.” “Yes, it has. I’ve always had to save your royal backside whenever you or Uther organized a tournament!” Merlin said. “And you not participating doesn’t make a difference, We’ll all be sitting ducks wearing a colorful “Kick Me!” sign!” Arthur scoffed. “You’ve never saved me, Merlin ,” “Valiant,” Merlin said and crossed his arms. “Lucky guess,” Arthur shrugged. “Vivian.” “That was Gwen,” Arthur said, raising his eyebrow, challenging him. “Who do you think told her to kiss you?” Merlin retorted. “Tristan de Bois,” “That was my Father,” Arthur said and narrowed his eyes. “Who do you think gave him the sword?” Merlin said and immediately regretted it. “Where did you find the sword?” Arthur questioned. Abort mission, find an insult. Always seems to work. “Your pea-sized brain couldn’t possibly comprehend it,” Merlin replies. “Do you need me to keep going, your Royal Prattishness?” “Excuse you. And it won’t be necessary,” Arthur said, scowling. “But you see, I won’t be participating. I’ll have Camelot’s finest Knights to guard me, in case.” “Are you trying to say that a sword is faster than a raging fireball?” Merlin asked. “You’re being irrational. No one’s going to harm me,” Arthur said. “Now, have you finished drafting my speech for the tournament, Merlin?” Arthur said. Merlin just gave him his best glare, trying to look as angry as possible. “Pathetic excuse of a dollophead,” Merlin muttered under his breath. “What was that?” “I said ‘Right after I finish making your bed’ ,“ Merlin smiled cheekily. “That’s not what you said,” Arthur glared. “Why ask if you heard?” Merlin asked and retreaded to the bed. Merlin kept trying to convince Arthur to withdraw from the tournament. Arthur, in his defense, said that this tournament was going down in history. Merlin agreed, saying that it would go down in history as the most foolish decision made by the most idiotic king ever. (Of course, Merlin didn’t mean it, Arthur was a great king and Merlin loved him). Ah, yes. The second and possibly worse secret. Merlin fucking loved his King. Another reason to keep hiding. It was a very tragic love story. Merlin was in love with Arthur, who adored Gwen, who was besotted with Lancelot, who was honor-bound to put his King before him. Merlin couldn’t blame Gwen for being in love with Lancelot, the man was impossible not to love. Merlin himself used to harbor crushes on both Gwen and Lancelot but was dissolved into a type of sibling love. This was long before he realized his feelings for Arthur, though. Just because Merlin was secretly pining after Arthur did not mean that Merlin had to like the prat. Arthur could be very infuriating if he wanted to be. “Do you call this a draft, Merlin?” Arthur asked just as Merlin entered the room. Merlin knew what this was about and didn’t regret it one bit. “Is there a problem, sire ?” Merlin asked, faking innocence. “ ‘I welcome you all to the very first bad decision I made since I became King’ ,” Arthur read from the parchment. “ ‘Despite my manservant’s warnings, which I will so happily ignore, I want to thank every participant for taking part in this great mistake’ ,” Arthur continued and looked up. “Really, Merlin? ‘I am looking for a strange magician, who will most likely backstab me, to become my beloved Court Sorcerer’? ” Arthur sighed and placed the ‘draft’ on his desk. He ran a hand through his hair and looked up at Merlin. Merlin may have regretted being so blunt, but he needs Arthur to listen for once. “Is this about magic? Why are you against this?” Arthur asked. “No! Magic is fine, great, even. But you’ll be consulting your Court Sorcerer for all magical things. You need someone you can trust, Arthur,” Merlin said. He walked until he was right in front of Arthur’s desk. “Throwing a tournament like this will only result in an unknown person winning the position! How do you know to trust this random person?” Merlin asked. Arthur sighed and gestured towards the chair. “Sit.” Merlin slumped and obeyed. “What is this actually about?” Arthur asked. Now would be a great time to reveal himself. All he had to do was say it. But Merlin didn’t do all this for Arthur for a reward. He didn’t want to be made Court Sorcerer just because Arthur would feel obligated. Merlin does everything he does to keep Arthur safe. “... I just don’t want you to get hurt,” Merlin said finally. He was trying hard not to look so defeated. When he glanced up, he saw Arthur soften and leaned forward. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands. “Merlin, look at me,” Arthur said. Merlin sighed and did. He saw that Arthur was smiling a bit. It was not funny! “I get it, and I promise that nothing will happen to me,” Arthur said, sincerely. “You can’t promise that,” Merlin frowned. “Yes, I can, and I will,” Arthur said. Did he know how stupid he sounded? Merlin sighed and decided that there was no swaying him. Merlin will just have to (secretly) cast protection enchantments and never leave Arthur’s side. “Now,” Arthur said as he got up and walked towards Merlin’s side. “I have to go for training, make sure to write an actual speech,” Arthur said and then proceed to mess up his hair. “Hey-” Merlin began to protest and pry Arthur’s hands away from his hair but Arthur just laughed. After a final cuff to his head, Arthur left for training. Merlin woke up with a weird feeling the day the participants were due to arrive. He knew it. He fucking knew it . Merlin learned long ago to trust his weird feelings. That didn’t stop Arthur from ignoring him every time he brought it up. Merlin always ended up being right but the clotpole never listens. “Gaius I’m getting one of my weird feelings again,” Merlin said as he entered the main room. Gaius was hunched over a pot, probably cooking breakfast. “I need to convince Arthur to stop this tournament,” Merlin said when he sat down at the table. “It’s a bit too late for that, the participants are soon to arrive,” Gaius said. He poured some of the porridge into a bowl and pushed it over to Merlin. Merlin gladly accepted it and began to eat as quickly as possible. “I need to go find Arthur,” Merlin said once he was done. “There’s still time before dawn,” Gaius stated. “Yes, but I need to make sure he’s alright. Maybe I can still convince him to draw it off,” Merlin said. “Rise and Shine!” Merlin said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. A long groan from the bed was the response he got. “Come on now, my lord , it’s time to grace us with your regal presence ,” Merlin tried. “Shut up ‘erlin,” Arthur muttered. “It’s too early.” “As I seem to recall, my liege , you were the one eager to invite dozens of mysterious sorcerers to compete with each other in a tourney today,” Merlin said as he went to the closet to pick Arthur’s clothes. He made sure to pick the blue tunic which Arthur seems to despise. “Mhm… Merlin, two more minutes!” Arthur said from the bed. “Nuh-huh. Up you get. We need to make you presentable enough. Come on lazy-daisy!” Merlin said. Arthur didn’t answer. Merlin walked over and stood beside Arthur’s bed. “I’ll eat your breakfast. All of it.” Merlin tried to rile him up. Arthur gave a thumbs-up from under the cover. Merlin sighed and shook him as hard as he could. No reaction. “Arthur,” Merlin said. He moved closer, “Arthurr” he whispered. “Hmm,” Arthur sighed from under the covers and poked his head out. Merlin failed for a second because he looked so cute. Merlin wanted to curl up beside him and stay until tomorrow. Okay, control yourself, Merlin . “Arthurrr” Merlin whispered again. Merlin raised a hand to brush the strands of hair off of Arthur’s ear. He got as close as possible while trying to not kiss Arthur. “ARTHUR!” Merlin yelled. Arthur jerked up and slammed his head against Merlin’s temple. Ouch. “MERLIN!” Arthur yelled. Merlin jerked back and rubbed his temple. Ouch. “FUCK!” Arthur cursed. “Ouch. That hurt,” Merlin complained. “Whatever gave you the right to yell in my ear?!” Arthur tried to reach out to cuff Merlin’s head but Merlin ducked away. “Stocks. Or maybe I should have you flogged,” Arthur said and plopped down on the mattress. “No! I just woke you up, don’t go back to sleep!” Merlin reached out. Arthur drew the covers over his head. FIne. Merlin yanked the covers off and hooked his arms around Arthur’s chest. He put all his strength into pulling Arthur down. “Nooo-” Arthur began to protest but fell. Merlin moved towards the desk to get a chunk of bread and began to stuff it down Arthur’s throat. Arthur pushed him away and swatted Merlin. “Why couldn’t you serve me breakfast in bed?” Arthur complained. “Because breakfast in bed is a privilege reserved for only good masters who treat their servants right,” Merlin said. “When have I ever mistreated you?” Arthur mock-protested. Merlin pulled on his best disapproving glare and tried to stare down Arthur. Arthur only laughed and got up. Merlin sighed and started to help Arthur into today’s clothes. Of course, Arthur complained about Merlin’s choice of clothes but Merlin only ignored him and continued. Arthur went over to his desk and ate breakfast while Merlin cleaned around the room. It was amazing how dirty the room could get in one night. Merlin almost suspected that Arthur purposely did it to keep Merlin busy. “It isn’t too late to cancel the tourney,” Merlin reminded. “Don’t be daft, most of the competitors are probably close to Camelot by now,” Arthur said. Well, at least he tried. Merlin decided he would let Arthur die if there was an assassination attempt. ( Liar his brain challenged, Shut up Merlin told himself). “Whatever, don’t wait for me in the afterlife after you’ve been assassinated,” Merlin said. “Now, why would I do that? I hardly wish to put up with your insolent ways in heaven,” Arthur rolled his eyes. “What makes you sure you’ll be in heaven?” Merlin resisted the urge to stick his tongue out and instead gave him a cheeky smile. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. “Shut up?” Merlin replied. “You guessed it,” Arthur gave him a fake smile and continued to eat. In conclusion, Merlin still has a very bad feeling TM and wasn’t any closer to changing Arthur’s mind. It was too late anyway. The only thing Merlin could do was make sure he’s next to Arthur if he needs protection. The competitors began arriving soon after, and Arthur collectively greeted them in the Great Hall. Merlin did a quick scan of the crowd to keep an eye out on the obvious assassins. Of course, most assassins do not wear an “I’m an assassin” sign; but Merlin wanted to narrow down the list as much as possible. By the end of the speech, Merlin concluded that all of them seem… normal. Normal for sorcerers, that is. “So… Mer lin,” Arthur said as the competitors were led away to their quarters. The tourney was to be held at high noon, and they were to take that time to rest from their long journeys. “There’s a lot of people here, a lot of wizards,” Arthur continued. “Wizards, yes,” Merlin agreed. “Who do you think will win?” Arthur asked. They both left through the servant’s entrance and took the short-cut to Arthur’s chambers. “How am I supposed to know?” Merlin asked. Merlin didn’t think about running a magic scan since that would give away his position of being a warlock. So, Merlin would have no idea until he gets a taste of their magic. Well, not taste but a snippet of their magic could be enough to determine their strength. “I don’t know, use your… senses,” Arthur said. Senses? Merlin narrowed his eyes. “What senses might these be?” Merlin asked. Did Arthur know about Merlin’s magic? If he did, why doesn’t he say so? “You know, your, um, weird…? Senses,” Arthur said, uncertainty. Merlin was prevented from answering when Arthur caught sight of Gwen. “Guinevere!” Arthur exclaimed. Merlin saw Gwen turn around and smile brightly. Arthur wore a similar love-sick expression. Gwen and Arthur’s relationship was one of those which makes you want to leave the room before the love pollens attack you. Well, Merlin was already in love but came to terms with his unrequited love a while back. He knew nothing could come out of his pathetic little crush. But it still hurt whenever Gwen and Arthur interacted. “Arthur! Merlin! I trust the welcome speech is over?” Gwen asked. Arthur took her hand and kissed her knuckles before holding her hand and walking with her. Merlin silently rolled his eyes at their backs. “Yes, it is. I was heading back to my chambers. Will you join me?” Arthur asked. Dammit, now Merlin can’t be in Arthur’s chambers. Dammit. “Yes, of course. I’ll have to leave soon though, in case any of the guests require me,” Gwen said. Now, don’t get Merlin wrong. He loved Gwen. She was the best person ever. And Merlin was happy that it was Arthur who she was seeing. Merlin knows that they won’t necessarily break each other’s hearts since their each other’s true love. Merlin just always wished that he never fell in love with Arthur in the first place. “Erm, I need to go see if Gaius needs anything,” Merlin lied. He needed an excuse to get out of there as soon as possible. “He needs my help to prepare the emergency kits,” Merlin said, which wasn’t necessarily a lie. The kits were finished, they just needed to be packed. “Oh,” Arthur said. “Alright, I guess. Will you be here before the tourney?” Arthur asked. Gwen gave him a small smile. “Don’t worry, I know you can’t dress on your own. I’ll be there,” Merlin gave them a wave before turning and heading towards Gaius’s chambers. “Oi! I’ll have you know that I can dress just fine!” Arthur retorted. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, sire ,” Merlin said over his shoulder. He heard Gwen laugh and Arthur protest before turning over the corner. Merlin didn’t have anything to do, for the time being, so he decided he’d spy on a few of the sorcerers. Each guest-chamber housed three sorcerers each. He’d go under the guise of serving them while listening for some danger. The first group seemed average, they were discussing the tourney when Merlin entered. They ceased talking about magic as soon as they saw Merlin and hesitated before starting again. Old habits die hard. Merlin smiled at them and asked them if they needed anything. They refused, saying that everything was in order, and dismissed him. The next few groups were just about the same. Occasionally one would ask a few curious questions about the tourney, which Merlin would answer to the best of his ability. None of the sorcerers seemed to have the intent of killing. Merlin wondered if a few Druids would participate too. So far, none of the sorcerers recognized Merlin and didn’t attempt to speak to him telepathically. Merlin shuddered at the thought. Mind speak always felt intrusive; sometimes it was hard to distinguish between his thoughts and another’s voice. Merlin made a note to inform any Druids to keep quiet about his identity. Honestly, why was Merlin so afraid of Arthur finding out? Magic is welcome in Camelot, and all the sorcerers are being treated as normal people. But Merlin wasn’t normal, was he? He’s made a handful of questionable choices in the past, all of which still weigh him down. The screams of Camelot’s people during Kilgarrah’s attack still plague his dreams. Morgana’s expression of disbelief and betrayal still follows him around like a ghost. Not to mention the people he’s killed. It’s deeds like these which weigh him down; which stops him from telling Arthur everything. All his sacrifices seem insignificant in front of his mistakes. Merlin didn’t notice the person in front of him until he walked straight into them. He hit his head to something hard and his steps flattered for a bit. His head hurt like hell. What did he just bump into? Merlin looked up and saw a man- about the same height and build as Leon- step back a bit. “Oh I’m so sorry, I wasn’t looking-” The man started to apologize. He looked at Merlin holding his head in his arms and seemed to realize that he was hurt. “Oh my, are you alright? I really didn’t see you there, I don’t know-” “I’m fine-” Merlin began saying, but the man was apparently hell-bent on apologizing. “No really, um, let me-” He said and moved to inspect Merlin’s head. Merlin shook his head and grabbed his hand to gently lower it down. “I’m fine. Perfectly fine. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt,” Merlin lied. What was the man made of, rocks? “I should be the one apologizing, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going,” Merlin tried to explain. “If you say so…” The man said, uncertainty. Merlin nodded and smiled, trying to look convincing. “Yes, I’m sure. Sorry, you probably need to be somewhere,” Merlin said. The man smiled and nodded. “Yes, uh, this is embarrassing. I might have lost my way back to the guest quarters?” The man scratched the back of his neck. “I might be able to help, I work here,” Merlin said. So the man was a sorcerer. “Do you remember anything about how your chambers looked?” Merlin asked. “I remember seeing a tapestry with a flower pot nearby, it was on the second floor, I believe.” He said. Very helpful Merlin thought. Tapestries and flowers littered the castle. Well at least, it was on the second floor, which narrows it down a bit. “The guest quarters are this way,” Merlin directed. “It’s a big castle, it’s easy to get lost. Follow me,” he said. He’d just have to figure it out on the way. “I’m Darven, by the way,” The man, Darven said. “Merlin, nice to meet you,” Merlin answered. The second floor of the guest quarters had about five rooms, which were mostly occupied. “Do you remember any of the people you were staying with?” Merlin asked. “I only met one, he was middle-aged and kinda short,” Darven said. Well, Merlin does not know any of the occupants of these rooms. Damn. “Oh wait, I remember the window faced the courtyard and had a perfect view of the gates!” Darven said. Well, that helped. The rooms at the side were definitely not it, since they faced the walls. The only one with a view of the courtyard was the one at the far end of the chambers, which is probably Darven’s. “I think I know where your room is,” Merlin said, and guided him towards the chambers. Darven seemed to recognize the chambers, and probably couldn’t find them because it was further off from the other four. “Thank you!” Darven said. Merlin gave him a polite smile and bowed, wanting to get out and continue his inspections. Thankfully, that seemed to be the end of the little meeting. Unfortunately, it was already time to dress Arthur. He probably had a couple more groups to spy on, but there was no time. Arthur would be insufferable if he’s late. Gwen wasn’t in the chambers when Merlin entered, which was a blessing. He wasn’t sure how much of the lovely couple he could take. He didn’t want to find out. Arthur was fairly quiet, probably trying to memorize yet another speech. Merlin was tired of drafting these speeches. What is it with the Royals and their countless speeches? Just say one and get over with it. Merlin didn’t try to speak either; there was no point. He’ll just have to be extra cautious. Merlin dressed Arthur in a classic red tunic with brown breeches and paired it with his crown. Arthur looked spectacular if you asked Merlin, and if he could he’d leave it at that. But chainmail and armor was a must. He knew how much Arthur preferred casual clothing, but it wasn’t a reason to jeopardize Arthur’s safety. Merlin would make sure he’s always protected, and then some. “Ready?” Arthur asked. Merlin picked up Arthur’s sword from the table and examined it. Merlin would feel better if Arthur carried Excalibur, but this would have to do for now. Merlin nodded and handed the sword to Arthur, who sheathed it immediately. “Lead the way, milord .” Arthur rolled his eyes and flashed Merlin his easy-going smile. Merlin felt the corners of his lips tug up, which was inconvenient since he was trying to look reluctant. As they left the chambers, the feeling of dread returned. Merlin clenched his hand and forced himself to follow Arthur. The people were already there, but their usual cheer and enthusiasm were missing. It was replaced with uncertain chatter and observing eyes, each one of them curious to see what today has in place. It was the first public display of magic for nearly all of them. There were the elders, eager to relive the memories of their childhood. There were the young, who were ready to create more memories. There were the adults, the ones who were stuck in the middle. They had no memories and no flexibility. They didn’t have a child’s curiosity and an elder's acceptance. They were the ones who chartered the most, but with voices barely above a whisper. There were the competitors, who were moved into tents for preparation. There was the staff, ready to cater to their needs. There were Arthur’s most trusted Knights, extra attentive as per Merlin’s request, as most were Merlin’s friends before Arthur’s Knights, who bowed to Arthur as he entered the dais. Gwaine greeted Merlin with his casual flirty winks and pats, Lancelot with an easy smile and hair- ruffling, Percival with a cheerful handshake, Elyan with a slightly aggressive but friendly punch, and Leon with his ever so serious nod before resuming their professional ‘I’m-a-very-scary-knight- fear-me’ stance. Merlin gave them all a wave and what he hoped was a convincing smile, as he still wasn’t able to shake off his sense of dread. The crowd quietened their chatter when the participants entered the grounds, each one curious to see the first magical tournament in nearly three decades. It was so unlike a regular tourney, the air would be filled with people’s cheers at this point. Arthur stepped down and stood in front of the wizards. They were aligned in two rows and were diverse. Merlin could see each one was different from the other, ranging from aspiring teenagers and head-strong adults to uncertain youngsters and stoic warriors. There were hardly ten competitors, and none of them Druids. Merlin could trust Druids to an extent, they were preferred over these strangers with different backgrounds. Merlin and the Druids were going to talk soon. “Thank you for stepping forward and competing for a position in my court,” Arthur began. “I admire your bravery and respect your skills, and I wish every one of you the best.” “However, I am in no such position to judge magic, I only am a King and a Knight,” Arthur continued, and Merlin just knew he did something. “And so, the judge of today’s tournament will be Affodill, a Druid who kindly took up my request.” It was then that Merlin noticed the much less decorative chair beside Arthur’s throne and the woman with the red hair who entered practically out of nowhere. Merlin could swear that she wasn’t there a minute ago. Curse Druids and their uncanny ability to appear out of nowhere. Merlin was furious that Arthur went and consulted a Druid without informing Merlin. He didn’t have to tell Merlin everything, of course, but he always did. How did he know where to find one? What else does Arthur know? Merlin tried to convey his frustration and confusion through a glare, but Arthur had his back turned. Merlin changed his glare to a pleading stare and directed it towards Affodill, who was already staring at Merlin. She pointed towards her head, and Merlin gave a reluctant nod. “ Hello Emrys ,” she spoke, and Merlin had to suppress a shudder. Merlin broke eye contact and stared straight ahead at Arthur’s head, hoping she doesn’t notice how much he hates this. “ I hope you are aware that I can read your thoughts, my lord ,” she continued. Dammit. “Affodill, who is well versed in the magical community…” Arthur continued speaking. “ Apologies, Afflodill. And... um, maybe not refer to me as ‘my lord’? “ Merlin said, through the telepathic link. “ Understood, my- Emrys. ” “ Also refrain from calling me Emrys? I, um… Arthur doesn’t know. ” “One might think that I grew up without any magical influences, but I only recently figured out the importance of magic in my life…” Arthur went on. Merlin doesn’t remember writing all that. “ I gathered, Em- Merlin ,” she said, her voice growing more and more uncertain by the second. Merlin struggled to pay attention to Arthur’s words while continuing a telepathic link and decided to tune out of Arthur’s speech. “ I trust you’ll protect my secret? ” “ I apologize for intruding, but why is it a secret? Magic isn’t outlawed, my lord. ” “ Merlin ," he reminded. " And it’s complicated, just… don’t tell him. You haven’t told him, have you? ” Merlin saw that Arthur had finished his speech and was returning towards the dais. Merlin gave him a good, long, hard glare, and Arthur only raised an eyebrow. Merlin gave him one last look before turning away, and Arthur settled down on his throne, Affoldill doing the same. “No, he doesn’t know,” Affodill assured. Merlin gave her a grateful nod and dedicated his full attention to the tournament. He did one last scan of the crowd, searching for any visible weapons. The first competitor stepped forward, looking like he stepped out of a “Typical Wizards Looks” book. Merlin’s never read one, but he’s sure there had to be a book on that topic. He was old, probably close to Gaius’ age, and had hair similar to Dragoon's. He wore a purple robe and carried a long stick, which was probably a fashionable factor. Merlin had to suppress a chuckle, and a quick look at Affodill said she had to do the same. “My lord,” the Build-Your-Wizard wizard bowed down and straightened his back. “My name is Elfryn,” seriously, is that really his name? “ It sure seems like it ,” said Affodill’s voice, and Merlin may have jumped out of his skin. God fucking dammit. “I am honored to display my skill sets to you, and I hope you enjoy it.” Elfryn continued. “ I say he’s a beginner ,” Merlin said. “ Bet .” Elfryn closed his eyes and stretched his arm out, muttering a spell Merlin couldn’t hear. His eyes flashed gold, and on his palm was an orb of light hovering. He did a little jerking motion and the light flew towards the sky, where it stopped. He muttered another spell and the ball of light grew in size until it exploded. The crowd gasped and a few shrieked, but most were ready to dash out of their seats. Merlin was ready to cast a spell of his own to shield the ones close to him but saw that the light only exploded into other tiny little lights. “Not bad,” Arthur muttered. Merlin relaxed a bit and leaned a bit closer to him. “Yes, very flashy.” “ Impressive but a bit useless ,” Affodill said. “ Well, if I need help lighting up a cave I’d call him ,” Merlin jokes. Elfryn bowed once more, signaling the end of his performance. The spectators clapped, albeit a bit reluctantly. Arthur nodded and thanked Elfryn for his display, and Elfryn looked ecstatic. It was easy to forget how magic was now legal, and Merlin understood Elfryn. The sorcerers of Camelot sometimes forgot that they were now free, and the feeling of showing off your magic was beautiful and scary at the same time. “ I forget sometimes too. And um… you know that you can block me from reading your thoughts, sire? ” Affodill said, and Merlin cursed. Affodill gave an apologetic smile and Merlin focused on putting a barrier from his thoughts. One might think being the greatest sorcerer ever meant that you were smart. Arthur leaned over to Affodill, and the two engaged in a conversation. Merlin could barely hear them over the cheers of the crowds. The next competitor was a young woman with a black knee-length dress and black leggings. She introduced herself as Lora and addressed Affodill as well as Arthur. Merlin liked her. Merlin did another scan of the arena, once again finding nothing but the whispers of the crowd, as Lora prepared for her show. As much as Merlin liked her, she was still an unknown sorcerer. Lora took her time, her head down and arms by her side, while the crowd grew more and more restless. Lora crouched down, and Merlin made out her natural element as Earth. She muttered an enchantment and placed a hand on the ground. The area around her changed from brown to fresh grassy green, and a single flower bloomed in front of her. She stood up, and the crowd erupted in cheer, this time, bolder. “The flower’s pretty,” Merlin told Arthur, who nodded in agreement. Arthur thanked her for her splendid performance, and Lora looked just as pleased as Elfryn did. “ She isn’t so bad ,” said Affodill’s voice. “ I like her, she’s good ,” Merlin replied. Arthur and Affodill once again discussed her credibility, while Lora bowed and retreated and another magician took her place. This time, it was a middle-aged woman, who had brown hair with greying roots. She introduced herself as Muriel and greeted her King. Her element was fire, Merlin could make it out easily. She had a fierce aura, despite her appearance as a clam woman. She summoned a flame, which glowed orange. She muttered a spell, and the flame turned blue, and another, which turned the flame red. She extinguished the flame with a flick of her hand and bowed. “ I’ve seen that spell before, the Druids use it to make their flames hotter ,” Affodill said. “Speaking of Druids, why aren’t they participating?” Merlin asked, and realized his mistake when Arthur turned and raised a questioning eyebrow. God. Fucking. Dammit. Why is telepathy so confusing? “Druids? Who said anything about them?” Arthur asked, and Affodill turned towards Merlin, her eyes growing wide. “Nothing, just curious,” Merlin replied with a cheeky grin. Arthur scoffed and turned towards Affodill, and began discussing Muriel's performance. “ We Druids are not political in nature, we will work as advisors if required. But that isn’t what the King needs. He needs more than that ,” Affodill said. Merlin nodded, still a bit embarrassed at his mix up. The next participant was Philip, who also played with fire. It wasn’t as impressive as Lora’s but it was something. Hugh was next and summoned a mini-tornado, which was mostly just mild wind. Audrey brought along a ball of yarn and needle, which was confusing at first. But then he muttered a spell and the ball began knitting itself, and the yarn turned into a scarf which he presented to Affodill, who blushed and accepted it. “ He’s pretty nice isn’t he, Affodill? ” Merlin teased. Affodill rolled her eyes and turned towards Merlin. “ I don’t necessarily prefer the company of men ,” she said, her voice a bit quieter than normal. Merlin smiled, “ nor I of women ,” Merlin winked, knowing that it must have been hard to admit that. Affodill looked at him for a few seconds, her eyes wide and uncertain, before grinning hard. Merlin couldn’t help but return it. “ You have no clue how many Druidic women want to have your children ,” Affodill said, her voice more teasing than serious. “ Ew children ,” Merlin said, and fake barfed. Affodill snorted and quickly covered her mouth. “Is everything alright my lady?” Arthur asked, and Affodill shook her head. Merlin silently mimicked Arthur behind his back, and Affodill green eyes narrowed at Merlin, trying to desperately cover up a laugh. “Perfectly fine, my lord. Please just call me Affodill,” she finally said, and looked back at Merlin again, trying to look angry but looked more amused. Arthur turned and looked at whatever she was looking at, which happened to be Merlin, who quickly looked away. The tournament continued, and Merlin found himself growing more and more relaxed. He was enjoying the displays of magic, no matter how simple or easy. These people were suppressed for all their lives, and now they have the chance to show their worth. The crowd was now completely into the tournament, cheering, gasping, and clapping for every display. The last one was someone Merlin already met, Darven. Darven looked too confident for Merlin’s liking. Merlin felt himself tense up again, while also being hyper-aware of everything around him. The hair on the back of his neck rose, and he knew something was off. But one look at Affodill told him she didn’t feel the same. Darven summoned a flame, but it was charged with little sparks of electricity. Another spell shaped it into a flaming electric lion, which looked very impressive. It was a mix of two different elements and required a fairly large amount of magic. Merlin wanted to enjoy the show, but the magic was off. Darven smirked and nodded at the lion, which did a loop around him. The crowd was captivated, screaming, and applauding at the electric flaming lion’s every move. The lion in the middle of the loop broke into a sprint, charging forward. In four quick strides, it was in front of the dais, and neither the lion nor Darven showed any signs of stopping. Merlin knew they weren’t going to. In a blink of an eye, the lion was meters away from Arthur, its intentions clear. Arthur showed no signs of moving. Oh, but Merlin did. Merlin knew exactly what spell was used, as Merlin has made countless dragons out of the same spell. A flash of gold and the lion dispersed into little sparkles, falling right in between Merlin and Arthur. And the goddamn crowd cheered. And Arthur clapped. Merlin could feel Darven’s confused stare, but it was covered up by his slightly reluctant bow. Merlin looked at Affodill, she must know what happened, right? But she looked on at Darven in awe, clapping along with the crowd and praising him. They all thought it was a part of the show. “ It wasn’t a part of the show ,” Merlin told Affodill, interrupting her conversation with Arthur. She stopped clapping and looked at Merlin in confusion. “ The lion was going straight for Arthur .” “ But it stopped? ” Affodill asked. “ I stopped it, my magic told me something was off, or else it would have been too late ,” Merlin explained. Affodill looked at him with wide eyes, slightly afraid. “ Arthur just told me he’d pick Darven ,” she replied, her face turning horrified. “ No. You need to tell him to stop. ” “Merlin, did you listen to anything I’ve said?” Arthur interrupted, his mouth set in a tight line, indicating that he was annoyed. “I’m sorry, what did you say?” Merlin asked, looking back at Darven, who had already cleared the arena. “ I’ve already told him it was a brilliant idea ,” Merlin turned to Affodill, who looked pale and frightened. “ Forgive me, Emrys, what do we do? ” “Forget it,” Arthur huffed and turned away, his arms crossing over his chest. “ I would have vouched for him if he weren’t hell-bent on killing Arthur ,” Merlin told her. He could deal with Arthur and his mood swings later. “ I'll convince Arthur to not pick him ,” Merlin tried to stay positive, Arthur might look like he doesn't care, but he’ll listen at least. Arthur picked him. Not only did he pick him, but he was also admiring him. “What about Lora? She’s decent and respectful. Or, or Muriel, she’s very fiery. Heck, Elfryn wasn’t bad. Just, not Darven,” Merlin said, walking faster to catch up. “No Merlin, Darven is great,” They were at Arthur’s chambers at this point, and he told Merlin to take off his armor. “He isn’t very trustworthy. He gave off this weird feeling,” Merlin tried to explain, whilst removing Arthur’s chainmail. “How could you possibly know that, Merlin?” Merlin hastily removed his gambeson, trying to keep Arthur’s face covered while trying to think of a reason. “Um, Affodill told me.” “Oh yes, of course, she did,” Arthur said, rolling his eyes. “What else did she tell? Or were you too busy staring at each other? ” Merlin paused, confused. Arthur was looking at him with something Merlin couldn’t name. Anger? Why would he be angry? “I don’t know what you’re trying to say,” Merlin replied, stepping away to pick out Arthur’s robes for the fest. Arthur let out a scoff, crossing his arms and waiting for Merlin to pick. “Of course you don’t,” Arthur said, his voice a bit lower than usual. Merlin turned and raised a questioning eyebrow, but Arthur was already glaring at Merlin. “Where’s this coming from?” Merlin asked, turning around and scanning his closet. Merlin picked out a white tunic and black trousers and a belt and decided to pair it with Arthur’s silver crown. The combination would bring out his eyes, and it was a bit different than usual. Merlin turned and gestured Arthur to raise his arms, who complied, although with a foul expression. “Oh I don’t know,” Arthur began, his voice getting muffled as Merlin struggled to get the tunic over his head. “Maybe because you ignored me the whole tournament,” Merlin pulled hard, making Arthur grunt. “And was busy smiling and staring like a love-sick fool,” Arthur said, just as Merlin finally got the tunic over his gigantic head. “I’m sorry what?” Merlin exclaimed, his brows shooting up. Arthur just stared at him, glowering. “I am not,” emphasized Merlin, “in love with Affodill and neither is she. And that isn’t even the point!” Merlin shoved the trousers to Arthur’s arm, moving away from him. His face was still pinched, and Merlin couldn’t fathom why. “Pray to tell, Merlin, what is the point?” Arthur asked, putting on his trousers. He looked away, scowling. “God lord Arthur, I’m trying to look out for you,” Merlin replied, frustrated. “Darven is out here to kill you, and I’m not going to stand by and watch him do it! Just pick someone else, please,” Merlin begged, his patience running out. Arthur paused, his expression morphing into one of confusion. “You have no proof of that,” Arthur said. “I’m picking Daven and that’s it.” Merlin gaped, very well aware of how he probably looked like a fish. Arthur turned away, grabbing his sword belt, and fastening it around himself. Fine. Merlin squared his shoulders, picking up Arthur’s ceremonial sword, obviously checking it before handing it over. He picked up Arthur’s crown from his drawers, and placed it on the table, not bothering to place it on Arthur’s head himself. Arthur still had to wear his cape and boots, but Merlin didn’t care right now. “If you’ll excuse me, sire,” Merlin said and didn’t wait for an answer. Merlin ignored Arthur for the whole feast. He did his job as a servant but didn’t speak to Arthur. He was too busy being mad and glaring at Darven. Besides Arthur sat Affodill, who tried to refill her goblet on her own. Her plate wasn’t as full as the others, she refused to eat more than she had to. Merlin rushed over and took the jug away from her, reminding her that she didn’t have to do that. “Did you manage to convince him?” She whispered as soon as Merlin was near. Merlin shook his head. “He won’t listen to me,” Merlin whispered back. “I’ll try to-” “Merlin,” Arthur yelled. “My goblet’s empty,” he gestured to his goblet. Merlin sighed and moved over to refill Arthur’s goblet, which was in fact half full. Snob. Darven was seated with the other competitors, who were offering their compliments. Merlin continued to observe him from the shadows, make sure to follow his every move. He wasn’t doing anything suspicious, which was suspicious on its own. Darven caught Merlin’s eye, who didn’t break eye contact. Merlin tried to convey his distaste through his stare, but Darven just turned away and continued conversing with the ones around him. The night was spent similarly. Affodill would call Merlin over to discuss their plans, Arthur would interrupt, and Merlin would observe Darven at every opportunity. “How long will you stay?” Merlin whispered to Affodill, who had signaled him over to refill her glass. “I leave once things are settled. Arthur had asked me to evaluate the person he chooses,” Affodill whispered back. Arthur once again interrupted their conversation, and Merlin wasn’t having it. “Okay that’s enough wine for you,” Merlin said, refusing to refill his glass. Arthur was already half-drunk, his demeanor loses and his words slurring. “We’re leaving.” “Wineee,” Arthur slurred. Merlin sighed and shook his head. For a King, Arthur was a very sloppy drunk. Merlin needed to get him out of here before he made a fool of himself. Merlin waved at Leon, the only one who was sensible enough to not get drunk. Merlin gestured towards Arthur and the exit, and Leon nodded in understanding. Leon was Arthur’s most trusted knight, he’ll take care of the rest. Lancelot was also a good option, but he was too busy making heart eyes at Gwen. “I’m sorry, I need to get him out of here,” Merlin told Affodill, who smiled. “The night is still young, please enjoy,” Merlin said. “Oh, I will, Em- Merlin. Look after your King,” Affodill said, shooting him away. “Merlinnn,” Arthur whined, leaning on Merlin as he tried to get him to stand up. Merlin sagged under his weight, but no one seemed to notice, too drunk or otherwise occupied to care. “Sire,” Merlin grunted, trying to make Arthur walk. “Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Merlin said, leading him away from the hall. “Hmm bed,” Arthur sighed, resting his head on Merlin’s shoulder. He tightened his arms around Merlin, nuzzling his neck. Merlin tried to calm his heart, which was currently threatening to burst out of his chest. A very unfortunate end for the greatest sorcerer. They arrived at Arthur’s door after minutes of stumbling and pulling and pushing. Merlin propped Arthur against the bed, trying to keep him upright as he stripped him off of his clothes. Merlin removed his sword belt and crown placing them on the side table for now. He picked up Arthur’s nightclothes and tried to get Arthur out of his clothes, but he wouldn’t budge. “Merlin noo,” Arthur said, his eyes drooping. “You didn’t do it.” “I didn’t do what?” “Crown me,” Arthur said, dragging the last word. Merlin frowned, his head tilting to his side in confusion. “Crown me,” Arthur said, smiling and pointing towards his crown. Merlin looked back and forth between the crown and Arthur, who wore a hopeful expression. Merlin swore to never let Arthur get drunk again. Merlin sighed and picked up the crown and placed it on Arthur’s head, who smiled even wider. “So you’re not mad anymore?” “No, Arthur, I’m not mad, only worried,” Merlin explained. Arthur’s face dropped, his eyebrows drawing together. “Don’t be,” he said and reached up to ruffle Merlin’s hair. Merlin would be lying if he said it didn’t feel good. Arthur fell back on the bed, ignoring Merlin’s protests. “You can’t sleep with your crown on-” Merlin’s protests were answered with snores. Merlin rolled his eyes and tugged the crown away, and then tucking in Arthur. He placed the crown in its drawer and his sword on the arms table then blew out the candles. “Goodnight, Arthur.” Merlin wasn’t sure what he expected would happen after the tournament, but it wasn’t this. This was Arthur and Darven laughing and chatting like old friends, while Darven showed off his very much basic skills in magic. But Arthur didn’t know that. He was hanging on to every word and action of Darven. And no, Merlin wasn’t jealous. He was stronger and more powerful than Darven. There was nothing to be jealous of. “He’s great,” Arthur said, watching Darven and Affodill speak. Affodill was trying to crack Darven’s motives and plans as per Merlin’s request. Lancelot was doing the same whenever Merlin or Affodill weren’t around. Merlin followed Darven around everywhere. (No, Merlin wasn’t stalking, he was only observing. And it isn't wrong until you get caught). It bugged him to no end that Darven was normal. He stayed in the castle and always kept it to himself. A sweep of his ‘official’ chambers gave no magical items or harmful substances or anything. Merlin’s theory was that he meant to kill Arthur in the tourney, but didn’t count on his plan failing. And now he was confused. “He isn’t great,” Merlin replied, slightly annoyed. The worst of all, Arthur didn’t shut up about his “skills.” If Merlin didn’t know any better, he’d say Arthur liked Darven. Like like. “Forget it, Merlin, your pea-sized brain couldn’t comprehend greatness,” Arthur said, taking a seat at the Round Table. Merlin rolled his eyes at Arthur’s creativity. It was an unofficial meeting, only filled with Arthur, Affodill, Darven, and Gaius. Gwen was present too, she being Affodill’s temporary maid despite Affodill’s protests. Today was going to be Darven’s first interview, and Merlin couldn’t wait. He had a list of questions prepared, which he would tell Affodill telepathically. “So, Darven, how long have you been practicing magic?” Affodill asked, giving Merlin a short nod. “Be honest, please,” Arthur added. “One year,” Darven said in his annoyingly high pitched voice. Arthur nodded, and so did Affodill. “Which element do you practice in?” Affodill asked. “Fire, mostly, and sometimes air,” Darven answered. “Who taught you?” Darven hesitated. “This is an interview, Darven, not an integration. Please don’t be afraid,” Arthur reassured. Darven looked at Affodill, who nodded. “My lord, I lived with the Druids as a child,” Affodill raised a criticizing eyebrow, but Darven didn’t flinch. “I left them when things got a bit… hard, and tried to suppress my magic for a long time.” “I see, very well,” Affodill said, her eyes catching Merlin’s. “ I’m not sure if I trust that he’s a Druid ,” Affodill whispered telepathically. Merlin tilted his head in confusion. “ His magic is wrong, I wonder how I missed it, it’s always been there ,” she elaborated. Merlin turned to continue glaring at Darven, determined to at least make him feel unwelcome. Darven blissfully ignored him. “ Ask why he believes he’s fit to serve the King ,” Merlin instructed. Affodill nodded and repeated the question. “I’ve protected myself all these years, I like to think I’m capable enough.” “That isn’t the same thing,” Merlin spoke out loud. Arthur rolled his eyes and turned, giving him a pointed look. “I think, what Merlin means to say, sire, is that he’ll have to protect all of Camelot, not just himself,” Affodill spoke up. Merlin really liked her. Why couldn’t she be the Court Sorcerer again? “That would include placing protective charms on the castle walls, vaults, dungeons, and all that,” Merlin further stated. “As Affodill told me, isn’t that right?” Merlin added as an afterthought because Arthur was giving him a weird look. Merlin didn’t like that look. But that just seemed to sour Arthur’s mood, and Merlin wondered if Arthur suspected. When Affodill nodded, Arthur looked away, jaw clenched. “I’m sure my charms will hold,” Darven replied, oblivious to everyone’s mood. “Well, that concludes the interview. You’re hired,” Arthur declared. “But my lord, there are some more questions-” Affodill began to protest. Arthur ignored her, standing up and clasping his hands together. “Meeting adjourned.” “Arthur wait-” Merlin tried to stop Arthur from just walking away from an unfinished meeting, but Arthur just ignored him. “Can I leave?” Darven asked, still oblivious to Merlin’s mood. “Leave,” Merlin said, making sure to let all his hatred for that guy bleed into his voice. Darven just shrugged and left, leaving Merlin with a very confused Gwen, a baffled Affodill, and a resigned Gaius. “Well, that’s that,” Gaius said, and got up and left. Not him too! “Okay, what is going on right now,” Merlin asked, very confused and frustrated. Affodill shrugged. “Alright, Gwen, could you please go talk to that clotpole?” “I think you should, he'd listen,” Gwen replied, lips falling into a thin line. “Nonsense. Please?” Merlin asked, trying to do his best kicked-puppy expression despite his sour mood. It worked. Gwen sighed and nodded, leaving. “That went well,” Affodill stated, getting up from her chair. “I’ll just-” she gestured towards the door, seemingly waiting for Merlin to dismiss her, for some reason. “Just go,” Merlin waved her off. He slammed his head back to the wall and winced at the pain. The doors closed behind her, the sound echoing through the empty hall. Merlin left out a long sigh, contemplating ways to end someone’s life without committing actual murder. Even if Merlin did figure out how, he'd have a hard time deciding who to kill, Darven, Arthur, or himself? His magic sored, aching to be let free. His surroundings were a dull grey. He was alone, once more. Merlin could feel his magic tingling beneath his skin, the only barrier between his magic and destruction. It was begging him to let go. What would it feel like, letting his magic take control? Merlin felt numb. Should he care about the consequences? No. He won’t. He let go. Merlin slowly opened his eyes, feeling weirdly at peace. The dream didn’t leave him desperately grabbing the sheets or thrashing around like a man possessed. It felt like a normal dream. But that was wrong. He shouldn’t feel calm after thinking about destruction. He shouldn’t be okay with letting go. He should have woken up thrashing. He should have woken up screaming. He doesn’t know what happened after, but he knew it wasn’t something innocent. The thought broke something in him. Sitting on his bed, legs crossed, staring at nothing, felt wrong. Breathing felt wrong. Blinking felt wrong. Everything felt wrong. So he did nothing. His eyes stung from staring for so long, he could feel tears pricking his eyes. He tried to rub them away, only to notice that his hands were shaking. He snapped out of his trance. Somewhere along the line, the sun had already risen. It was time to get up. Gaius was still asleep when Merlin got out of his room. He didn’t want to wake him up. He could skip breakfast, for now, he’ll just nick something from Arthur’s. It was rush hour in the kitchens, and Merlin tried to weave his way through all the servants and cooks without speaking to anybody. The King’s tray was on its usual spot, filled with bacon and eggs and fruits. Merlin picked it up and got out as soon as he could. Arthur was still asleep when Merlin entered, no surprise there. Merlin placed the tray on his desk and moved to the windows to yank the curtains open. “Rise and shine!” Merlin repeated, following the routine. Arthur groaned, turning away from the light. “Get up Arthur, it’s late,” Merlin tried. “Gwen’s at the door, waiting to come in,” Merlin tried again. Arthur only gave him a thumbs up. “Alright, then you won’t mind me doing this,” Merlin picked up a pillow and proceeded to lightly (lies) whack Arthur with it. “Merlin!” Arthur yelled, outraged, and yanked the pillow out of Merlin’s hand. Merlin knew what was coming, and ducked just before the pillow went flying over his head. “This is treason. I’ll have you hanged for this,” Arthur mumbled. “Good morning to you too, sire,” Merlin replied and picked out Arthur’s outfit for the day. Arthur huffed, but got up and sat at his desk, picking at his food. Merlin did his usual routine clean up in silence. He didn’t feel like speaking today. Merlin dressed Arthur once he was done, but didn’t follow him towards the Council Meeting. Maybe he’ll restock Gaius’s herbs today. Gaius was awake and running around the chambers, making Merlin concerned. “Helen’s in labor, but there’s this sickness in the lower town again,” Gaius explained, packing his medical bag. “I’ll go assist her, but could you make the tinctures? I don’t have the time,” Merlin nodded and shooed Gaius out the door, assuring him that he’d get it done. The tinctures weren’t hard to make, it just took a long time to make. He set the paste on the stove and let it boil, which would take a fair amount of time. He’ll chop up some basil leaves in the meantime. “I know your secrets, I know your lies.” It was dark, very dark. Merlin was kneeling on the floor, staring straight ahead. “You can’t hide anymore.” The disembodied voice was just a gruff whisper, coming from far away. Merlin was locked in place, his legs unwilling to cooperate. He stopped struggling. “Why do you care?” Whispered a voice, the same gruff voice, but this time right beside his ear. Merlin didn’t flinch. Why did he care? Should he still care? Merlin opened his eyes once more, this time, still in the main room. He was sitting with his head on the table, the basil leaves long forgotten. Merlin jerked back, looking out the window. He wasn’t asleep for too long. Which was weird, because he doesn’t remember falling asleep. He shook his head and stood up, but couldn’t shake away the numbness he was feeling. It was the same as this morning. These weren’t dreams. They can’t be, it didn’t feel like it. It felt like he was living them. Merlin shook his head again, composing himself. He should finish the tincture as soon as possible. No scratch that, he needs Arthur. Where’s Arthur? Training grounds? No, war council. Merlin doesn’t remember the journey but was now facing the doors of the war council. He could hardly barge in. They’d think something was off. Merlin creaked the door open a bit, and peaked in. Arthur was there, all in one piece. In the middle of a debate with his counselors. He looked fine. Merlin sighed and closed the door, trying to be as silent as possible. He’ll just wait out here. He doesn’t feel like leaving Arthur. “Hello Merlin,” said a familiar voice. “I was waiting for Arthur here, do you need something?” Darven was standing across from him, hands clasped back. “Arthur? It’s King Arthur for you,” Merlin wanted to say but wasn’t sure anymore. They spent way too much time together. “Nothing that concerns you,” Merlin mumbled. Merlin wanted to be as far away as possible from Darven but didn’t want to leave Arthur. Something was telling him to be close to Arthur. Merlin was positive that Darven had something planned. “Merlin, Merlin,” he said, in a sing-song voice, standing beside Merlin, and sneaked an arm around his shoulder. Merlin’s magic flared beneath his skin, screaming to be let to, to protect, to hurt. “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you don’t like me,” ever since he's got a taste of Darven's magic, his own has been protesting his existence. Merlin ducked from under his arm, trying to escape. “Good, just so we’re clear,” Merlin replied, backing away even if he didn’t want to leave Arthur. His magic still hadn’t calmed down. Any longer, Merlin doubts that Darven would be left standing. He needs to leave. Preferably now. He turned back and tried to keep his walking pace normal. But once he turned around the corner, he ran. He ran until he was out of the castle, jogged once he left the citadel, and began running once more until he reached the gates of Camelot. Forest , the forest now . Once he was deep enough (he probably wasn’t but he barely could keep it in), he let go. Merlin could barely see anything, but felt his magic leave and lay around his surroundings like a blanket. A blanket that brought death instead of comfort. His knees gave out and he sagged to the ground. A couple of deep breaths later, he worked up the nerve to assess the damage. A circle of charred ground extended for about five feet of the radius. The trees were still erect, but dead. The slimy mud dried up, leaving cracks on the leveled ground. The area was dead. Merlin felt his eyes water a little. This was why he didn't tell Arthur about his magic. He’d go to great lengths to make sure Arthur was safe. His magic would do the same. Merlin’s magic sometimes had a mind of its own, always making sure to protect him in its own harsh way. He was shit at healing. But Merlin would be damned if he didn’t try to reverse his destruction. Merlin leaned forward, placing his hands on the ground. The layers below were barren. He could still feel the tendrils of magic from the earth, but they were faint. It would be enough. He’s heard about borrowing magic from the ground, but for now, he’d return it. He’s pretty sure he’s exhausted most of his magic by doing so, but it’s nothing a good night’s rest could fix. The earth accepted his apology. The magic wouldn’t return the patch of ground to its original state, but the ground wouldn’t be left barren. New life would grow here, someday. The way back was torture. He couldn’t walk straight. His legs felt like lead. His arms probably fell off somewhere, or at least that’s what it felt like. His head probably exploded somehow. Merlin wasn’t sure. To the outside world, he probably looked drunk. He could hardly care. If he could, he’d probably fall asleep right the fucking now. He’s pretty sure he’s running on autopilot. He doesn’t remember entering the citadel. “Merlin,” a voice called out from behind him. He couldn’t care less, just kept walking. Bed, now. The voice called out again, closer this time. Why couldn’t they just leave him alone again? “Merlin, you look dead,” said the voice, now right next to him. Merlin felt an arm around his shoulder and two fingers on his neck and feared it was Darven again. Stupid, stupid, Darven. He turned to check, and it was only Lancelot. Sweet, sweet , Lancelot. Sweet, noble Lancelot. Lancelot would understand if he passed out now, right? “Sleep, bed,” yeah, he’d understand. “Thanks,” Merlin slurred and passed out. Merlin couldn’t see a thing. Something cold encircled his wrist. Shackles. His legs felt numb. He was aware that he was on the floor, laying on his side. Something was off. He felt empty. He tried to reach for it, but it wasn't there. It just... wasn't. That was the first time Merlin woke up thrashing in the past two days. For a second, he felt the lines between dreams and reality overlap. He couldn’t see anything. His legs were numb. He still felt empty. No, he couldn’t see anything because it was dark. He couldn’t feel his legs because he was tired from running too much. He felt empty because he exhausted almost all of his magic. He tried to check his wrist to check. He couldn’t move anymore. He was tied down or held down. The darkness made it hard to see, but Merlin didn’t care. He resumed thrashing and kicking, and the thing holding him down grunted wherever Merlin managed to kick it. He wanted his magic back. “Merlin, Merlin stop,” the thing said in a familiar tone. “It’s Arthur, stop kicking you moron,” oh. Merlin stopped struggling, his body finally going limp from exhaustion. He checked again, and yes, his magic was safe. Only exhausted. “What,” Merlin gasped out, his voice hoarse, only just realizing how thirsty he was. “Water.” “Are you going to start kicking again?” Arthur asked, easing his weight off Merlin. Merlin shook his head but doubted that Arthur could see. Merlin heard the familiar strike of matchsticks on a matchbox, and the room was soon illuminated in a soft, yellow glow. Arthur, dressed in his usual tunic, handed Merlin a glass. Merlin took it with shaky hands and gulped it all down. “So, care to explain?” Arthur sat down on the chair next to his bed, crossing his arms. Merlin struggled to sit up, but eventually propped himself against the wall. “I was… drunk?” Merlin answered, feeling a bit guilty. Arthur only raised an eyebrow, his mouth set in a disapproving line. “Try again.” “I was really drunk. Probably spent my entire salary on drinks,” Merlin hated the tavern excuse. But Merlin’s pretty sure he looked rat arsed anyways. “They told me you looked dead , not drunk,” Arthur said, his voice cracking on the ‘dead’. Merlin couldn’t bear looking at Arthur anymore, feeling like a rebellious child under a hurt parent’s gaze. “So,” Arthur said, “what were you doing,” he demanded, emphasizing every word. Merlin ran out of excuses. So he stayed silent. Arthur waited for a beat before sighing and leaning forward, his elbows now resting on his knees. “Is it so hard to tell me the truth?” Yes. Merlin still didn’t dare to speak. Arthur finally gave up. He stood up, the sound of his chair scraping disrupting the heavy silence. “Stay here, don’t you dare move,” Arthur commanded in his ‘I’m-a-king-follow-my-orders’ voice. As if Merlin had the energy to do anything else. Arthur closed the door behind him, and Merlin was once again left alone. He should probably check how well his magic was doing, but it was hard to move his arms. He continued to stare in silence. Arthur came back, but with Darven at his heels. Fucking Darven. His magic despises him just as much as Merlin does. His mere presence gets on every one of his nerves. “What is he doing here,” Merlin demanded, somehow finding the strength to sit up straight. “Relax, he’s here to look over you,” Arthur said, stepping aside to let Darven in. “Get Gaius, he’s better,” Merlin said. Darven only smirked. He had the audacity to smirk. Merlin was about to strangle him, his fatigue can be damned. “Think of it as a test, a Court Sorcerer needs to know a few healing spells,” Arthur replied, leaning against the door frame. “You’ll just have to be my guinea pig,” Arthur smirked, and Merlin knew he had more than enough strength to strangle both of them. “I’m not your guinea pig!” Merlin threw his hands up in outrage. “Ask your other guinea pigs! They’ll be lining up to impress you!” “Ah you see, that’s why you’re my favorite guinea pig,” Arthur fucking winked and left, closing the door behind him. Merlin glared at the door, albeit a bit glad that they were back to their easy banter. He directed the glare at Darven, making sure to look as intimidating as possible. “And you- get out, and stay away,” Merlin gritted out, pointing an accusing finger at Darven. Darven shrugged and looked amused, strutting forward, and seating himself on the bed. “Come on Merlin, don’t be like that,” Darven said. He reached out, but Merlin jerked away from him. “So tell me,” Darven said, his brown eyes turning hard. “Why do you hide?” “It doesn’t concern you,” Merlin gritted out, hating every second of this. Merlin knew that he could probably run if he absolutely had to, but it would hurt like hell. His legs and arms were sore from running, his head was still pounding, but he had enough strength to leave the room. Merlin hoped Arthur would be on the other side. “I’m pretty sure the well being of magical folk does concern me,” Darven said. “An outburst of that size was felt by almost every magical folk, don’t act innocent.” “I think you’ll see that I really don’t care,” Merlin said. “If you know what’s good for you, you’d leave.” “I’m sorry, my lord ,” Darven said ‘my lord’ the same way Merlin would call Arthur ‘sire’ or ‘my liege’, but it lacked every ounce of warmth Merlin would put behind those words. “But I do care.” Darven’s eyes flared gold, his mouth murmuring an unknown spell. Merlin felt himself being pinned down to the bed, the weight of the world crushing his arms and legs. Merlin’s eyes flared a brighter gold, flinging Darven off the bed. The weight on his limbs remained, somehow heavier. Darven got up and grabbed a pitcher nearby, which Merlin flung out of his arms. The weight got heavier. Merlin felt weaker by the second, his magic still hasn’t fully recovered. But he wasn’t going down without a fight. Merlin attempted to pin Darven on the wall with his magic, but only managed to knock him off his feet. Merlin cried out when he felt the weight get even heavier. “There’s no point. The pain only gets worse every time you use magic,” Darven explained, getting back on his feet. How was Arthur not hearing anything? Merlin couldn’t care less, his eyes flaring gold again. This time he aimed to choke Darven. Darven’s arms raised to his neck, gasping for breath. The spell on Merlin stuck again, this time he’s sure he heard his bones crack. Merlin released the hold on Darven, unable to bear the pain. He knew he was seconds away from losing hold of his magic and consciousness. Where is Arthur? “What have you done to Arthur?” Merlin asked with the last of his strength, his voice barely above a whisper. Darven coughed, taking deep, shallow breaths. Merlin could barely keep his eyes open, his limbs were still being crushed. Merlin felt his vision blur around his edges. He couldn’t hear Darven’s answer before passing out. Merlin woke up, detached. He couldn’t feel his arms and legs. His throat was sore and scratchy. His head was heavy, his eyes drooping down from the weight. Merlin succumbed to darkness once more. The next time he woke, it was to a sharp, prickling sting on his left cheek. It kept disappearing and appearing and was fairly annoying if you asked Merlin. “Wha-,” Merlin tried to speak, but all that came out was a groan. “Ah, you’re up Emrys! Welcome back!” said a suspiciously honeyed voice. Merlin, with great difficulty, peered his eyes open. He was once again in a dark room, the floor was cold and hard. He strained his eyes, trying to get a better look at the room. In the dark, he could make out a figure in front of him. Darven, again. Merlin felt sick at this point. No, like actually sick. He could feel the bile rise his throat, whether, for the pain or Darven, he did not know. He tramped it down, not really strong enough to puke. “I have to say, the legends were true,” Darven said from his crouched position. “You should probably be dead by now, but here we are.” “What do you want,” even speaking hurt. His throat felt like sand. “Not really a fan of chit-chat, but anyways, I’ll have to kill you,” Darven replied, getting up. Merlin could hear the faint murmur of a spell, and the candles around the room lit up. Theatrics , Merlin wanted to roll his eyes. “Why?” Merlin asked, despite the soreness of his throat. He tried to relieve the pressure by magic and realized that something was wrong. He tried again, but there was nothing under his skin. He was stripped bare from inside-out, his magic locked away somewhere deeper. He couldn’t feel the small pricklings of magic. It was somewhere inside his core, dormant. He felt empty and cold. This probably hurt the most. Merlin looked down, finally noticing his cold writs. The numbness in his arms did a good job of ignoring it. Shackles. Cold iron shackles. Merlin felt a sense of dread settle low in his stomach. He was completely, utterly, defenseless. He did puke this time, angling his head away. It hurt to do it, his muscles aching from every heave and breath. “Emrys, you’re basically the ruler of the magical world,” Darven said, wincing at Merlin’s pain, but continuing. “No one likes a tyrant, but neither does one like a negligent King.” Merlin could vaguely understand what he was saying. True, he’s never been very much attached to the magical world, too busy running after Arthur. But he hasn’t neglected it either. He loves it. He’ll save it. “Somehow you manage to be both. Taking from it and never giving back,” Merlin frowned, confused. “I’ll promise you, I can do better.” Oh, so that’s what this is about. Power. God, he wants Arthur to be here. He’s better at this anyway. “Well, the sad part is, a lot of magical creatures seem to favor you. For absolutely no reason.” Darven was now moving around, arranging things on his table. The candlelights made it easier to look. The table looked suspiciously like a sacrificial altar. It probably was. “The Druids would have my neck if I harm their precious little lord.” Darven picked up something that looked sharp, probably a knife. On his other hand was a cloth, which he used to clean it. Darven muttered another spell, and the candles flickered for a second. No, that wasn’t what the spell was for. The knife glowed blue for a second, seeming brighter in the darkness. Once the glow subdued, the candles relit themselves. Merlin thought back on the fight in his chambers. Darven did not attempt to counteract his attacks with magic. Almost like… Almost like he could hold only one spell at a time. The recent discovery would be very much useful, only if Merlin wasn’t bound in cold iron shackles. “Which is the exact purpose of this ritual!” Darven said, cheerfully. He once again extinguished all the candles, sending the room into pitch-black darkness. He then began lighting them manually. He realized his mistake , Merlin thought gleefully. “I’ll just have to pluck out your heart and store your blood as proof that I’ve defeated you,” Darven explained once done. Alright, now escape plan. His body still hurt like hell, so running away wasn’t an option. His feet were left unbound, for some reason. Kicking was still an option, only if his bones weren’t too severely damaged. The one thing that bothered Merlin the most was that his magic was cut off. He was used to being magical. This was just wrong. “Water?” Merlin asked, his throat constricting painfully at the thought. Darven shrugged as if saying ‘you’re gonna die anyway, why not’ and poured him a glass, placing it in front of him. He resumed whatever he was doing. Merlin couldn’t see, he was turned away from Merlin. Much pain from protesting bones and muscles and a hundred positions later, Merlin was able to bring the cup to his lips without seriously damaging everything. His throat protested the sudden intake of fluids at first, the pain somehow doubling. But once that subsided, Merlin felt somewhat better. At least his throat was finally co-operating. “So, let me get this straight,” Merlin said, his voice still hoarse. “You want to kill me because you think you’d be a better King than me? And for that, you need my heart and blood?” “Yes.” “Here buddy, you’re wrong. First off, I’m no King,” Merlin said, aiming to annoy him with his chatter. It always worked on Arthur. “Second, you wanna be King? Sure go ahead, don’t let me stop you.” “It doesn’t work that way.” “Why? I don’t mind someone as self-centered as you being King,” Merlin’s chatter seemed to affect him a bit if the tensing of his shoulders was anything to go by. “Will you shut up? The creatures won’t accept me. They’ll need proof.” “You don’t need proof, I’m giving it up to you.” Darven turned back, startled. “Do you have any idea what you’re saying?” Uh, no. Merlin did not. “Yes, obviously.” His back hurt from lying on the hard ground for so long. Everything hurts. Shifting positions wasn’t an option, it’ll make the pain worse. Darven scoffed, turning away. “Yeah sure, you’ll totally give up your title without a fight.” “Titles mean nothing to me. I’m sure you’ve seen me disrespecting Arthur countless times.” Darven turned back once again, his gaze assessing. “You’re pathetic aren’t you? You really just don’t care.” “Yes, pathetic, that’s me,” Merlin said, aiming for a cheeky grin, but it probably came across as a grimace. “I still want to kill you,” Darven said. “You’ll die anyway, we’ll just go with the ritual.” “But then you won’t have the satisfaction of calling me a coward.” Darven was quiet for a second and then huffed out what seemed like a laugh. “You’re having me on, aren’t you? It won’t work on me, fool.” He went back to whatever he was doing. Merlin’s only plan backfired. Darven was smarter than he seemed. “Alright, what about Arthur?” Merlin continued talking, exploiting his only weapon. “What about him?” “What did you do to him?” “Nothing. I really couldn’t care less about him,” Darven said, shrugging. “I just had to keep him out of the way. Nothing but a sleeping spell, I promise.” Merlin narrowed his eyes on Darven’s back. He seriously underestimated Arthur’s abilities. Arthur would have regained consciousness by the time Darven used that spell on Merlin if his previous discovery was anything to go by. And then would be assessing the damage in Merlin’s room. He’d know something was wrong. Merlin just hoped that he knew where he was. Can Merlin still call the dragon? Was his Dragonlord heritage blocked out by the chains? Kilgharrah would be the last resort, Merlin decided. Just because magic was allowed doesn’t mean that people would accept the fact that a great gigantic lizard was flying around. Arthur and his Knights would just poke metal sticks at it in confusion, positive he’s already slain the dragon. Also, Merlin wasn’t sure how close he was to civilization. The people of Camelot wouldn’t survive another attack. Darven clapped his hands, pulling Merlin out of his thoughts. Darven got up, walking over to Merlin and crouching so that he was hovering over Merlin. “Ready?” he asked, and without waiting for an answer, hauled Merlin to his feet. Merlin cried out louder than ever, his feet were severely damaged. Merlin must have passed out from the pain, because the next thing he knew, he was lying on the altar, facing up. Darven was standing to his left, chanting something under his breath. Merlin suddenly felt something tingle at his core, a flicker of warmth. Merlin lost himself to the feeling, closing his eyes and basking in it for as long as it lasted. When he opened his eyes once more, Darven had his arms raised over his head, hands around the hilt of the knife. Merlin tried to shift from his position, before realizing that he was magically pinned down to the altar. “ O drakon ,” Merlin began, disappointed that his voice wasn’t his usual deep undertone. “ E male so ftengometta ,” Merlin continued chanting, but he knew it was fruitless. His Dragonlord powers were tied to his magic. Darven halted mid chant, eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “ ... tesd'hup ' “ Merlin continued, his voice barely above a whisper, eyes swelling with tears. He couldn’t get out of this. He’d never see Arthur again, would never be able to tell Arthur the truth. “ Anankes… ” Merlin finished, rather pathetically. And like clockwork, the door to the room burst open, the clanking of armor reaching his ears before his eyes could comprehend the sight before him. “Merlin,” yelled out a slightly startled Arthur. His armor was disheveled as if he put it on by himself. His hair was disarray, his face constricted in horror. Despite this, he still looked like the regal King he was. His armor shined, adding a sense of glamour to him. His eyes were hard and horrified, which later dissolved into pure fury. Merlin must look like hell, he realized. But he smiled anyway, this time a genuine one because Arthur was somehow here . Arthur moved his gaze from Merlin to Darven, noticing the knife perched high above. The growl he let out was purely feral and charged forward. Darven side-stepped Arthur’s sword, finally recovering from the shock. The room was small, and Arthur, in no time, had Darven against a wall. Darven, finally muttered another spell, sending Arthur flying to the opposite wall. Merlin cried out in outrage, craning his head to check on Arthur, ignoring his protesting muscles. He was fine, struggling against the invisible restraints. But Merlin was finally free. The shackles were still there, but he could move. Darven, after catching his breath, moved forward, crouching down to pick up Arthur’s sword. “Look, Arthur, I really have nothing against you,” Darven said, testing the weight of the sword. He’s clearly never held one before, awkwardly trying to find the best grip. He even tried to hold it like a dagger, accidentally pointing the sword towards him rather than Arthur. Merlin had to hold back his snort. Arthur, on the other hand, did not. He was still struggling against his magic, but his mouth betrayed a snort of amusement. Darven glared at Arthur, who sobered up quickly. The Knights should be here soon, and things would be fine. But something about Arthur’s expression said otherwise. To anyone else, he looked angry and furious. But Merlin could make out the lines of worry that faintly graced his features. “You cabbage head!” Merlin yelled in outrage, attracting the attention of the other two. Arthur must have realized that Merlin knew he came alone if the grimace was anything to go by. “You utter, idiotic, moron! ” “Sorry,” Arthur murmured, ducking his head down. Merlin didn’t know where he got his energy from, but he suddenly sat up, nearly crying from the pain. His breaths were deep and shallow, his legs yelling at him to give them a break. “Merlin stop! You’re hurting-” “No, you stop being so stupid!” Merlin kept yelling. Darven was looking at him like he'd lost his mind, but Merlin didn’t care. Merlin stopped trying to move, knowing that any more pain and he’d pass out. His eyes were already growing heavy from exhaustion and his throat was once again drying up. Dammit. He needed his magic. Darven stopped looking confused, his features turning amused instead. Merlin could feel tears pricking his eyes, threatening to fall over. The situation was so hopeless. There was nothing he could do with Arthur pinned against the wall and his limbs immobile. “Stop, Darven. Just. Stop,” Merlin said. “I’ll go willingly. Leave him.” “Shut up Merlin,” Arthur yelled, struggling once again against the restraints. Darven raised an eyebrow at him, contemplating. Something in Merlin’s expression must have screamed his desperation because Darven changed courses and stood in front of him. “How do I know he won’t kill me after I kill you?” Merlin was whacking his brain for some sort of witty answer but came up with none. Merlin felt his throat dry up once again, this time, the pain worsened. “Exactly,” Darven said and went back to Arthur. The grip on the sword was still awkward, but it was enough to seriously harm. Merlin could feel his eyes burning, this time with angry tears, along with his magic. It was muted, still struggling against its cage. His skin felt hot, his palms even more so. Arthur was staring straight at Merlin, his expression full of regret. Perhaps for having to end things this way. Merlin was now crying freely, his tears burning against his already hot cheeks. His hands were burning up, impossibly so. Merlin shifted his gaze to Darven, who was slowly angling Arthur’s sword backward. Merlin was sure he was shouting profanities, his throat hurt like hell. There was an annoying buzz in his ears, leaving him detached from the outside world. He was almost positive his hands were on fire. None of it mattered. Time slowed down, but Merlin had nothing to do with it. Merlin cursed his legs for being injured. Merlin cursed the shackles for restraining his magic. Merlin cursed himself for being so weak. Merlin cursed destiny for making him watch. Watch as Darven slowly brought the sword close to Arthur. Watch as Arthur only had eyes for him. The flesh on his wrists was prickling like they were being pierced from a thousand pins and needles. The pain was too much. Merlin felt his eyes swell up again, his head pounding. He was forced to break eye contact with Arthur. The iron was glowing. It was red-hot. The burn intensified when Merlin looked at it, the heat seeping from his clothes to his legs and probably scarring the skin there. Merlin didn’t mind, as long as he could break the chains. His wrists would probably suffer life-long damages, but he’ll deal with it later. Merlin didn’t really know that he was screaming until the buzzing in his ears faded away. The chains around his wrist practically exploded, and Merlin could feel his magic again. The relief was short-lived, as he realized that he was overflowing with excess restrained magic. One look at the other two tipped the balance over. The sword had already pierced the first layers of chainmail. Everything was still slowed down, but it wasn’t because of Merlin. He could think about it later. His magic was already working on healing his limbs, and it was too soon to move. He did it anyway. Merlin was on his feet, eyes glowing gold, his hands burning with real fire. He directed the excess magic into his hands, turning them into flames. It built up into a raging fireball, and Merlin sent it flying towards Darven. Draven, in the meantime, had released Arthur and built up a weak shield around himself. The fireball reacted with the shield, shattering it but exhausting the fireball. Merlin turned to look at Arthur, who was propped against the wall, looking at Merlin. Merlin forgot that Arthur didn’t know. In a moment of clarity, Merlin realized he was fucked anyway. Merlin used the few extra seconds to build a shield around Arthur, who was still staring at Merlin with an unreadable expression. Never, in the five years Merlin’s been with Arthur, had he ever seen that one. Merlin tore his gaze away, unable to look any longer. His legs had gained minimum function, enough for him to stand without getting distracted. Darven also utilized the time to build a shield around himself, looking terrified. Good. He should be . Merlin knew the best way to ensure his death was to let his magic take over. The fire in his hands turned into a dragon this time, a parody of Darven’s first magical show. It tested and attacked the boundaries of the shield, which was very strong. The thing about using only one spell at a time meant that the spell you used was the strongest ever. It didn’t matter. He’d break down the shield. He had too much magic, better put it to good use. The dragon attacked the shield, dispersing into a million sparks once it came in contact. Darven smirked, looking satisfied. Merlin summoned two others, sending them flying over. The two disappeared into sparks. “Sorry Emrys looks like it isn’t working,” Darven taunted from behind his shield. Merlin hardly cared. “ Ic þe bebiede þæt þu abifest nu ,” Merlin chanted and slammed his fist to the ground, sending the earth surrounding him into a violent shake. It wasn't gentle. It wasn't small. The roof of the hut broke into chunks, falling and littering the ground in debris. Merlin spared a glance at Arthur, who was still alive, the debris falling around the shield. The ground beneath Darven wasn’t protected by his shield, sending Darven into a violent shake, his shield flattering a bit. Merlin used the opportunity to weave a couple of fireballs, making them rain upon his shield, shattering it like glass. Merlin summoned another batch of flames but paused. If Arthur saw him killing first hand, would he ever look at Merlin the same way? Would Arthur fear him, if he killed Darven in cold blood? Would things ever be the same? He couldn’t do this in front of Arthur. He’d realize how much of a monster he was. Darven lay on the ground, defeated. His shield shattered, he was only just another sorcerer. Merlin fell to his knees, exhausted. He’d done it, Arthur probably hated him by now. Merlin only hoped that he didn’t fear him. Merlin kept his eyes on the rise and fall of Darven’s chest. He couldn’t bear to look at Arthur. Something was draining all his energy away. He felt weak and vulnerable. Merlin finally got down from his high. The exhaustion returned tenfold. Merlin vaguely heard a voice calling for him before embracing the darkness. I should probably stop passing out so much, I might turn into Arthur. Someone to Merlin’s left dissolved into a fit of giggles. Merlin’s pretty sure he didn’t speak out loud. Merlin slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurred from exhaustion. Merlin could make out a blob of red hair to his left and relaxed. It was only Affodill. Merlin woke up a second time, alone. Deciding that he had no reason to be awake, he let his body relax once more. The third time, he didn’t wake up on his own. It was to something watery forcing its way down his throat. Merlin choked and coughed, finally opening his eyes. It was only Gaius. Merlin welcomed the flow of water into his parched throat, falling asleep soon after, ignoring Gaius. The fourth time, Merlin swore it would be the last one. Merlin forced himself to sit up, stretching his sleep sore muscles. No bones were cracked. Merlin was alone again this time. There was a jar of water next to his bed, and Merlin chugged it down shamelessly. Merlin sat on his bed, unsure of what to do next. He’s had plenty of sleep, of that he’s sure. Anymore he’d probably be forcing his way into a coma. Merlin settled on gently massaging his painfully sore legs. He’s been sore for so long that he’s forgotten what it feels to be normal. His fingers were sore too, which made it harder. Merlin gave up after a few seconds. Bored, he tested out his magic by summoning a flower. Turns out that he summoned a rose, and smiled at the bittersweet memory of Freya. He placed it on the table next to his bed. His stomach growled next. Merlin somehow managed to get on his feet, though every step ached. He made it to the door and pushed it open, startling a poor Gaius to drop his vial. Merlin tried to stop it mid-air but failed. His reflexes needed to be sharpened, dammit. “Merlin,” Gaius exclaimed, giving him one of his rare genuine smiles. He dropped it a second later, his face hardening. “What are you doing out of bed? Go back.” Merlin scratched the back of his head, feeling wrong-footed. Why was he still alive again? Wasn’t he supposed to be executed or exiled or something? “I’m hungry?” Gaius told him to head back to bed, only then he’d get his food. Merlin compiled. Gaius brought him a bowl full of his favorite soup, for which Merlin was glad. He practically inhaled it down, much to Gaius’s dismay. “So, how long was I out?” Merlin asked, setting aside his bowl of soup. “A week, more or less,” Gaius replied. Merlin spluttered. A week? “Now, calm down. How do you feel?” Gaius asked. “Fine, very sore though.” “Merlin,” Gaius started, looking unsure. Ah. So he was going to be executed. “How much do you remember?” Not yet then. “All of it,” Merlin replied, glancing down at his wrist. The skin was charred, the layer of red standing stark against his pale skin. “At least until I passed out.” Gaius nodded. “That’ll probably scar for life, I’m afraid. I would ask you how you burnt cold iron without magic, but knowing you, you probably don’t know,” Gaius sighed, shaking his head. Merlin gave him his best apologetic smile, scratching the back of his head. “How’s your magic?” Gaius asked. “Fine. I could summon that flower,” Merlin said, pointing at the rose on his bedside table. Gaius looked satisfied with that answer. “If you’re worried, Arthur will be here soon,” Gaius said, and Merlin tensed up at those words. “And no, he’s not going to execute you.” “Banishment, then?” Merlin asked, uncertain. “I hardly doubt he’d be fussing over you so much if he was about to exile you,” Gaius said, rolling his eyes. Merlin looked at him in confusion. “What?” “You’ll see,” Gaius said, looking at him weirdly. Once again, like clockwork, there was a loud noise outside of his chambers, sounding like a door banging against the wall. “Merlin!” a voice said, yelling through the wood. Merlin flinched, feeling confused. The door to his chambers was yanked open, and Gaius evacuated his spot from the chair in a hurry. Merlin’s eyes met Arthur’s, who wore his armor and looked like he was training just moments before. Arthur rushed forward, plopping himself on Gaius’s former chair. His eyes were assessing Merlin, lingering on his wrist. Merlin heard the door to his chambers close, leaving Merlin alone with Arthur. He wasn’t exactly sure if that was a good thing. Merlin didn’t know what to say, and by the looks of it, so did Arthur. “Your armor’s crooked,” Merlin blurted out for no reason, clamping his mouth shut. Arthur huffed out something close to a laugh, and Merlin relaxed. And then Mr. ‘I’m-so-manly-I-do-not-do-affections’ yanked Merlin into possibly the worst hug Merlin’s ever had to experience. The breastplate clacked painfully against his chin, Arthur smelled like his after training glory, and Merlin probably smelled worse. But that didn’t matter, because Arthur was hugging him with strong, sure arms. It wasn’t just a little arm around his shoulder or a pat on his back, it was a full hug. And Merlin would enjoy every second of it. Merlin snaked his arms around Arthur, holding him just as close. He’s never felt anything better than this. Scratch that, this was the best hug Merlin’s ever got in his life. They stayed like that for a few seconds, before slowly pulling away. And now it was awkward. Arthur cleared his throat and looked away, Merlin doing the same. Merlin was too busy checking out his nails to notice that Arthur was full-on glaring at the rose at Merlin’s table. “So,” Arthur said, his voice dangerously sharp. Merlin looked up to see that Arthur was wearing a close off expression, but couldn’t fathom why. “Someone’s got you flowers.” “There’s only one flower,” Merlin deadpanned. Arthur’s expression hardened further. Wrong thing to say. “Let me guess, Gwaine? Affodill?” “What, no-” “Lancelot, wasn’t it? No, he’s in love with Gwen,” Arthur went on. “Wait, you know?” Merlin asked. “What? Of course, I do,” Arthur said, giving Merlin his signature ‘you’re an idiot’ look. How was Merlin supposed to know that Arthur knew, that Merlin knew, that Lancelot loved Gwen? Why isn’t he angry? “It has to be Gwaine or Affodill.” “What-” Merlin was missing something here. Something he should know, but doesn’t. “What are we doing?” “I’m trying to figure out who you’re in love with. Try to keep up, Merlin. Is it Affodill or Gwaine?” Arthur said, narrowing his eyes into a glare. “Don’t tell me it’s both.” “What no,” Merlin yelled in outrage. He had to keep his mouth shut from blurting out ‘it’s you! it’s you!' but could barely understand why they were having this conversation. “Why are we doing this? Aren’t you supposed to be banishing me or something by now?” Merlin asked, letting his hands cradle his head. He didn’t want to look at Arthur while having this conversation. “Merlin, you. are. an. idiot.” Arthur said, emphasizing every word with a poke to his head. When Merlin finally looked up, it was to Arthur once again giving Merlin his signature ‘you-are-an- idiot’ look. But Merlin could see the hurt in his eyes, making Merlin feel guilty. “Oh yes, I’ll just abandon training and hug the person I’m about to banish,” Arthur continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm. And for the first time, Merlin really did feel like an idiot. Merlin could feel a stupid little grin forming around the corners of his mouth, and no force on Earth could stop it. “Oh,” was all Merlin could say, still grinning like an idiot. “Yes, oh,” Arthur mocked, but he too was smiling like an idiot. Well, that’s because they were both idiots. Merlin didn’t think, just pulled Arthur into another hug. It was even better than the last one. “You’re going to be insufferable about the hugging thing, aren’t you?” Arthur asked, but returned the hug anyway. Merlin could practically hear the eye roll. “Yes,” Merlin answered, still grinning like an idiot. They stayed like that for another minute, basking in the warmth of the other. Arthur’s hand was playing with Merlin’s hair, and Merlin loved it. Eventually, the angle got awkward, with Merlin on the bed and Arthur on the chair, and so they pulled away. Arthur opened his mouth but closed it as his eyes caught the rose. “Oh, sod it,” Arthur muttered, before yanking Merlin forward, again, but this time for a kiss. It took a few seconds for Merlin to catch up. Arthur’s lips were on his, soft and chapped. Arthur’s lips were on his. Arthur was kissing Merlin. Merlin gasped, things finally starting to make sense. He then remembered that he was supposed to be kissing back. And so Merlin closed his eyes, tilting his head to get a better angle, and kissed back. If Merlin thought that hugging Arthur was the best feeling in the world, he was wrong. This was the best feeling in the world. Eventually, Arthur pulled away, and Merlin tried to follow his lips to get them back on his, now . Arthur chuckled, peppered two or three kisses, and pulled away again. Merlin was well aware that he was probably smiling like an idiot, but Arthur was too, so it was okay. “Alright, now get some rest,” Arthur said but making no move to move. “I’ll visit again in the evening.” “Fine.” Arthur rolled his eyes, one hand still playing with Merlin’s hair. Merlin leaned into the touch, enjoying the feeling of Arthur’s sword-calloused hands massaging his scalp. “Don’t look at me like that,” Arthur complained. “Like what?” Merlin asked. “Like a kicked puppy.” “Then don’t leave,” Merlin grumbled. Arthur chuckled, his hands stroking Merlin’s hair one last time. “Don’t want to. But you still need rest, and that’s an order. We’ll talk later.” Arthur stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. He placed a small kiss on Merlin’s forehead before leaving. Merlin fell back against the bed, feeling giddy. Under his skin, he could feel his magic respond with equal satisfaction. Oh. They still needed to talk about that. Arthur didn’t seem too mad, and Merlin’s grateful for that. Merlin couldn’t wait to show Arthur his magic. Maybe they could go on little picnics where Merlin- Wait. Oh. Going on picnics would mean that they would be courting. Kissing meant they were courting. But Arthur was already courting Gwen. It felt like a million coal bricks were pressing against Merlin’s skin. His chest felt heavy. Merlin groaned and pulled the covers over his head, the sense of guilt growing with every second. He couldn’t do this. Not to Gwen. Things quickly went south after that. Merlin felt awful. He couldn’t sleep, he didn’t eat, he didn’t drink. He barely even wanted to continue breathing. Merlin doesn’t know if he could give up Arthur now, after sharing wonderful kisses and hugs. He couldn’t hurt his best friend either. He fucking kissed his best friend’s partner. He fell in love with him . Gwen was going to be Queen for mercy’s sake. She was Arthur’s true love’s kiss. She was the Once and Future Queen. She was the one supposed to be on Arthur’s side. Merlin was only supposed to be Arthur’s protector. Not his lover. He couldn’t be. He was supposed to be there, in the shadows, being his guardian. He didn’t mind doing that. Hot tears pricked his eyes, but he wasn’t going to cry. Merlin and Arthur shared a destiny, a complicated, hard, cruel destiny, but they weren’t supposed to be. Merlin absolutely knew that he was setting himself up for heartbreak when he fell in love. This was worse. He got a taste of the future that could never be. Now he had to let go. Merlin couldn’t bring himself to talk to anyone for the rest of the day. He feigned sleep whenever he heard someone at the door. He wouldn’t stir when Gaius came into the room to feed him. He just lay there, trying to be perfectly still. And then finally, Arthur entered. Merlin didn’t stir. He heard something fizz behind him but ignored it. Merlin’s back was to Arthur, but he could hear the scrape of a chair and the loud sigh Arthur gave out. “Wake up clotpole, we need to talk,” Arthur said, lightly tapping Merlin’s shoulder. “That’s my word,” Merlin couldn’t help but fall back into old habits. Their banter was the only thing he could rely on for lightning his mood. Arthur laughed, pulling on Merlin’s shoulder until Merlin was laying on his back. “And it suits you perfectly,” Arthur smiled, looking terribly fond. “Arthur,” Merlin began, unsure of how to say it. “We’ll start with the magic,” Arthur prompted, and Merlin was glad. Magic was something he could talk about without crying. He’ll just leave out all the bad things, for now. He’ll confess everything, but just not now. “I’ve had it ever since I was a child,” Merlin explained. “Wow,” Arthur said in disbelief. “I knew you had magic, just not since birth.” “ You what- ” “Come on Mer lin, you aren’t just as stealthy as you think,” said Arthur, giving Merlin one of his teasing smiles. “Why didn’t you tell me you knew?” Merlin realized he was still laying on the bed, and got up, facing Arthur. That’s when he noticed a bunch of yellow weeds on his desk. Daisies his mind supplied, the voice sounding suspiciously like Gaius. Arthur caught Merlin looking at the daisies, and looked away. “I picked them, like you know, a ‘get better soon’ gift,” Arthur explained. Merlin couldn’t help smile a little at that. “I didn’t tell you because at first, I caught you while you were doing chores,” Dammit. Merlin could feel Gaius’s eyebrow-of-doom. “It was shocking, to say the least.” “You give me too many chores,” Merlin mumbled, the tips of his ears heating up. “And then I eventually came around. I told myself I’d wait until you tell me,” Arthur continued. “But then with Darven… It was… I didn’t know you had that much magic.” His tone was a bit unsure, Merlin didn’t like it one bit. Merlin snapped his head up. “Arthur I’d never hurt you, my magic is for you, to protect you,” Merlin justified, eyes wide. How could Arthur ever think that Merlin would intentionally hurt him? “I figured, with the shield and all,” Arthur said. “One of these days you’re going to tell me everything you did,” he said, his voice firm. Merlin nodded. “I will,” he promised. “I also need you to promise you’ll never again try to do everything by yourself. Let me help,” Arthur said, and Merlin could hear the underlying desperation. Merlin hesitated for a second. Doing things alone meant that no one else would get hurt. If Arthur were to enlist his help, there’s a high chance of him getting hurt. “Merlin, promise me.” “Alright, I’ll try,” Merlin replied at last. “But if I feel like you’d be in danger I won’t,” Merlin could tell that it wasn’t the answer Arthur was expecting, his expression inching towards annoyingness. “I can take care of myself,” Arthur defended. “I know. But there are things that you can’t defend yourself against,” there wasn’t anyone other than Merlin who knew exactly how many times Arthur’s life was actually in danger. “That’s where I come in, to protect you.” They fell into an uneasy silence after that. Merlin wanted to tell Arthur everything, starting from their shared destiny to his undying love for him. He also wanted to explain how it was for the best if they remained friends, Merlin in Arthur’s shadow, protecting him, always. Arthur was slightly frowning, his teeth worrying his lips. He looked like he wanted to ask a lot of questions, but didn’t know how to. Merlin tried his hardest not to look at Arthur’s lips. “What is it?” Merlin asked finally. “Nothing, it’s just… you didn’t like Darven from the start,” Arthur was looking at Merlin as if searching for negative reactions to that name. He wouldn’t find any. “How did you know?” “Well I guess the fact that he tried to kill you during the tournaments was an obvious teller,” Merlin started. “But my, you know,” Merlin waved his hand around, indicating magic, “always reacted badly whenever he was around.” “When did he try to kill me?” Arthur asked confusion written clear in his face. Merlin could feel Arthur review the day of the tournament, going over Darven’s performance. “The lion didn’t disperse by itself,” Merlin prompted. Arthur was still staring at Merlin with pinched eyebrows and pouty lips, looking terribly cute. ‘Stop thinking’ Merlin reminded himself. “Even if it was meant to kill, it wasn’t aimed at me. It was off-centered,” Arthur said, leaning back. His eyes were wide, his eyebrows still furrowed. And then suddenly, “You idiot, it was aimed at you.” Merlin ran through the memory again, but he was sure that the lion was headed towards Arthur. “No, I’m sure it was aimed at you.” “It was after you. Darven was at you from the start. You really are an idiot, aren’t you?” Arthur glared at Merlin, but there wasn’t any heat to it. “That doesn’t make sense. My magic kept telling me to go to you,” Merlin replied. He was sure that Darven had ill intentions towards Arthur. “What happened to him anyway?” “I might have killed him,” Arthur replied. Merlin searched for any signs of regret but didn’t find any. “And your magic tells you things?” Arthur asked, lips twitching. “No, I mean, I get a weird feeling,” Merlin replied. “Oh, so that’s where you ‘weird feelings’ come from.” Merlin nodded dumbly. They were silent for a few seconds. Arthur soon relaxed, only to start fidgeting. His fingers were digging into his palms and picking under his nails. “Arthur?” Arthur didn’t look up right away. When he did, his gaze wasn’t on Merlin’s eyes, but lower. Merlin didn’t speak or move. Arthur’s gaze flickered to his eyes, staring with intent this time. “ Merlin .” Merlin hated (loved) the way he said his name. His voice was low and husky, and it did things to Merlin. Things he was desperately trying to avoid. Arthur leaned forward, hands reaching out to Merlin. Merlin almost, almost surged forward. Arthur reached out to Merlin’s face, his hand resting on his jaw. Merlin carefully grabbed his wrist, lowering it down. Merlin looked down at his hand, which was encircling Arthur’s wrist. “A-Arthur,” Merlin hated the way his voice cracked. He didn’t want to appear uncertain. He was sure this was for the best. “We can’t,” Merlin felt his chest constrict at that, trying to stop his eyes from watering. “What?” Arthur’s voice was pitched high, his tone outraged. Merlin let go of Arthur’s wrist, turning Arthur’s palm up. He traced the lines of Arthur’s palm, desperately trying to not look at Arthur. “Merlin, what are you saying?” “I’m saying we can’t do this,” If Merlin had to choose between living through a serket sting and this conversation, he’d still pick having this conversation because a sting of a serket hurt like hell. But it was a close one. Very close. Having this particular conversation made it hard to breathe and made his heartache very much. “Why? We were fine this afternoon, right? Did someone say anything? Or did I do something wrong” Arthur turned his hand over, grasping Merlin’s in an almost painful grip. Merlin hated how Arthur sounded. He still couldn’t bring himself to look up. “No, it’s none of that,” God, Merlin couldn’t do this. “Then what?” Don’t cry don’t cry don’t cry . “Destiny,” Shit, Merlin was about to cry. “You’re the King,” Merlin didn’t want to keep talking. “G-Gwen,” he choked out. “Would you like me to keep going?” “What destiny? And Gwen, I’ll talk to her. We haven’t been the same for a long time,” Lies. Merlin knew they were lies. “We share a destiny. You’re meant to be the greatest King of Albion, The Once and Future King, the one who unites everyone and leads us into a Golden Age of peace and prosperity,” despite the situation, Merlin couldn’t help but sound star-struck. “I’m meant to be protecting you, making sure that you’re kept alive to achieve that,” normally, Merlin would have spoken these words with pride, but couldn’t help but feel like it was a curse. “Doesn’t mean that we can’t fall in love,” Arthur whispered, and Merlin had to look up. He didn’t like what he found. He’s rarely seen Arthur cry, once when Uther died and when Morgana betrayed them. It’s funny to think that Merlin was the cause of them both. He wasn’t ugly crying. He wasn’t technically crying. But there were tears in his eyes, and Merlin could tell that he was also trying hard not to cry. And that made Merlin cry. “You don’t get it,” Merlin sniffed. “It doesn’t just end there. You’ll need an heir too. And Gwen is supposed to be your Queen.” “It doesn’t matter. Why should we let it matter?” “You can’t change what’s set, Arthur,” Merlin said, his voice bitter. “There was this time I wished to leave,” Merlin didn’t want to tell Arthur all of this. Arthur looked shocked, and Merlin hated that. “With a girl who I loved. We didn’t make it out of Camelot before she was killed.” “Oh.” “I can’t leave you, ever,” Merlin said. “I won’t leave you anyways, not now. That was a long time ago when I didn’t know that I-” “Didn’t know that you what, Merlin?” Arthur stared at Merlin, and Merlin tried hard not to squirm under it. “Didn’t know that I love you,” Merlin whispered. “See? We can make it work!” Arthur was determined now, and Merlin wanted to slap some sense into him. “That’s not the point I’m trying to make!” Merlin nearly yelled. “I’m trying to tell you that you can’t escape destiny. Some things just aren’t meant to be!” “Then what am I supposed to do? Just accept it and move on like it never happened?” Arthur too was yelling now. “Yes!” Merlin loses his grip on Arthur’s hand, but Arthur wouldn’t let go. “I can’t! I bloody well love-” “Don’t.” Merlin cut in. He wouldn’t hear it. “Don’t,” he repeated, softer this time. “Why not? Why won’t you let me say it?” This felt familiar. “Because it’s all talk. And that’s all it can ever be. And this time, it’s for certain,” Merlin repeated. Ah, that’s where. All of this awfully felt like the time Merlin heard Arthur confess his love for Gwen. Arthur didn’t seem to recognize any of it. But Merlin remembered because it hurt to listen. Listen and encourage Arthur to go after her, his love. But he’s never shown it. “You,” Arthur gritted out. “Don’t know anything. How much it hurt to see you on that table, or, or when you collapsed. Or when I couldn’t find a heartbeat.” “You think I don’t know what it feels like? When you’d charge without thinking and injure yourself? Or when you're practically dead after all those assassination attempts?” Merlin wanted to yell some more, but he didn’t want to relive those things either. He wanted so badly to curl up in Arthur’s arms and maybe fall asleep and forget everything that holds them back. “It isn’t only that! You act like everything’s fine after being abducted, attacked, almost sacrificed, and dying and act like it was nothing!” Arthur’s grip on Merlin’s hand was almost painful now, but Merlin won’t pull away. It was better than holding nothing. “It makes me worry how many times you’ve been through all this, how many times you’ve almost died, and I did nothing.” Arthur was crying now, and Merlin’s heart clenched at the sight. It was probably against Merlin’s better judgment when he did this, but he couldn’t keep looking at Arthur anymore. And so he once again pulled him into a hug, holding on tight. Merlin couldn’t stop the onslaught of tears that slipped on Arthur’s shoulders and judging by the tight grip and the wetness on his shoulder, Arthur couldn’t either. For a long time, all that filled the room were the sounds of their sobs. Merlin loosened his grip on Arthur’s shoulders, pulling away. But Arthur didn’t let go. “We’ll figure it out Merlin, we’ll figure it out,” Arthur whispered against his shoulder. “You’re too precious to let go.” Merlin didn’t answer, only let himself relax slightly in Arthur’s arms. Perhaps it was the exhaustion from all that yelling and crying, or it was the feeling of safety Arthur’s arms provided, but Merlin allowed himself to shift their bodies into the narrow bed. As he lay cuddled up against Arthur, feeling safer than ever, he knew things were far from alright. He knew they had to face the Kingdom, their friends, the Knights, and Gwen the next day. He knew things might never work out. Destiny was a stubborn thing, but he didn’t want to pass up this opportunity. So for now, as he felt Arthur’s heartbeat slow down under his hand, he told himself that he was willing to make the effort. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), minor Gwen/Arthur
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Original Characters
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows, but not completely, Jealous Merlin (Merlin), Magical Tournaments, Protective Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Smitten Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Merlin (Merlin), Requited Unrequited Love, Angst, A bit of torture, Hurt/Comfort, Original Female Character(s) - Freeform, no beta we die like men, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Blink and you'll miss Gwaine, Idiots in Love, slightly possessive Behavior, someone give Merlin a hug, i'm looking at u arthur Series: Part 1 of Long Live the King
Published: 2020-11-11
Words: 19325

Touched by Magic (1/1)

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Merlin loses his magic. Enter Emrys. Notes This is a repost of the fic written for ella_bane in December of last year. Title: Touched by Magic (1/1) Author: dk323 Rating: PG-13 Word Count: 4,831 Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot (implied) Disclaimer: The show Merlin is property of the BBC. Summary: Merlin loses his magic. Enter Emrys. Beta: a8c_sock (Thank you!)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lancelot (implied)
Character: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon
Published: 2011-11-10
Words: 5002

It's the Ears

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Arthur scrambled back in surprise as a figure sat up, shaking broken moss and bark out of its hair and sputtering nonsense. It was a human. Or Arthur thought it was a human. It had black hair, pale skin, and big ears. His eyes opened. They were made of a brilliant gold that looked as though it had survived a hundred centuries and could survive thousands more. Wisdom, unspeakable. Power, unbreakable. He was fae. “Why are you dollopheads all staring at me? Is there something wrong with my ears?” OR Merlin claims they've met before, but Arthur doesn't remember the pesky fae at all. He also can't figure out why he isn't dead yet or how to get the idiot to quit following him around. Notes Also on ff.net. Hoping to get all of this up soon! Is There Something Wrong With My Ears? As Merlin coughed and sputtered, powder puffed out of his nostrils in an annoying dust cloud that did not aid his fit. “Blast it!” With a hand, he waved at the dust cloud. It hardened into pebbles and dropped to the ground, pelting at his boots. The dust in his nose, however, was still making his eyes water, so he pulled a hanky out of his pocket and blew into it loudly. He glared down at the offending mushroom that poked out between the roots of an aged and withering oak tree. Although it might have looked innocent, he knew what it was: a magical pest that was slowly draining the life of the trees in the forest. With the heel of his boot, he kicked the top, but all the action served to do was kick more of the dust into the air as the mushroom rebounded back and forth again. Gagging, Merlin used his neckerchief to cover his nose. “Blast it!” he choked out again before muttering several curse words under his tongue in the fae language. The mushrooms exploded into the greatest cloud of them all. Sometimes, Merlin had so much power he forgot he could use it until it was too late. Hacking his lungs out, Merlin stumbled forward. If he could find the creek, he could rinse some of the powder of his eyes and be able to see and breathe the tiniest bit better. Since he was holding the neckerchief over his nose and rubbing his powder-crusted eyes with his fist, Merlin failed to notice the tree root sticking out of the ground, and down he went. For being the most powerful fae of them all, Merlin bemoaned to himself as he picked himself off the ground and tramped in a beeline towards the stream, he sure looked like an idiot at the moment. As if they could sense his vexation with the fungus, the trees moved their branches out of the way, bowing slightly as he walked past. “I’ve told you,” he muttered as he worked at the knot securing his neckerchief to his neck. “You don't have to do that.” The trees ignored him. They always did whenever he tried to talk reason to him. Even though he was fae and his deepest desires came true with a gold wisp of magic, they refused to bend on that one point. Which made Merlin wonder how he could be the most powerful fae to walk the earth and still not be able to convince a few hundred (or thousand) trees to call him by his first name instead of their dratted nickname for him. Emrys. “Oh, don’t start that again,” he said crossly as he knelt by the stream. “Next thing, you’ll have the juniper bushes doing it, too.” “ Help, somebody help!” At the call, Merlin’s ears perked, and his magic prickled as something unknown flared up. It wasn’t often that a human being came that deep into the woods. Merlin didn’t like strangers. They trampled on his plants, but most of the time, he ignored them. They were obnoxiously loud, scaring all of the animals half to death when they weren’t killing them or otherwise maiming them. They didn’t usually call for him because they usually tried to kill him first. “Help, I’m begging you!” Merlin sighed and dipped his neckerchief into the stream. He supposed the quickest way to get the humans out of his woods was to get rid of their reason for coming there in the first place. If his senses were anything to go by, the human and the smaller one would come crashing into the small clearing about the stream in approximately a minute. He supposed it could be a trap, but his magic told him that it was not. Something about the young one. Straightening up, he wrang out the piece of fabric. “Help!” And there. A flash of silver, red, and gold. It was a knight. Merlin’s lip curled in disgust. He did not like knights. Ever since that Uther fellow became king of Camelot, they did nothing but trouble for the forest. Each week, Merlin healed about a dozen trees because of the escapades of his men or his subjects. It was an older man, clad in chainmail. No horse. A sword at his waist. But carried in his arms was a young boy, wearing a smaller version of the same armor. Blonde hair. Merlin knew who he was instantly even without being introduced or seeing his likeness before. Prince Arthur. The Once and Future King, but a mere boy. To see the damage, Merlin extended his senses. A massive stab wound. In surprise, Merlin recoiled until the water of the stream lapped at the sole of his boots. “Please, you have to help me!” the knight begged, kneeling in front of Merlin and laying Prince Arthur on the grass. “I know you’re one of them. You can do it.” Now that Arthur was lying right in front of him, Merlin could see the malady with his own eyes. Blood was dripping from a wound in his shoulder, close to his neck, and Merlin guessed that he’d been stabbed. He could smell it, and his stomach rolled at the nauseating stench. The child had approximately one minute left to live, he estimated by the way he was losing blood and the life force was slowly draining out of him. “Please, do something! I’ll give you anything! I’ll pay any price,” the knight begged Merlin again, desperation clawing its way through his voice. He lowered his eyes to the ground in front of him. He must have assumed Merlin’s hesitation was due to a hatred for the human race. For a moment, Merlin studied his face. It was wrinkled like shriveled up moss and tanned. Interesting. Merlin did not have the privilege of seeing age up close. Emrys, the trees reminded him. You must save him. He is part of your destiny. “I know.” Merlin didn’t care if the knight thought Merlin was speaking to him or not. Carefully, he placed his neckerchief on a rock. “Please step back.” After a brief hesitation, the knight obeyed Merlin. Merlin replaced him at Prince Arthur’s side. Whenever he placed his hands on the young boy's chest, a shock flared through his fingers. Yes, there was something peculiar...something. Yes, there was no doubt about it. This was the Once and Future King. His magic was never wrong. Merlin began to chant a few words in the language of magic, and underneath him, his fingertips warmed. It is all right, the trees around the tiny clearing told him. You will wake. Humming under his breath as he let the words die out, Merlin did not respond. Power was draining out of him into Arthur, and the air was swirling with gold, the same shade of his eyes. Arthur’s body ached underneath his fingertips. Above the thrumming of magic buzzing in his (rather large) ears, Merlin heard the older knight shouting, so he briefly threw up a shield to keep the man from interfering when he was almost done. Just a little bit more. As the spell completed, Merlin shoved himself away from Arthur, whose body slammed into the ground, and the boy gasped, his eyes flying open. “Prince Arthur!” As the shield dropped and the knight ran forward, Merlin rolled to the side and shakily stood to his feet, swaying. “Thank you! I know King Uther persecutes-” “Sir Frederick?” Arthur asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion. “What happened?” Sir Frederick devoted his attention to the prince. “Bandits, Your Majesty.” “Please go,” Merlin requested in a thin voice. The world was spinning. Light was fading from the sky. “Please leave my forest.” “Thank you,” Sir Frederick repeated again, dipping his head before scooping Prince Arthur into his arms. “I don’t know how I can repay you.” Merlin watched them go before stumbling into the trees. You will wake again. At the base of one of his favorite elms, Merlin sat. To him, it appeared to be twilight even though it was high noon. But it was all right. He knew that any normal fae would die from doing what he had just done. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life. But he was Emrys, immortal, magic in fae kind. And when he knew the prophecies of the Once and Future King, eternal sleep was much better than eternal death. The trees were right. He would wake one day. Sleep overcame him. … Arthur enjoyed hunting. There was something about the nearby forest that seemed to call him, whether it be the green atmosphere that was a welcome change from the drab walls of the castle to the thrill of the chase. But it was never satisfying. No matter how good the hunt or sunny the day, Arthur always felt like he was missing something. “And then,” Gwaine said from behind him as their horses plodded along, “she slapped me on the cheek. I had a ruddy handprint on my cheek for three days!” As he listened to the story, the corner of Arthur’s mouth twitched. “I’m sure you deserved it,” Percival told him. Absentmindedly, Arthur scratched at an itch at the back of his skull with the hand that wasn’t holding onto the reins. The itch did not go away. Instead, a low buzzing in the back of his mind joined it like a bee. He frowned. Gwaine broke off his story. “Oy, what’s got your knickers in a twist, princess?” “Nothing.” He shook his head. “Let’s give the horses some water.” Even though they were at least one hundred feet from the stream, he dismounted from his horse, and his knights copied him. With each step he took, the aggravating sensation in the back of his head grew. It was almost as though the trees were trying to tell him something. But that was impossible. As he crossed the base of a particularly elegant and old elm, the buzzing amplified until it was almost unbearable. “Are you all right, sire?” Percival asked him as he clutched his head, the other knights echoing the same concern. Arthur stared at the tree’s roots. Along with the moss and vines, they took on a web shape as though they were almost hiding something. It was unnatural, almost as though the arrangement had been formed by magic. Arthur had been brought up to fear magic. It was dangerous for him to explore whatever this disturbance was. “Hand me a knife.” After he felt the hilt pressed into his hand, he approached the roots. Something told him something was hiding under them. With all of his muscle, he drove the knife into the bark and began to gradually strip away layers that had built up over the years. It took a bit of muscle, but Arthur had a bit of muscle. Behind him, his knights muttered among themselves, and Gwaine asked him if he had a fever, but Arthur ignored them. With one hefty hack of the knife, a substantial section of the latticework caved in. “What in the name of-” Sir Leon started behind him. Arthur scrambled back in surprise as a figure sat up, shaking broken moss and bark out of its hair and sputtering nonsense. It was a human. Or Arthur thought it was a human. It had black hair, pale skin, and big ears. His eyes opened. They were made of a brilliant gold that looked as though it had survived a hundred centuries and could survive thousands more. Wisdom, unspeakable. Power, unbreakable. He was fae. “Why are you dollopheads all staring at me? Is there something wrong with my ears?” It's the ears, isn't it?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M, Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Emrys, Balinor (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Unicorn (Merlin), Dorocha (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin)
Additional Tags: fey!merlin, Magic Revealed, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Immortality, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Light Angst, Hurt/Comfort, no beta we die like men, Humor, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur, Parent Gaius (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Hilarity Ensues, Fey Court, Druid Merlin (Merlin), In a way
Published: 2020-11-06 Completed: 2021-03-17
Words: 81883
Chapters: 21/21

Don't Leave Me

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Merlin suddenly falls ill. Arthur takes this as his final opportunity to convey his feelings while taking care of his manservant. Notes English is not my native language, please feel free to comment on my grammar and use of English. It would help me a lot. See the end of the work for more notes Merlin had been feeling off the whole morning. His magic was a little hard to control, scratch that, a little hard to use. He was starting to get worried. Arthur was training with the knights, so Merlin had to accompany him. He couldn’t get to Gaius until after they had lunch… Magic wasn’t something that just went off, there might have been dark magic involved. The sun wasn’t helping his case, sweating like a pig even though it was a chilly day. He disregarded it. That wasn’t important. “Are you okay?” Gwaine asked him when they had a break. “Totally! Why wouldn’t I be?” he tried to look at Gwaine directly in the eyes but he batted his eyelashes too much. “Merlin you always manage to sound suspicious, but I’ll take your word” They finished up and Arthur yelled to Merlin “get my things and let’s go”. As always Merlin did what Arthur wanted him to do, protesting under his breath. Everyone left to their chores and duties. The day was going by as any other. Leon and Arthur had to talk with an informant about a possible invasion in the north of Camelot, however it wasn’t nothing beyond ordinary. Arthur only sensed something was wrong when Merlin took longer than usual. There were no sarcastic comments being whispered behind him, about him or to him by that lazy servant of his, it felt strange. “Go ahead” he told Leon as he rushed back to the training field. Under the bright sun, Merlin looked as pale as a ghost. He was staggering carrying everything Arthur had taken there, his armor, sword, shield, maze. “Is he staggering because of the weight?” Arthur wondered. He always though Merlin was weaker than him in strength. He fastened his pace. “Should we help the king’s manservant?” whispered one of the passing guards. “He always carries everything at once, don’t sweat it” replied his partner. Arthur concluded that Merlin was indeed physically strong. But something wasn’t right. He was a few steps away from Merlin when he collapsed. He ran to him and started asking for help. “I AM THE KING OF CAMELOT; I NEED GAIUS IN MY CHAMBERS NOW!” he yelled as he piggybacked a burning Merlin. Merlin was grunting and furrowing his eyebrows in pain. His whole body was catching fire. Arthur ran his way into his chambers and kicked the door open. Everyone in the castle, the knights, Morgana, Gwen, even the kitchen staff were worried or feeling strangely uneasy. Arthur grabbed the nearest piece of clean cloth he could find and wiped Merlin’s sweat from his forehead. With the tips of his fingers he moved the locks of hair that were sticking to his pale skin. “Everything will be alright, just… hang in there” Gwen tapped Arthur’s shoulder, tending to switch places so she could take her of Merlin. “Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it, this doesn’t make sense… He was perfectly fine yesterday” he said as he carefully followed each of Gwen’s instructions. Gwen left to bring Gaius faster, because Arthur was starting to lose it. Merlin stopped grunting and breathing heavily and now was silent. “Don’t leave me like this… I haven’t…” Arthur grabbed Merlin’s hand and squeezed it. His nervous heart crushed like a porcelain plate when the touch was lifeless. “I haven’t told you I love you yet” his voice cracked and tears rolled down his face. But he was the king. He couldn’t let anyone see him like this, he had to maintain composure. “I’m here sire” said Gaius as he walked over to the bed. Arthur was resting his face in Merlin’s hand, once he heard Gaius he stood up and paced around the room. He looked at the floor, then at Merlin, then at Gaius and the floor again, repeating this pattern several times until it drove Gaius mad. “I’ll give you a few drops now sire, to calm your nerves” “Nerves? I’m not suffering of nerves! I’m completely fine! Why don’t you focus on Merlin instead… please” he pressured. “Ah yes, my dear boy is… Well it is hard to tell because he is unconscious but this seems like a severe cold. Although I cannot say for sure…” “You think magic may have caused this? Right in the middle of the discussions for lifting the ban… The sorcerers do THIS?!” he yelled suddenly and Merlin furrowed his eyebrows. “Sire please keep your voice down!” alarmed Gaius, “No, I’m not saying it was magic, I’ll do my best but if he doesn’t wake up after two or three days then I don’t think there is much we can do” With all seriousness he explained the medicines he would prepare, Arthur insisted on saying Merlin would recover and that Gaius should hurry to not delay the recovery any more. Although he said that more to convince himself than to reassure Gaius. The king did not leave Merlin’s side. He wiped his sweat, changed Merlin’s clothes every now and then, admiring his body and also lamenting the state he was in. Arthur wasn’t eating either, he was far too worried. Whenever Gaius came to see Merlin the following day to administer the medicines, Arthur would not look. In the hopes that when he turned around, Merlin would smile mischievously at him again and make fun of his ways. It wasn’t the case. The second night, after putting a cloth with water over Merlin’s forehead. Arthur felt the sickness was lifting. Merlin’s face looked more relaxed, and his hand felt warm-ish. He was overjoyed. Merlin, the love of his life, was not dead. “Merlin… can you hear me? Merlin you’re getting better but there isn’t much we can do if you don’t wake up soon, your body can’t go on without food.” His words were rushed because Arthur and Merlin were running against an invisible clock that threatened their lives each second it marked. If Merlin died, Arthur's sould would go with him. “Hn… Wa- Water” managed to mumble Merlin, his eyes weren’t opened and his body looked like it weighted tons, Merlin was only able to lightly squeeze Arthur’s hand. He tried to give it to him cautiously but he was trembling. After a few gulps, Arthur left the jar with water and run to the corridor to yell for someone to bring Gaius. Merlin little by little started waking up. “Agh” “Don’t force it idiot! Stay there until Gaius comes… Uh, more water? I’ll grab you more water” Arthur stumbled and bumped into almost everything in the room. He was worried and felt relieved but most of all nervous. “Were you able to hear what I was saying while you were… well, while you were unconscious?” “Not everything, it was muffled” replied Merlin in a frail voice. “For fuck’s sake you sound terrible, don’t talk. Where’s Gaius?!” A few hours later, Merlin was able to talk and eat normally but his body wasn’t strong enough to get him standing. He talked to Gaius privately about it, the old man went to look in Merlin’s chambers and eventually found herbs tied inside Merlin’s pillow. It had been some kind of nature magic that only thanks to Merlin’s gift his body managed to overcome. Recovery was not going to be as easy as the other times and there was no magic cure for this, at least none Gaius could think of at the moment. He promised Merlin he’d study and that he’d take him to his chambers. When they were getting ready to leave, Merlin was using Gwaine as help to walk, Arthur barged in and demanded Merlin to return to bed. Immediately. “Putting yourself in pain by walking and for what!” “Sire but where would you sleep? You couldn’t possible go to Merlin’s chambers!” “Gaius, it is not your place to worry about my sleeping whereabouts. Now I believe Merlin has to rest. No more trying to get out until you’re fully recovered!” he said looking at Merlin with a distressed face. Not everyone was shocked by this reaction, what they were shocked about later was to discover that Arthur slept by the bedside, having his hair stroked by Merlin until he could catch sleep. Merlin was aware of Arthur’s feelings by know. They were obvious. He barely let other people take care of him and postponed almost everything that needed his presence. For the love of god he was actually thinking of inventing a higher rank of knight so Leon could be able to cover his duties as king until Merlin was good to go. Despite his own feelings, Merlin wished Arthur would wake up one day and fall in love with a princess that would help him with the alliance to shape Albion. His selfishness could not interfere with fate. By the time Merlin’s body could walk by its own, it had been a week. Arthur had horrible stomach aches but from the nervousness of having to confess. Yes, confess. As he helped Merlin put his clothes on despite the “I’m not a child, I can dress myself!” and the “Oh so you’re calling me a child for having you help me when you were fine?” followed by “Don’t forget to add royal, a royal child”. Arthur ruffled Merlin’s hair and threw him his coat. He didn’t want to bare losing Merlin, to make it even worse, before making his feelings known. “I have something to tell you Merlin” “You always do” “Yes, but this time it’s different… and serious” Arthur grabbed a chair for Merlin. “You’re starting to scare me, have you killed anybody? Do we need to dig a hole and keep it hidden?” “Merlin! Of course not!” “Well you are acting weirder than usual, and just so you know, you can fully trust me. I would never gossip your murder around and I'm very good at hiding and digging” Merlin told him, trying to deviate the conversation. His gut was telling him Arthur was trying to confess. “Merlin I’m trying very hard to say I love you here but you keep interrupting me! How do you expect me to confess properly when you can’t keep your mouth shut for two goddamned seconds” Arthur’s eyes widened; he did not intend for that to come out like it did. He immediately looked at Merlin and he could see how his face light up and dropped to a sad smile. “Arthur I…” “Wait, no, let me do it right” His heart was pounding as he cleared his throat to try and wipe that sad smile from Merlin’s face. After seeing his face light up, he was sure Merlin liked him back. Whatever was holding him back… He’ll have to listen first. “Merlin after watching you practically come back to life I decided this couldn’t wait any longer. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you again and I think it’s time to let you know why… I love you. I’m in love with you Merlin, have been for quite some time to be honest. It’s everything you do, even the smallest things like smile or when you mock other people doing faces to make me laugh… You’re beautiful and I want you by my side forever. I want you as my king. Wait that might sound rushed but at least… Go out with me… Or even less, let me court you.” Merlin’s eyes were sparkling with tears. Feeling feverish after all the words Arthur said. The room had been dipped in pink hues and all Merlin could see was Arthur in front of him, after not leaving his side, after caring for him in a way Merlin doubted he ever would. “Are you sure Arthur… You will be de death of me if you realize you regret asking me that later on, I won’t be able to take it Arthur. You need a princess by your side, even when I love you too… I can’t let you do it… As your soon to be court advisor, I believe this isn’t your best of choices…” Merlin said with a raspy voice, holding back his tears as he watched his love of his life crumble. “You said you loved me too but only to… reject me?” he asked. “Merlin I don’t care, I'm the king, I will make same sex marriage legal everywhere, I will promote love in everyway across every single kingdom if I have to. If going to battle for that is going to make you accept my love then I will do it” “Don’t be stupid” “I’m the one saying that to you! Even sick you’re one big idiot! I LOVE YOU, and you LOVE ME TOO. Accept my feelings and let the people who don’t accept our love D I E.” Merlin chuckled. “Fine I… I accept your feelings.” He said getting up from the chair with certain effort, walking step by step to get closer to Arthur. “Come here you dollophead, the last thing I want is a war, or people dying without reason... don’t go saying that again” "Then don't give me a reason to" Merlin blushed as Arthur embraced him in a hug. Arthur felt Merlin's body too warm, since he had heard Merlin’s raspy voice too, he bride-carried Merlin back to bed. “Stop forcing yourself” he whispered in his ear while he laid Merlin in the bed and kissed his forehead. “I’ll be back with Gaius, try to rest” “I will” he responded, and as Arthur opened the door he whispered, "I love you" End Notes Sorry it took so long to post, I broke up with my girlfriend and had exams. I hoped that if you read it until here you liked it. The ending is a bit rushed but my schedule gets busy again tomorrow so I needed to finish tonight. Thanks for the support! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology, Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Knights (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Domestic Fluff, Love Confessions, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sick Merlin (Merlin), Nursing, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia
Published: 2020-11-23
Words: 2261

His Favorite Color

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listen this is based off a tumblr post where Arthur finds merlin chained up during that serket thing and finds out about merlin's magic. i wrote this a while ago so don't judge if it sucks pls. Notes i posted this on tumblr like forever ago but i kept forgetting to put it on here but nearly six months later i finally did. anyway enjoy. bone apple teeth See the end of the work for more notes “Gaius, have you seen my useless oaf of a manservant?” Arthur’s voice rang through the corridor. “He didn’t come home last night, sire. I thought he was with you,” The old physician responded. The prince exhaled, “Well I need him. Where can I find him?” “Maybe he went collecting herbs. I mentioned I needed some special ones this morning,” Gaius shrugged, “Or maybe he just went for drinks at the tavern.” Arthur decided he needed a break from it all. From his father helplessly lying in bed. From Morgana being a little to eager to rejoin the family. “I’m going to find Merlin,” He declared. So the first thing Arthur did was check the tavern. The only thing he found there were three old drunks asking questions about the whereabouts of the king, which he pointedly ignored. But no Merlin. Arthur proceeded to get his horse and check the area around where Gaius told him the herbs grew. Gaius also asked if Arthur could grab some for him, which Arthur didn’t plan to do. When he found Merlin, he could do it. It was almost the middle of the night, and Arthur was starting to get cold. A little bit worried too, if he was being honest. It wasn’t like Merlin to leave without telling anyone. That’s what he did, Arthur decided, went out for herbs and lost track of time. Yet a small voice in the back of his mind kept on nagging, like a string waiting to be pulled. What if Merlin wasn’t gathering herbs? What if he ran away? What if he was tired of Arthur? What if he didn’t want to be his servant anymore? What if he didn’t want him? Arthur shook his head. No, he decided, that would never happen. At least he hoped it wouldn’t. Even if Merlin did decide to quit, he would tell Arthur, and say goodbye, right? If not to Arthur than at least to Gaius. Arthur cupped his hands together and called out Merlin’s name. He heard a faint rustling noise and drew his his sword as soundlessly as possible. These woods were known for serkets, after all. He quietly slid off his horse and slinked around the grove. Arthur nearly dropped his sword out of sheer suprise. There were almost a dozen serkets scuttling towards a figure laying on the ground in chains. Merlin. Merlin shouted out nonsense that sounded ancient, almost alive. Arthur saw a flicker of gold in Merlin’s closing eyes. Merlin was doing magic. He was apparently good at it too, because the scorpion-like creatures were thrown almost three- no four- meters backwards. Arthur took this chance to run towards his friend. “Arthur,” Merlin whispered, “I’m sorry.” “You have magic,” was all Arthur could say. “I was born with it. I only use it for you, I promise,” Merlin nearly cried. Arthur pulled him close and tried to lift him up without disturbing the wound on his shoulder. “No, Arthur. Please. Please stop,” the sorcerer moaned. Arthur felt his heart break as his friend begged him to stop. He didn’t know why Merlin didn’t want his help. Then it hit him. He was scared of Arthur. It probably didn’t help Arthur kept jostling his shoulder, despite his best efforts not to. Arthur whispered a quick apology and tried to reassure Merlin that he wouldn’t let anything happen to him. “Who did this to you?” Arthur managed, silently vowing to kill whoever responsible. “Morgana,” he whispered. Merlin’s eyelashes started to flutter. His eyes were closed now, and his pulse was getting weaker. “Merlin, just stay awake, just keep your eyes open, Merlin, please. I can’t lose you Merlin, I just can’t.” Arthur sobbed as Merlin’s breathing got slower and his skin paler. He ignored the white-hot anger in his chest and kept trying to lift Merlin on his horse. Morgana. Morgana of all people. It was so obvious, and almost poetic. She comes back and Uther gets sick. Now this. He heard the thing before he saw it. A few thundering swooping sounds and then a heavy thud behind him. Arthur drew his sword and turned around as best he could while still keeping Merlin up on the horse. Nothing could have surprised him more than the sight before him. There it was in all its might and glory, the beast that attacked Camelot a little over a year ago. Arthur had half a mind to run him through with his sword, but before he could even take a step, the dragon laughed. “Young prince,” It grumbled, “Give me the boy.” Arthur put a hand against Merlin protectively and stepped into the defensive stance that had been drilled into him day after day since before he could remember. To his surprise, the dragon laughed again. “Never one to shy away from a fight, are you boy?” It taunted. “This man is under my protection, and as the Prince of Camelot, I order you to leave these lands or face my wrath,” Arthur said, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “You would risk your life for a servant, and a magical one at that?” It asked, “Perhaps I underestimated you, young prince. Now hand me the boy. I can help him.” “And why would I trust you?” Arthur sputtered out. “Because he’s dying,” The dragon smiled creepily, knowing that Arthur had no choice. “You won’t be able to get him to that old man in time, and even if you could, I doubt Gaius has the cure for a poison this strong.” Arthur looked at Merlin, then the dragon. The sword in his hand started to shake, so much that he put it down. “Promise me. Promise me you’ll bring him back alive. Or I will kill you and anything you have ever loved.” “I loved Camelot, young prince. What it used to be at least. With Magic and Albion as one, until your mother died and Uther banned sorcery.” The dragon looked wistful, almost sad. Arthur picked up Merlin over his shoulder and set him down gently at the dragon’s claws. “I hope one day you can fulfill your destiny and reunite the two again,” He added, right before he stretched his wings and flew away. “What about my destiny? What about Merlin?” Arthur yelled his questions to the trees until he was out of breath. He realized there was no use, so he hopped up on his horse and rode back to the castle. He stormed into Morgana’s chambers and drew his sword. Her eyes flashed and Arthur was thrown back against the wall before he could blink. She sauntered down the hall with a shallow smile and left Arthur helplessly watching her long purple cloak trail behind her. The next morning, Arthur went to check on Merlin, who was sitting outside reading a small, leather-bound book that looked older than Gaius. “I don’t pay you to sit around, do I, Merlin?” Arthur attempted to joke, coming off dry. Merlin snapped the book shut and said, “Sorry, Sire,” he mumbled, walking away. “Stay,” was all Arthur could manage, “Please. Let’s talk.” Merlin dutifully sat down. “So. What do you want to talk about? The fact that I’m a sorcerer? The fact that Morgana isn’t all she’s cracked up to be?” He raised an eyebrow. “Say it a little louder Merlin, I don’t think they heard you in Camlan,” Arthur scolded. “Oh so now you’re protecting sorcerors? What would the king think?” Merlin smirked. “Why didn’t you tell me, Merlin?” Arthur said, voice barely above a whisper. The sorcerer wouldn’t meet his eye. “I was scared.” “Can you show me a little magic?” he whispered. Despite his father’s reputation, the Prince of Camelot had always wanted to see the good in magic. Merlin smiled and clasped his hands up to his face. He whispered a word and his eyes flashed gold. Merlin opened his hands and smiled as a blue butterfly flew out and landed on Arthur’s hand. He noticed it had specks of gold mixed in with the blue, the exact color of Merlin’s eyes. His favorite color, Arthur decided. It went very nicely with gold, he thought. End Notes please leave kudos/a comment if you enjoyed! it would really make my day Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Morgana's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Magic, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, i mean a little bit, Cross- Posted on Tumblr, what are tags, Protective Arthur, Based on a Tumblr Post
Published: 2020-11-28
Words: 1364

a life worth remembering

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He stopped understanding why his heart ached every time he saw a golden head or blue eyes or crooked teeth or something and anything since he managed to somehow find him in everything. He stopped remembering who he was trying so hard not to forget. Arthur. Arthur. Arthur.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Sidhe (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Reincarnation, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Sad Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Post-Canon, Merlin Is High-key Depressed (Merlin), Merlin is So Done (Merlin), brief mention of attempted suicide, Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Everyone Really (Merlin), Mentions of drug/alcohol abuse, Angst with a Happy Ending, Lonely Merlin (Merlin), gwen deserves the world, she has the only braincell, also arthur is going though hard time, one serving of trauma each, #traumabringspeopletogether, Arthur gets Panic Attacks, lancelot gives free therapy to everyone, also leon is everyones best friend, morgana and arthur are basically the same, iTs aLmoSt liKE thEy'Re siBliGs~, kissing? kissing Series: Part 1 of remember me (and the memories i can never escape)
Published: 2020-11-23 Completed: 2021-02-02
Words: 73292
Chapters: 21/21

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Canon divergent from The Nightmare Begins, where Merlin starts giving Morgana magic lessons and Arthur is suspiciously willing to not ask questions about what his servant is up to. Basically a season two fix it story focusing on Merlin and Morgana's friendship. Notes For the prompt: Merlin and company getting into shenanigans, solving magical problems, and kicking butt while having a good time! I want a fun gen piece, though relationships on the side aren't a problem. I'm thirsting for friendship and magical crazy times! Anything that can happen in a light-dappled forest or bright castle. I hope this is what you were looking for! It was a lot of fun to write. The title is loosely inspired by the title of a Psych episode about how small choices could change how things play out. “I don’t believe that any of these people have any idea where Morgana is,” Arthur announces. Merlin half turns around absently picking up laundry and straightening things out, looking at where Arthur’s sitting at his desk. He’s looking over his list of suspected druid sympathizers, or at least seeming to, a half-hearted gesture at following his father’s order to find those who went to ground. “Sire?” Merlin asks. “My father’s tactic doesn’t make any sense, the druids have not way of hearing what’s happened to these people and half of them are only suspected on the most tenuous of bases—” Arthur breaks off with a long sigh, cradling his head in his hands, massaging his temples in slow circles. Merlin’s not sure how he should answer. He fiddles with the hem of one of the shirts he’s holding, waiting. “Merlin,” Arthur says after a long moment, slowly lifting his head from his hands. “Yes, sire?” “Morgana’s a very resilient person.” “Yeah,” Merlin agrees quickly, “more than most people I know. I’m sure she’s fine, you’ll find her soon.” “That’s not what I mean.” Merlin swallows. “What—” “Morgana’s resilient,” Arthur repeats, pushing back his chair and standing up, “and she’s stubborn. If, for whatever reason, she didn’t want to come back to Camelot, she wouldn’t.” Merlin doesn’t say anything. “And,” Arthur continues, levelling his gaze at Merlin, “if my father can’t find Morgana he won’t hesitate to follow through on his threat to execute the prisoners.” “Right, of course.” “So if anyone knows where Morgana is and can make her come back before that’s necessary…” Merlin blanches. “Arthur, I don’t know anything, I swear.” “I don’t think you do Merlin, don’t be ridiculous.” Arthur tosses the words out without any of their usual bite. “But considering what happened in her chambers, I wouldn’t be surprised if Morgana didn’t feel safe in Camelot anymore. What she needs,” Arthur looks Merlin dead in the eye, “is someone who knows what she’s going through. Someone who can make sure she doesn’t feel alone.” Merlin stares at Arthur. “What are you saying, exactly, sire?” “Me?” Arthur frowns, exaggerating the expression as he considers Merlin’s question. “I’m not saying anything, Merlin.” “Right.” Merlin nods slowly. He lifts the laundry in his arms slightly. “I’ll just take these to be washed then, shall I.” Arthur hums in agreement, turning back to the papers on his desk. Merlin watches him for a moment before slowly heading for the door again. “Oh, and Merlin?” Merlin turns around. Arthur glances up from the scroll in his hands. “Why don’t you take the afternoon to… pick herbs for Gaius, or whatever it is you do.” “Sorry?” “You heard me,” Arthur says, moving around his desk to sit back down. “I don’t think I’ll need you for the rest of the afternoon.” When Merlin doesn’t move he looks up from the scroll again. “Go on then, my shirts won’t wash themselves.” Merlin opens his mouth, then closes it again. Arthur just continues studying the papers on his desk. Merlin stares at him for a long moment before slowly turning around and heading for the laundry room. “Arthur knows Morgana has magic.” Gaius looks up sharply from the book he was studying as Merlin bangs through the door into his chambers. “What?” Merlin starts pacing Gaius’ chambers. “And he might know about me, I’m not sure, but he definitely knows about Morgana.” “Don’t be ridiculous Merlin, how could he possibly know?” “The same way I did. He saw the window in Morgana’s room too, he could have put it together.” Gaius moves around to the other side of his work bench. “But you’re a sorcerer, Arthur’s not. You’re just worried about Morgana and that worry’s making you imagine things.” “No.” Merlin shakes his head, still pacing. “No, I’m not imagining this, you weren’t there, you didn’t hear him.” “Why, what did he say?” Merlin stops pacing, looking at Gaius. “He said that Morgana…. probably didn’t feel safe in Camelot? And that she needed someone who would understand her, that this person should go and bring he back before any of the suspects got killed.” “Merlin, look at this logically,” Gaius says, moving towards him. “From his perspective Morgana’s had a terrible fright and then been kidnapped. Of course she wouldn’t feel safe here after they got her back. As for the rest, Arthur’s always been more reluctant to execute innocent people than his father, I hardly think having a conscious should make you suspicious of him.” “Gaius… I’m telling you, he knows something.” Gaius sighs, moving back towards his work bench. “Merlin, if Arthur really knew anything do you think you’d still be here? At most he suspects. All you have to do is keep your head down not act rashly.” “You just said that he doesn’t like killing innocent people.” “Yes, but he’s still Uther’s son and loyal to the laws of Camelot, and for the time those laws say that sorcery is illegal.” Merlin considers this for a beat, then starts for the stairs to his room. “Right. I’ve got to go.” “Where are you off to now?” “I’ve got to find Morgana and bring her back,” Merlin calls from his room, yanking up the floorboard where he keeps the spell book Gaius had given him and pulling it out. “But what if Arthur comes looking for you?” Merlin hurries back down the stairs, sticking the book into the satchel as he does. “He gave me the afternoon off to collect herbs, just tell him I’m doing that.” “Merlin…” “Gaius,” Merlin stops, looking at him, “I can’t let anyone get killed because of this.” Gaius purses his lips together, then sighs, relenting. “Alright.” Gaius turns back to his book. “Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid.” Merlin walks for hours, wending his way through the forest of Essetir as the sun slowly sinks lower and lower in the sky. He only has the vaguest idea where he's going, hoping in what was probably a bit of wishful thinking that he can trust some kind of instinct to help him find the druid camp. He does his best to rack his brain for some of the hunting nonsense Arthur’s always going on about that could be used to pick up on Morgana’s trail, but all Merlin comes up with is a vague recollection of how to use fewmets, which somehow don’t actually seem that useful in this particular case. Dusk falls, and the woods around him are cast in shadows. Sighing, Merlin sits down by a small copse for a break. He’s fumbling in his bag for the water skin he’d packed when a sharp shriek cuts through the air. Merlin jumps to his feet, hurriedly shoving everything back into his bag and taking off in the direction of the sound. He sprints through the trees, jumping over logs and dodging branches before skidding to a halt in a clearing. Morgana is splayed on the ground, a man in a dark cloak kneeling over her. He starts to raise his head and, on instinct, Merlin flings out his hand in front of him. “ Oferswing !” The man raises his arm to deflect the spell, but still stumbles backwards. Merlin is hurrying towards Morgana when a second, smaller figure emerges from the shadows behind where the man had fallen. Hello, Emrys. Merlin freezes. The small figure pushes back its hood, revealing a pale face and dark hair. “Mordred.” Merlin swallows. “What are you doing here?” I heard Morgana call out, just like you. Mordred looks down at Morgana. Merlin follows his gaze and for the first time notices a dark stain spreading through the skirt of her dress. She’s hurt. We can help her. “I’ve got to get her back to Camelot.” “She’ll be safer with us.” Merlin swivels his head away from Mordred. The man, a druid Merlin now realizes, is slowly pushing himself to his feet. “The boy’s right, we can heal her, but we should take her back to our camp.” Merlin stands up, shaking his head. “I can’t let you do that. The king thinks she’s been kidnapped, if you take her to your camp you’ll all be in danger.” “She’s been stung by a serket, if you want to see her live until morning you’ll let her come with us.” “You’re not listening to me, if the king finds her with you, you’ll all be killed! I can take her to the court physician—” We’re losing time. Merlin looks between Mordred and the man, pursing his lips. Mordred’s bright eyes are boring into him. Merlin sighs. “Fine. But as soon as she’s cured, we need to get back to Camelot.” The man smiles. “Excellent. My name is Aglain. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Emrys.” Merlin spends most of the night pacing, enough to make a noticeable track in the ground in front of the tent-like structure where they put Morgana. The camp’s healers swept Morgana off as soon as they’d arrived, and insisted that Merlin not disturb her, so all he could do was wait. Eventually a druid came out and told him that they’d finished dressing her wound and that she needed her rest. Merlin had shuffled along behind as they carried her to another, smaller tent and taken up pacing as he waited for Morgana to wake up. Emrys. Merlin looks up sharply, stopping in his tracks. Mordred was standing by a tree, looking at him. “What?” Merlin asks tersely. We should go in. “I’m not allowed, they said she needs her rest.” Merlin slowly starts moving again, looking at his boots. She’s woken up. Morgana is sitting up in bed talking to Aglain. Both of them looked over as Merlin gently pushes aside the cloth hanging that covers the entrance to enter. “Merlin!” Morgana pushes herself up a little straighter. “What are you doing—” She breaks off as she noticed Mordred behind him and her eyes go wide. “It’s you.” Hello Morgana. Morgana looks sharply to Aglain. “Did you hear that?” She looks back to Mordred. “How did you do that?” “We don't always need words to speak to one another,” Aglain says. Mordred crosses to the bed, smiling. Out loud, he says, “Now I can take care of you like you did me.” Aglain watches Mordred for a moment then turns to Merlin, still standing just inside the entrance. “You see? Your friend could be much happier here than she is under Uther’s thumb.” “Right, assuming his men don’t kill you all first.” Morgana looks up at him. “Merlin? What are you talking about? What’s happened?” “The King thinks you've been kidnapped.” Merlin takes a few steps into the tent, “We’ve got to go back to Camelot, he won't stop until you're found.” “We can move our camp,” Aglain says. “It’s nothing we haven’t done before. We are well accustomed to dealing with Uther’s raids.” “You’re the one who said I should seek out the druids,” Morgana tells Merlin. “Now you’re asking me to tun back before I’ve even gotten any answers.” “What answers do you seek?” Aglain asks, leaning forward. “Why I can see the future in my dreams,” Morgana tells him, looking down at her hands. “Why I'm able to start fires with my mind.” Aglain looks at her sympathetically. “People who are able to do this are few and far between. You have a gift.” Morgana looks up at him, her eyes wide. “Is it magic?” “Of a kind, yes.” Morgana doesn’t look surprised. She takes in the information and nods, almost imperceptibly. Mordred is still standing next to her bed and he reaches out to take her hand, squeezing it softly. Aglain continues, “But it will be many years before you’re able to understand it fully, let alone use it. I understand your friend’s concern, and I agree that we should be quick to act to avoid the coming raid, but I think you should consider staying with us. We have many teachers, and in time you could learn much from us.” Morgana’s eyes are still open wide, but they’re glistening now and there’s a soft eagerness to her voice. “Really?” Aglain nods solemnly. “I assure you Lady Morgana, this isn't something to be afraid of. I know what Uther’s views are, but he is mistaken. Magic isn't a dark art that must be shrouded in secrecy. It can be a force for good.” “Morgana, you can’t,” Merlin takes a step forward. “I’m really sorry, I am,” he tells Aglain, “I agree with what you’re saying, but, Morgana— you have to got to come back." “Are you listening to yourself, Merlin?” Morgana looks at him, frowning. “They understand me here, I don’t have to feel alone.” “And what about the people in Camelot? The suspected magic users, people who opposed the purge. Uther’s arrested dozens of them, Morgana. He’s ordered his men to look for more, he’ll execute them all if you’re not found.” “If I return, the same fate awaits me.” “Uther doesn't need to know about this. I won't tell a soul.” “Merlin, you don’t understand what you’re asking. If I go back now…” “You’ll live in constant fear,” Merlin finishes for her. “You’ll have to hide a part of yourself that you didn’t ask for, that you know can be helpful and good and do so many amazing things, but that people will only see as harmful. I know—” Merlin takes a deep breath. “I know you think I don’t understand, but I do. Really.” Morgana looks up at him, a slight frown formed between her eyebrows as her gaze searches his face. “Do you…” Merlin nods silently. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “You’re Uther’s ward." “That doesn’t mean I share his paranoia! I have magic myself, do you really think I would turn you in.” “I couldn’t be sure! You just found out about it, for all I knew you’d think your nightmares were a curse to be lifted, instead of a gift you could learn to control.” Hurt flares up in Morgana’s eyes. “Do you really think so little of me?” “I’m just a servant, Morgana. Who cares if a servant gets executed.” Morgana pulls herself up so she was sitting as straight at she could. “I would never let that happen.” “Right,” Merlin says, crossing his arms over his chest. “But you’d let dozens of people in Camelot get killed because you want to stay here? You can’t have one rule for your friends and another rule for the common people, that makes you just the same as Uther!” Morgana’s hands tighten on the blankets and her jaw clenches. Merlin forces himself to hold her gaze, keenly aware of Aglain and Mordred still in the tent, watching the two of them closely. Swallowing some of his bitterness, Merlin adds more gently, “Please, Morgana. Prove you’re not as self-serving as he is. Come back to Camelot.” Morgana hesitates. Her gaze flits to where Aglain is sitting and then to Mordred. “You haven’t seen what I’ve seen, Merlin,” she says at last, her voice small. Mordred climbs up onto the bed and she puts an arm around him, her hand lightly stoking his shoulder. “Every night— Every time I close my eyes to sleep—” Morgana’s voice breaks and she brings her free hand up to wipe her eyes. “You’re right,” Merlin answers. His shoulders collapse a little and he takes a small step towards her. “I have no idea what that’s like. But—” his gaze shoots over to Aglain and he takes a deep breath. “I can still help. Maybe not with your dreams, but with the rest of it. Look.” He sticks his hand into his bag and pulls out the book he brought with him. “Here,” he holds it out to her, “take a look.” Cautiously, Morgana leans forward and takes it from him. Merlin watches her slowly turn through the pages. “Merlin, this is….” “I know.” Merlin bites his lip, hoping dearly that this will work. “And there’s more, things I taught myself, spells not in the book. I could show you.” Morgana tears her eyes away from the book, her gaze falling on Merlin instead. “Really?” Aglain looks between the two of them. He sighs in resignation. “If you do decide to leave you are more than welcome to return. We can tell you how to find us” “See?” Merlin says, tilting his head towards Aglain. “You’re not giving up their help, not forever. And in the meantime I can show you anything you want, but please, Morgana.” He swallows. “We’re running out of time, we’ve got to go back to Camelot. Please .” It’s nearly midday when Arthur and his knights find them in the forest. Merlin and Morgana had been moving slowly, Morgana leaning on Merlin’s shoulder as she limped along beside him. As soon as he catches sight of them through the thinning trees, Arthur dismounts and hurries towards them. “Morgana, are you alright? What happened?” “I’m fine, Arthur, really,” she says with a tight smile. “Nothing a visit to Gaius won’t fix.” Arthur’s expression is still worried, and he turns around, calling out over his shoulder, “A horse for the Lady Morgana.” Turning back to her, he asks, “Can you ride?” Morgana nods. “Yes, thank you.” A knight comes forward, leading a horse. He helps Morgana up and leads the horse back towards the group. Arthur hangs back, giving Merlin a terse nod. “Good job, Merlin.” “Was that a compliment?” Arthur shrugs. “Well even you’ve got to get it right sometimes. Now come on.” He claps Merlin on the the shoulder and starts back towards the group of knights. “You can tell me the details on the way.” “It seems that we were mistaken.” Arthur is standing before Uther, his arms folded over his chest. Morgana was rushed to Gaius as soon as they’d gotten back, who’d told her in no uncertain terms that she was to stay in bed and rest up. Arthur had been called to the throne room, and Merlin had followed, watching from the side as Arthur explains to Uther the story that Merlin and Morgana had come up with. “The druids had nothing to do with Morgana’s disappearance,” Arthur continues. “It was two brigands hoping to hold her for ransom. When all three of them were attacked last night, the kidnappers fled and left Morgana behind. If it weren’t for Merlin here, then I don’t know if we would have found her in time.” “Well,” Uther says, leaning back in his throne, “I must thank you, Merlin. You have proven yourself to be a trustworthy and loyal servant of the realm.” Merlin nods awkwardly. Uther smiles at him in that unnerving way that always feels just a little too fake for Merlin’s liking. Returning his attention to Arthur, he asks, “And what became of the kidnappers?” “Morgana didn’t see their faces, but I’ve told the patrols to be on alert.” Merlin studies Arthur. He hasn’t seen him speak with any of the guards, or the knights in charge of patrols, and Merlin and Morgana were deliberately vague on anything about the fictitious bandits themselves when giving Arthur their hastily-constructed story of the past day’s events. Uther sighs. “Hm. Let’s hope they turn something up, but in the meantime we should probably post extra guards outside of Morgana’s chambers.” “Respectfully, I’m not sure that would be the best for Morgana’s well-being.” Uther raises one eyebrow at Arthur. “She’s been through a lot. I don’t think that adding more guards will make her feel more secure as much as they’re just add to any lingering anxiety. I’m sure that adding more patrols in the courtyard and in the main hallways that lead to her room would be more than sufficient.” Uther considers this, running his thumb slowly back and forth along the side of his fist. “You may have a point. Very well.” He nods. “Add those patrols, and keep me updated on any developments in the search for the kidnappers.” “Of course.” Arthur turns to leave the hall. “Oh… And leave the people we’ve arrested in the dungeons for another day,” Uther adds as an afterthought. “We need to make it clear that there are still consequences to sympathizing with the druids.” Arthur pauses for a moment before nodding and pushing through the door. Merlin has to hurry to catch up with him. “Arthur, you can’t leave those people in prison, the druids had nothing to do with it, and even if they did, those people don’t deserved to punished just because you think —” “Merlin.” Arthur spins around, stopping Merlin in his tracks. “Don’t you think you should go check on Morgana?” “What? Have you heard anything I’m saying?” Arthur sighs. “What I’ve heard, Merlin, is a lot of nonsense. And you’re lucky that I don’t pay attention to your nonsense as as rule, otherwise I might have to put you in the stocks for something that could be easily misconstrued as insubordination and going against the king.” Arthur gives him a pointed look. “Now. I’ve got to go down to the dungeons and tell the guards there that they won’t be needed tonight. Why don’t you check on Morgana and find me when you’re done, hmm?” He turns to walk down the hallway again. Merlin stays where he is, his eyes narrowing. “I know what you’re doing,” he calls out after Arthur. “I don’t know what you’re talking about Merlin,” Arthur calls back. “You’re imagining things.” Morgana is eager to start learning magic as quickly as possible, even though she’s still stuck in bed recovering. Merlin insists that they wait, if for no other reason than because he can’t very well spend hours in her chambers without arousing some suspicion. Morgana agrees, reluctantly, on the condition that Merlin lend her the book Gaius had given him. He does, though he doesn’t see how much use she’ll get out of it with Gwen hovering around her chambers all day. Finally, after a week, Gaius clears Morgana, announcing that the wound is fully healed and that, aside from a scar, there should be no lasting harm. That evening, Morgana meets Merlin in an unoccupied gust chamber after dinner, and they start in earnest. Merlin doesn’t know that he’s much of a teacher. He’d found out most of what he knows through trial and error on his own, and while Morgana has a quick ear for spells and an eagerness to learn, drawing on her magic doesn’t come as immediately to her as it always has to Merlin. He tries to explain how to do a particular spell, and finds himself at a loss for words, unable to articulate how he called up the power to cast it any more than he could have explained how he learned how to breathe. Morgana’s tenacious, though, and with each meeting she’s more determined than the one before. After a few weeks she’s managed to lift quills and bits of parchment a few inches into the air and hold them there, and started to make progress on moving them about at will, so Merlin decides to move them on to conjuring. “I just don’t see why this is so hard!” Morgana says, flinging her hands into the air. They’re working in Gaius’s chambers, Gaius himself having made a trip to one of the outlying villages to deal with an outbreak of a minor illness there. Morgana runs one hand through here hair, pushing it back from her face, and leans in closer to inspect the book before her. “I’ve done this completely without meaning to, I should be more than capable of summoning fire when I actually want it.” Merlin clicks his tongue sympathetically. “Sometimes it’s not that simple. Here,” he reaches out and takes the book, shutting it and setting it aside. “Hold out your hand.” Morgana rolls her eyes, but obeys without protest. “Don’t force it, don’t try to think about what you want to happen or calling on you magic, just… think about what fire feels like. The warmth of the flames, how its light looks—” “The smell of the pyres?” Morgana’s tone is dark. Her words hang between them for a long moment before Merlin slowly lowers his outstretched hand. “Are you still having nightmares?” he asks, one finger tracing the grain of Gaius’s workbench. Morgana shrugs. “They’re not— You know.” She shakes her hair back and sat up a little straighter. “They’re not seer dreams, I’ve had mercifully few of those lately. But…” She hesitates. “That doesn’t make them any less frightening?” Merlin supplies. “Hardly.” “Have…” Merlin starts, cautiously a glancing up at Morgana, still running his finger along the smooth wood. “Have you thought about taking Gaius’ sleeping draughts again?” Morgana shakes her head. “ No . It stops the normal nightmares but that only means I have more seer dreams. These are bad but at least I can tell myself they won’t happen with some degree of confidence.” “Are you sure? He could try a new recipe, maybe, or—” “No.” Morgana holds up a hand, stopping him. “Thank you, Merlin, but please… just let it alone, alright?” Merlin nods, and Morgana gives him a faltering smile, her gaze falling to the workbench a second later. Merlin watches her for a long moment, unsure of what to say. Then he claps his hands together, inhaling sharply. “Alright,” he says, leaning forward with a smile and planting his hands on the table. “Why don’t we try something different.” Morgana is a lot better at conjuring butterflies— Merlin’s interested to see that when she finally manages to produce one it comes out green instead of blue like his— and over the next few sessions she’s able to move onto flowers and even a snail. Merlin doesn’t try to bring up the matter of fire again, but he finds himself lying awake more than once wondering how many burnings Morgana has seen. He’s helping Gwen to fold sheets one afternoon when he thinks to bring the topic up. “So… Ah, you’ve known Morgana a long time?” Gwen looks up from the pillowcase she’s shaking out. “Ever since she came to Camelot. Why?” Merlin shrugs. “You know…” He pulls a sheet out of the basket and struggles to fold it by himself before Gwen comes forward to take one end from him. “I was just thinking.” “About what?” Gwen shakes the sheet briskly and holds the corners out at arms length. Merlin steps forward, lining up her corners with his and taking them from her. “I just supposed,” Merlin says, choosing his words carefully as he and Gwen fold the sheet the other way, “that— well, growing up in Cenred’s kingdom I heard a bit about Uther’s perspective on sorcery, but I didn’t know the full extent of it until I came here. I was just wondering, I guess, how that was for Morgana? Growing up with Gorlois, I mean, then coming to Camelot as a child.” Merlin steps forward again to take the corners of the sheet from Gwen, avoiding her gaze. As he folds it the last few times by himself, he cautiously looks up at her. She’s standing with her hands on he hips, lips pursed, considering Merlin with a look that seems curious, but not suspicious. Merlin drops his gaze again and busies himself with rearranging the stacks of folded laundry. At last Gwen sighs and looks away, plucking a pillowcase from the basket. “I don’t know,” she says, starting to fold it. “She didn’t talk to me much when she first came to Camelot. I wasn’t her maid for the first year she was here, I’d just build the fire in her room sometimes— or I’d take Elyan to watch the training and she’d be there. I do know that she asked Uther if she could have a different room, though. After the first execution she saw.” “And he didn’t let her?” Gwen shakes her head. “I don’t know what happened. I’m not even sure Morgana would have told him why she wanted a different room.” Gwen sets aside the pillowcase and picks up another. “By the time I became her serving-maid she usually would just close the window and not watch.” Gwen grimaces. “But you can usually smell it in her chamber,” she adds, “if they’re burned.” Merlin’s silent as this information sinks in. He picks at the corner of a folded sheet in the pile with his thumbnail, trying not to think of his first day in Camelot. Or Will’s body on his funeral pyre. “Why do you want to know about this, anyway?” Gwen asks him. Merlin shrugs. “Like I said, just curious I guess.” He bends down to scoop up the folded laundry and drops it into the empty basket. “I should probably get this put away.” “Merlin…” “Oh, and could you tell Morgana that I’m going to get herbs tonight? Gaius is making her a new healing draught.” “Of course. But Merlin—” “Sorry,” Merlin interrupts. “I’ve got to get this taken care of in time to get Arthur out of his armour. Talk to you later?” Gwen sighs. “Alright. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Sounds good!” As soon as he’s finished putting away the folded linens, Merlin hurries out into the courtyard and towards the castle gates, barely sparing a glance for the training yards. It wasn’t as though what he’d told Gwen had been a total lie, Arthur did have practice that afternoon. He’d just need to find someone else to help him out of his armour. Merlin hurries out of the courtyard and weaves his way through the lower town, slowing slightly as he approaches the southern gate. There are guards stationed there, as usual, and the street is fairly empty, it being too early still for the merchants and farmers to be closing up shop and heading back home for the evening. Merlin hesitates, tucked just inside the gap between two buildings, casting around for something he could use. Finally, his gaze lands on a cart that someone had left a few metres up the street from where he was standing. “ Ċyr. ” The cart slowly starts rolling forward, and Merlin gives it the slightest nudge with his magic to keep it on track. The guards glance over their shoulders at the sound as it gets closer, and do a double take as they say what was coming towards them. As it rumbles past them and out the gate, they started after it, running to catch up and stop it. Merlin slips out of his hiding place and hurries through the gate and off towards the Forest of Brechfa. It doesn’t take him as long as he’d expected to find the druid camp. They’re well hidden, and they’ve put more work than usual into obfuscating their location, but Aglain had told Merlin what to look for and how to use his magic to show the way, and so he reaches the outskirts of the camp before evening. He slows down as he approaches, unsure of the best way to proceed. Hello, Emrys. Merlin whips around and sees Mordred standing beside him. “I’ve come to see Aglain. I need to talk to him about Morgana.” Mordred smiles. I’ll take you to him. “Er. Thanks.” Several of the druids look up as Merlin and Mordred pass, and Merlin ducks his head to try and avoid their intent stares. Finally, they reach Aglain sitting in a small group with other healers. Merlin approaches them and cleared his throat. Aglain turns around at the sound. “Ah. Welcome, Emrys. What brings you to us today?” “Morgana’s been having nightmares.” “Yes, and as I recall you convinced her not to seek help from us on that matter.” “No— I mean, she’s been having regular nightmares, not prophetic ones. Gaius’s sleeping draughts might work on them, I don’t know, but she won’t take them, she says they make the seer dreams worse. I was wondering if you’ve got anything that could help.” “We could make something. It wouldn’t be perfect, but it would certainly surpass your physician’s remedies, especially in terms of managing Lady Morgana’s visions.” “That’s amazing! Thank you so much, I—” “However,” Aglain holds up one hand, cutting Merlin off, “it will not be a perfect solution. And if I help you with this I want your assurance that you will find a time when she can work with us to control her gifts more fully. You are a great sorcerer, Emrys, and I— like many here— have every faith the future you could one day bring for our people. But you are not a seer, and you are not the one to provide Morgana with the help that she needs.” Merlin nods. “Of course. I’ll… I’ll talk to her. I’m sure she could arrange a time to meet with you.” Aglain bows his head slightly. “Thank you. Please, have a seat, I’ll be back with the sleeping draught shortly.” Aglain moves off towards the nearest tent and Merlin cautiously takes his empty place in the circle of healers. A few are still looking at him, but most of them return to talking quietly among themselves. Merlin looks down at his boots, bouncing one heel anxiously. Mordred had stayed nearby for all of Merlin and Aglain’s conversation, and now he approaches the druid next to Merlin and taps her on the shoulder, whispering something in her ear. She slides over on the log she’s seated on, pulling her robes aside as she does and Mordred swings one leg, then the other over the log so that he can sit in the space she clears. Merlin glances up to find Mordred fixing him with a somewhat eerie stare. “What?” he asks. Do you really want to help Morgana? Mordred asks him in his head. “Of course, why wouldn’t I?” You didn’t want to help me. “Hey…” Merlin glances furtively around the circle. Don’t worry, They can’t hear what I’m saying, only you. “But I thought… I mean, in the tent the other day when you were talking to Morgana…” I can choose who I talk to this way, Emrys. Mordred smiles. You could learn to as well, if you wanted. Merlin hesitates. “I think I’m alright, thanks,” he says slowly. Mordred leans his head on one side, considering this. Then he shrugs. You still haven’t answered me. I thought I could trust you, Emrys, how do I know you won’t change your mind about Morgana too? Merlin swallows, looking down. “That’s different.” How? “You were— Someone told me not to help you. Someone who knows a lot more than I do.” What did this person tell you about me? Merlin considers Mordred. He’s dressed much like everyone else in the camp, with a green cape over his clothes. Aside from the druid’s robes he doesn’t look any different than the children Merlin grew up with. “I don’t think I should tell you that,” he answers at last. Has this person told you anything about Morgana? “They have…” What? Mordred’s eyes don’t leave Merlin’s and his face doesn’t give any clues to what he might be feeling. Merlin licks his lips. His knee is still bouncing anxiously. “Something a lot like what they said about you.” You helped me anyway, Mordred presses. And you’re helping Morgana. If this person knows so much more that you, why not listen to them? “Maybe—” Merlin stops. He takes a deep breath. “Maybe you’re worth helping anyway. Maybe I want to believe that what’s to come doesn’t have to be set in stone.” Mordred is still looking at him, his eyes burning into Merlin’s face. Merlin forces himself not to blink or look away. “I believe you,” Mordred announces out loud with some finality. “Thank you, Emrys.” “Of course.” Despite following their conversation, Merlin doesn’t feel like he has any idea why he’s being thanked, and a large part of him is fairly certain he doesn’t deserve it. Mordred seems satisfied though, he finally looks away form Merlin, swinging his legs a little as he stares up at the branches stretching between them and the darkening sky. After what feels like an interminable wait, Aglain returns, carrying a round glass bottle about the size of an apple. “Here.” He holds it out to Merlin. “One swallow each evening should be sufficient.” “Thank you.” Merlin takes it, standing up. “I’ll get it to her right away.” “Very good. And Emrys…” Merlin looks up from examining the bottle. “Yes?” “Be sure you keep your word.” “Yeah.” Merlin nods. “Yeah, of course. I’ll make sure she comes to see you as soon as possible.” “Excellent. I wish you the best of luck on your trip back.” Merlin takes this as a dismissal and nods again, giving a brief wave over his shoulder to the other druids. As he starts to go, Mordred’s voice echoes in his head. See you soon, Emrys. Tell Morgana I’ll see her soon, too. It’s late when he gets back to Camelot. The western gate is the most sparsely guarded in the evenings so rather than reenter the way he’d left Merlin circles around the city walls to enter on that side. He gets through the lower town without much trouble and makes it past the newly increased guard in the courtyard with a well-timed disturbance far from the gate. By the time the men on duty realize it was nothing more than a falling crate, he’s inside the castle and halfway to Morgana’s chambers. “Merlin.” Merlin stops in his tracks at the sound of Arthur’s voice. He grimaces, then forces his face into a smile and turns around. “Arthur.” Arthur walks towards him, slowly. “Do you know what I’ve been wondering, Merlin?” “No idea.” “ I’m wondering,” Arthur repeats, still moving closer, “what could have kept you so busy this afternoon that you could help with my armour. Or serve me at dinner. Or help me prepare for bed, although now I’m seeing that you are available for that so that saves me finding another servant for the job.” “Er…” “Hm? What’s that?” “I was… running an errand for Gaius,” Merlin goes with, deciding to keep his story at least somewhat consistent in case Arthur’s spoken to Gwen lately. “He needed some herbs for one of Morgana’s sleeping draughts.” “Morgana?” All the annoyance instantly vanishes from Arthur’s voice. “How is she?” Merlin’s taken aback by Arthur’s abrupt change in demeanour. “Er… fine?” he says. “I think. Uh, Gaius has been trying out a new recipe so—” Arthur waves him off. “No, I mean how is she? Really.” Merlin narrows his eyes slightly, searching Arthur’s face for hidden motivations. “How do you think she is?” “How should I know? That’s why I’m asking you.” “Well you saw her at dinner, I’m sure you could’ve asked after her health then. Or anytime, really, it’s not like you’ve got someone ordering you about around the clock.” “Right, but I’m not asking about Morgana’s health , Merlin, I’m asking you how she’s been since you brought her back from those kidnappers.” Merlin’s heartbeat picks up and his hand twitches towards the vial in his pocket. “Has there been any word about them by the way?” Arthur sighs. “Don't change the subject, Merlin.” “What? You’re the one so concerned with how Morgana’s doing.” “Yes, Merlin, and you won’t tell me!” “Well I don’t see why you’d think I know better than anyone else.” “Neither do I, but there still must be some point my asking, mustn’t there? ” Arthur grits out the last two words, lifting his eyebrows and staring at Merlin expectantly. Merlin leans slightly away from him. “In that case she’s fine?” He says cautiously. Arthur nods curtly. “Good.” Merlin watches him, eyes still narrowed. “Can I go then?” “Of course. Give Morgana my best.” “I never said I was going to see Morgana.” “You have to deliver her that sleeping draught don’t you? You have a perfectly good reason tonight.” Merlin nods slowly. “Tonight. Right…” “Don’t take too long, Merlin,” Arthur tells him. “I still need your help preparing for bed.” “Or you could learn to undress yourself for once.” Arthur just snorts and claps Merlin on the shoulder before heading towards his chambers. Merlin watches him for a long beat, then shakes himself and continues on toward’s Morgana’s bedroom. He has to knock twice before she opens her door, and even then only a crack. “Hi, it’s me,” Merlin says in a low voice. “Merlin? What are you doing here?” He glances over his shoulder down the hallway. “Can I come in?” “Yes, of course.” She steps back, opening the door further. Merlin steps inside and Morgana closes the door behind him. “Did Gwen give you my message?” he asks her. “She did, but I’ve told you Merlin, I’m not taking any more of Gaius’ sleeping draughts, they don’t do anything.” “I wasn’t going for Gaius.” “Then what—” “I was going to see the druids. And they gave me,” he produces the bottle from his pocket, “this.” Morgana takes it from him, turning it over in her hands. “What is it?” “You’re supposed to take one swallow each evening. Aglain said it would work better than Gaius’s.” “Are you sure?” Merlin nods. “Yeah. Not just on your seer dreams, either, it should work on normal nightmares as well.” Morgana looks up at him. “Merlin—” “It won’t be perfect!” Merlin adds quickly. “And Aglain wants you to go see the druids soon so that you can start learning to control your dreams a bit better, but it should do something.” Morgana smiles. “Thank you Merlin, I’ll try it tonight.” She turns and set the bottle on her bedside table. Turning back to Merlin, she notices his expression and frowns. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing!” Morgana scoffs. “Please, Merlin. I know you’ve got your secrets and I haven’t tried to pry them out of you, but after the past few weeks I can tell when you’re worried about something. Did something happen at the druid camp?” “No,” Merlin says quickly, shaking his head. “Well—“ he pauses, considering if he should say something about his conversation with Mordred. “No, nothing happened.” “What is it then?” “Er…” Merlin shifts his weight where he’s standing. He still doesn’t know quite what to make of Arthur’s recent behaviour, and he doesn’t want to alarm Morgana. But, on the other hand, if he were in her shoes he’d want to be warned. “I ran into Arthur on my way back and I think …” Merlin bites his lip, hesitating. “I think he might know about us.” Morgana stares at him for a long second before she throws her head back with a great peal of laughter. When she finally reigns herself in, she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I’m sorry,” she says, the corners of her lips still twitching. “I’m sure you have a good reason for thinking that, but honestly, Arthur ? He’s about as observant as a lump of wood.” “No,” Merlin shakes his head, “he definitely knows something. He said some things when you first went to see the druids too that mad me think he might but I thought I was just imagining things, now…” He trails off, clicking his tongue softly. “If he doesn’t know about our magic then he certainly thinks he knows something.” “Alright,” says Morgana in a tone that makes it abundantly clear she’s just humouring him. “What did he say?” “Which time?” “Both.” Merlin fills her as best as he can remember, trying to present it as cohesively and concisely as he can. When finishes, Morgana gives him a pitying look. “Oh, Merlin.” “What?” She rolls her eyes. “ None of that makes it seems like he things either of us has magic. He clearly thinks we’re conducting some kind of secret courtship.” “What?” Merlin splutters. “Where on earth are you getting that from?” Morgana gives an exaggerated sigh. “From all of it? It couldn’t be more obvious, and, no offence intended, but he couldn’t be further off about my… interests in that regard.” “Yeah, well…” Merlin glances at her. “Likewise.” “Ri— Wait? Really?” “Yeah.” “So, Gwen?” Merlin shakes he head. “We’re friends. And I do love her, but not like that. We’re not… you know, that , any more than the two of us are.” “Hm.” Morgana studies him for a moment, then shakes her head, getting herself back on subject. “Anyway, Arthur’s harmless. We might as well let him keep up his delusions. It provides a convenient cover at the very least.” “Yeah, but…” Merlin flounders for some counterargument. “What if he tells someone?” Morgana smirks. “He won’t. You can tell that from what he said to you. Besides, he wouldn’t want to do anything that would make Uther try to get rid of you.” “Yeah, well, I don’t know if you’re right about that.” “Merlin. He’s never had a manservant that’s managed to last more that two weeks, let alone close to a year .” Merlin blinks, surprised. “Oh.” “Exactly. So we’re safe.” Merlin still decides to keep an eye on Arthur. Everything seems normal, but Merlin occasionally catches Arthur looking at him during strange moments and Merlin can’t shake the feeling that for as much as he’s watching Arthur, Arthur is watching him right back. He doesn’t bother bringing it up with Morgana again, she’s busy enough getting ready for her trip to the druids. They decide that the best cover is to claim that she’s going on a pilgrimage to her father’s tomb, it’s a long enough trip that Uther won’t question her being gone the full day, and she makes it often enough that it’s not an odd request. The challenge is convincing him to let her go alone. Morgana suggests everything from requesting Merlin accompany her to giving Gwen the slip once they’re in the woods to enchanting one of the knights so that he won’t remember anything from the trip. Merlin isn’t totally sold on the first suggestion, and he does his best to steer them as far away from the last as possible. In the end, Morgana just lies. She tells Uther she’ll be making the pilgrimage with Gwen, only to give her the day off and set out alone towards the Forest of Brechfa. Merlin watches her for as long as he can from Arthur’s window hoping that nothing goes horribly wrong. Nothing does, thankfully enough, and Morgana returns full of glowing stories about connecting with the natural world and the triple goddess, and wearing a necklace she said Mordred’s made for her. He’s made a similar charm for Merlin as well, apparently, which she gives to him at their magic session the next day. Merlin studies at it skeptically, but takes it from her without comment. “They have a lot of ways of divining, apparently,” Morgana tells him, her eyes shining. “Seers are rare, but most people with magical talent, or who have trained long enough can learn to scry using a mirror or a pool of water. They didn’t tell me much about it this time, they’re more focused on teaching me to manage what I can already do. Apparently though,” she leans across the table between them, pushing a strand of hair back with one fluid motion, “the most powerful kind of scrying is done using crystals.” “Crystals?” Morgana nods. “There’s apparently a cave full of them, but there are a few that people have taken and kept to scry with.” “Really? Do the druids have one then?” “No.” Morgana sighs. “They wouldn’t tell me much about them, actually. Next time, hopefully.” She absently fiddled with the necklace she’d gotten from Mordred, looking down at the open pages of the book in front of her. They’re in Gaius’s chambers again, this time because he’s in the lower town tending to one of the castle seamstresses who’s come down with a fever. As he left he told Merlon he didn’t expect to be back until late that evening and Merlin had taken the opportunity to make use of the out of the way and relatively un-trafficked (at this hour, anyway) nature of the room. “Should we get started then?” Merlin says after a moment. Morgana looks up from the book. “Hm? Oh, yes, sorry. I probably wasted half our time talking.” “It’s fine,” Merlin assures her. “You should come next time,” Morgana says, flipping through the pages to find the spell they’d left off working with. “I’m sure they could teach you things as well, even if you’re not a seer.” “Yeah…” Merlin shifts uncomfortably. He hasn’t gone into detail with Morgana about the actual extent of his powers yet, or anything approaching the question of destinies, but he suspects it might come up during several hours of magic practice with the druids. “I’ll think about it,” he say at last. “Shall we?" The spell is one meant to enchant weapons into fighting on the caster’s behalf. It’s more complicated than anything Merlin’s done with Morgana so far, and not something he’s ever even tried himself. The main problem last session wasn’t in actually accomplishing the spell but with the materials at their disposal, none of which resembled weapons. When they finally got it working, they’d just ended up with a collection of brooms and hairbrushes halfheartedly bumping against each other in the air. This time, though, Merlin’s thought ahead and brought a collection of practice swords from the armoury. They’re the wooden ones Arthur uses for training squires, but Merlin’s hoping they’ll still have a better idea of what to do than the hairbrushes did. He and Morgana spread the swords out in two lines on the floor— three apiece— and then stand over them, facing each other with the rows between them. “Ready?” Merlin asks. Morgana tilts her head to one side, giving him a smirk. “Of course.” The swords sail into the air, making for each other almost immediately. They don’t pair up neatly, but rather jump from opponent to opponent, blocking and striking in turns. Morgana cheers, egging her side on, and Merlin responds in kind, shouting directions and encouragements to his swords. “Come on, you can do it!” “Is that all you can do? I’ve seen better from children playing with sicks!” “No, not there— Defend!” The door bangs open and Merlin and Morgana both jump, spinning in unison to face it as the swords clattered to the ground. “Ah, Morgana.” Arthur seems completely unperturbed by the sight of Merlin and Morgana standing in the middle of Gaius’s chambers surrounded by six of his practice swords. “I thought you might be here. My father requests your presence at dinner this evening.” Morgana smiles and inclines her head smoothly. “Of course. You can tell him I’ll be there.” Merlin’s heart is racing and he can hear the blood rushing in his ears, but Morgana looks as composed as ever. Arthur smiles. “Excellent.” Merlin swallows. “Hang on,” he says, the words seemingly coming out of their own accord even as his brain screams at him to shut up. Arthur looks at him expectantly. “Yes?” “You’re going to ask what we’re doing? Or why Morgana’s in Gaius’s chambers?” Arthur frowns for a moment, mock considering. “Humm…. No,” he shakes his head, flashing Merlin a smile. “I don’t see why that’s any of my business, really.” He lifts his eyebrows at Merlin with a quick wave and turns to leave, pulling the door shut behind him. Merlin stares at the door, disbelief mounting. When he’s sure Arthur was gone, he rounds on Morgana. “Alright, tell me that’s not suspicious.” Morgana’s calmly collecting the swords from the ground. She straightens up with a sigh. “Merlin, there’s nothing suspicious about Arthur being an idiot,” she tells him, setting the swords on the table. “Now, I’ve got to go get ready for dinner with Uther.” She sighs again, more heavily as she swept towards the door. “Wish me luck…” Over the next few days, Merlin barely has time to worry about Arthur. There’s a new crop of trainees ready to be knighted, and he’s kept busy with preparations for the ceremony and the ensuing feast. On top of that, the seamstress’s fever has spread to the rest of her family and when he isn’t polishing more armour than he feels should actually be his responsibility and hanging decorations in the great hall, Merlin is kept up late helping Gaius make poultices and brew herbs into tinctures. He finally gets a bit of a break the afternoon before the ceremony’s taking place when Gwen— in all her infinite magnificence— is able to wheedle them both into jobs setting the tables, a task that sounds important but actually takes all of five minutes with more than one person and allows them to spend most of the half hour they have to do it sitting in two of the nicer chairs talking. “I think I prefer knighting ceremonies to proper events,” Gwen declares, looking over the hall. Merlin tilts his head to the side as he turns to look at her. “How do you mean?” “Just… Well, most of the time you have to worry about how to act around the visiting nobles, or there’s an extra level of solemnity because we’re celebrating something important, you know. But with knighting ceremonies it’s the same people as are always around the castle, there’s just an excuse to celebrate.” “For the nobles maybe. We’re stuck doing extra work and cleaning up after them.” “We still have some fun, don’t pretend we don’t. There’s plenty of wine and nicer food to go around even if we have to be working.” “Alright, yeah,” Merlin smiles. “I guess it is nice to have something to celebrate.” “Exactly! We need excuses to have a good time.” Gwen sighs, leaning back in her seat. “I remember the first knighting ceremony I went to. It was for Sir Leon. He wasn’t the only one getting knighted, but he was one of them. It was before I started working in the palace by about two years I think?” She frowns. “Yes. That’s right.” “Why’d you go then?” “Haven’t I told you? My mother used to serve his family. I would play with him sometimes as children. He’s several years older than I am, of course, but I could usually convince him, at least for a couple years. Elyan came, too— to the knighting, I mean. We didn’t get to watch he actual ceremony, but Mother took the two of us with her to the feast after.” She smiles at the memory. “Sounds nice. Did anything interesting happen?” “Oh, I can’t remember, I was 10. I think Elyan nearly choked on a grape? It’s been too long for me to say for sure.” “D’you think he’ll ever come back to Camelot?” “Who, Elyan?” “Yeah, I’d like to meet him, sometime.” Gwen sighs, looking troubled. “I don’t know. I hope so, but he did even come back when our father died, and I have no way of getting in touch with him…” She looks down, straightening out the knife closest to her. “I didn’t talk about him for months after he left. I thought… I don’t know, we were so close as children and even more after our mother died, and I couldn’t forgive him for leaving for so long . After our father died though… I think it helps,” she straightens up a little, “to talk about him. I don’t know when he plans on coming back, but if he does he’ll always have a place.” “I’m sure he’ll come back Gwen. It’s just a matter of waiting.” Merlin smiles at her. “Who knows,” he adds, “he could even show up tonight!” Gwen laughs. “Somehow I doubt that, but thank you Merlin.” “Aw come on Gwen,” Merlin nudges her with his foot. “Something’s gotta happen to make tonight interesting.” “Or,” Gwen smiles, nudging him back, “we could just have a perfectly pleasant, uneventful evening.” Merlin doesn’t even make it to the feast. It still happens— or a significantly more subdued version of it still happens from what Gwen tells him later— but Merlin’s too busy trying to talk Arthur out of the duel to actually attend. The duel. Morgause. Merlin has no idea what made her come to Camelot like that, or what she could possibly have to tell Arthur about a woman who’s been dead for, for her looks, most of her life. He has no idea why he follows Arthur’s horse into Odin’s territory aside from the fact that he’s never really been able to sit idly by and let Arthur endanger himself. While they’re waiting for Morgause to prepare the spell Arthur says that his father might be wrong about magic and Merlin’s heart nearly stops. Even with everything that happens next, he clings to that moment, holding it close to his chest like something fragile and precious. When they get back, Arthur goes straight to the throne room. By the time Merlin gets there he has his sword to Uther’s throat and looks ready to strike. “Arthur!” Merlin yells. “Don’t! I know you don't want to do this!” Arthur doesn’t turn around. “My mother is dead because of him!” “Killing your father won't bring her back.” Merlin’s never seen Arthur this angry, he has no idea if anything he says will even get through to him. “You've lost one parent. Do you really want to lose another?” “Listen to him Arthur.” Uther’s voice is low and wary, he’s looking like his son with something approaching fear. Merlin wants to tell him to shut up, that he’s not doing this for Uther but because he knows Arthur couldn’t live with himself after, but instead he says, “Arthur, please, put the sword down.” “You heard what my mother said! After everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live? He executes those who use magic, and yet he has used it himself! You have caused so much suffering and pain! I will put an end to that!” Merlin hears the faintest sound behind him, someone else coming in maybe, but he ignores it. He thinks about Morgana, the druids, the people he’s seen die since he came to Camelot. The ones he’s killed. And he thinks about Uther, frozen, staring at Merlin like he’s his last hope. “Morgause is lying!” The easy way out is to blame it on magic, to play into what Arthur’s already been fed his whole life. But the past few weeks— the moment in Morgause’s fortress… Merlin’s begun to let himself hope and he can’t bring himself to let that go yet. His eyes find Uther again and Merlin takes a shaky breath. He has to walk a delicate line here if he wants to avoid execution. “She was showing you an illusion. Everything...everything your mother said to you...those were Morgause's words.” Arthur wavers, almost imperceptibly. “You don’t know that.” “You said yourself that your mother died before you even opened your eyes. How can seeing you look up at her have been the happiest moment of her life?” No matter what Morgana says— no matter what Merlin says at times— Arthur’s not an idiot. His eyes glued to Arthur’s back, Merlin continues more gently, “I know, Arthur. I know you want answers and that you hoped Morgause could give them to you, but—” there are other people to ask, other ways to fix these wrongs… “But you can’t let yourself do this, you can’t let Morgause manipulate you.” Arthur is still staring at Uther. “Listen to him,” Uther’s voice is low and barely controlled, “he’s speaking the truth.” Arthur’s grip slackens, just barely, on the grip of his sword, and Uther takes the chance to shift back ever so slightly. “I swear on my life,” Uther continues, “I loved your mother. There isn’t a day passes that I don’t wish that she were still alive. I could never have done anything to hurt her.” Arthur drops his sword and backs away, all the tension and energy draining from him. He looks deflated, his armour seems to pull down on him in a way that Merlin’s never seen. Uther moves forward, but Arthur turns away from him. Merlin watches as Arthur walks from the hall without comment, brushing past Merlin like he’s not even there. Merlin looks from Uther to Gaius— who must have come in at some point. They’re looking at each other with some kind of unspoken communication, and they both glance at Merlin, who ducks his head and goes to follow Arthur. He finds Arthur in his room, staring out the window into the courtyard and rubbing his thumb over the ring he wears on his index finger. He doesn’t turn when Merlin enters the room, and Merlin hovers by the door wondering if he should make some noise to announce himself. Just as he’s about to, Arthur says, “Did you mean what you said back there?” His voice is flat and emotionless. “Did you mean what you said about your father possibly being wrong about magic?” Arthur turns his head, glancing at Merlin before turning back to the window. “Yes,” he says, in the same distant and hollow tone. “At the time I did.” “And what about now?” Arthur turns to face him properly then, crossing his arms over his chest. “I believe I asked you a question first, Merlin.” Merlin sighs, averting his eyes from Arthur’s gaze. “Everything I said in the hall… I meant.” “And what about the parts of it you did not say.” Merlin looks up at him. “My lord?” Arthur sighs. “Don’t pretend Merlin, the idiot act only really suits you for so long.” There’s the ghost of a joke in his tone, but for the most part his voice is still listless and deflated. Merlin forces himself to meet Arthur’s gaze. “I meant it when I said Morgause was lying. I don’t think that was really your mother, I think that Morgause was manipulating you, and I think that it was always her intention to sew discord between you and your father.” Merlin takes a deep breath. Arthur is still looking at him expectantly. “But,” Merlin lets the breath out slowly, “I also spoke to Gaius. And not everything Morgause’s illusion said to you was false. I don’t know all of it, but Uther did use magic to bring you into this world and your mother did die as a result.” Arthur looks like he’s been hit in the chest with a battering ram. He opens his mouth, then closes it, turning slowly away from Merlin and sinking into the chair behind his desk. Merlin doesn’t move. “Thank you,” Arthur says at last. “And… Thank you for not letting me do anything rash.” Merlin nods. “Yeah, of course.” Arthur looks up at him. “I will stop what he’s been doing. The burnings, the executions, the suffering… I’ll put an end to it as soon as I can.” Merlin feels something painfully close to real hope rise in his chest. “Really?” “Of course. My mother wouldn’t have wanted all this in her name, of that I am sure.” Despite himself, despite the amazing and unbelievable shot he has at letting himself believe something will change soon, Arthur’s words give Merlin pause. He opens his mouth, then thinks better of it. He nods again, biting his tongue. Arthur notices his hesitation. “What?” “Nothing. Is there anything else I can do for you sire?” “Out with it, Merlin. I thought you of all people would be happy.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Arthur sighs, “Nothing, Merlin, as usual. Stop avoiding the question.” Merlin hesitates. “I… really don’t think this is the sort of thing I can say, sire.” Arthur looks at him for a long time. “Well. In that case, you’re dismissed.” Merlin turns to go. “However,” Arthur adds, “I would like to say that— were I not in a position where I am beholden to my father’s laws— I would be encouraging anyone I trusted to speak their mind when it comes to matters on which I am ignorant.” “Well, if that were the case I’d say that if you’re able to see that there’s suffering, then that should be enough to stop it, it shouldn’t just be because of your mother.” He gives Arthur a small smile. “But, since it’s not the case I’ll just say that I’ll see you in the morning.” Arthur lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “Goodnight, Merlin.” Merlin doesn’t mention this conversation to Morgana. He doesn’t mention it to Gaius either, though every part of him wants to shout it from the rooftops. He doesn’t want to risk it, to get his hopes up and think that maybe Arthur could change his mind…. It’s better to keep it to himself. To keep it tucked away, something he can take out later and turn over, in the few quiet hours he gets to himself when he dares himself to consider the possibility of being free. He notices the bracelet at his next magic session with Morgana. It’s a broad metal band covered in an intricate design and he’s sure he’s never seen it anywhere before. “What’s that?” he asks as they clear up the unused sitting room they’re using this week. Morgana glances down at the bracelet, touching it with her other hand. “Oh…You remember Morgause?” “Yes…” Merlin says, immediately wary. “She gave it to me before she left. I don’t know what about me made he want to part with it, but I couldn’t be more glad she did.” Morgana smiles, running her thumb long the patterns in the metal. “It’s a healing bracelet,” she explains, “I haven’t needed the druid’s potion since I’ve started wearing it.” “Really?” Merlin looks at the designs more carefully, but he can’t glean anything from them. “Have you spoken with Gaius about it?” he asks, keeping his tone carefully light. “Or the druids?” Morgana frowns at him. “I spoke to Gaius briefly, but mostly because I wanted to see if he knew anything else about Morgause. I don’t see why I should speak to the druids, though. Obviously I’ll see them again, I was hoping to go in a few days actually, but… There’s no reason to seek them out just for this.” “Yeah,” Merlin nodded, “yeah, you’re probably right.” he looked down at the cloth he was using to wipe chalk off the table (the transmutation spell they’d been working on had needed a sigil). “Just— Well, we don’t know Morgause’s intentions, do we? I mean, she certainly wanted to manipulate Arthur.” “I don’t think she would have given me a healing bracelet if she meant me harm,” Morgana’s voices rises with disbelief. “Surely there are better ways.” “I’m not saying she was! I don’t know what she was trying to do, and maybe she did genuinely want to help you. All I’m saying is that we can’t be sure what her intentions were so we should probably be careful.” Morgana looks at him, brow creased and her eyes slightly narrowed. Merlin expects her to push back more, but instead she just sighs. “Well, I’ll ask the druids about it when I see them next, just to be sure. But I’m wearing it until then.” “Of course, anything that helps with your dreams.” Merlin busies himself with collecting the last of their supplies, gathering them in one of Gaius’s old medicine bags that he appropriated for the purpose. “Speaking of things your worried about…” Morgana says, brushing off her and hands and leaning back against the table. “Any more evidence for Arthur’s supposed insight into what we’ve been up to.” Merlin glances up at her and laughs awkwardly. “Uh, no,” he says looking back down. He thinks about their conversation about Ygraine and magic and adds, “I think you were probably right about that, after all. If Arthur wanted to let me know that he knew he’d be a lot more straightforward about it.” “Hm,” Morgana pushes herself off the table and follows Merlin as he starts towards the door. “Well, I told you there wasn’t anything to worry about, didn’t I?” “You also think that he assumed he thought we were courting and there hasn’t been much proof of that either,” Merlin points out. Morgana laughs, holding the door open for Merlin, then stepping through herself and shutting it behind them. “Merlin, he saw you bringing me flowers and he knows we’ve been meeting, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t give us both a threatening talk about our intentions soon.” “He wouldn’t really do that would he?” “Merlin…” Morgana says, like he’s being naïve and this is a very standard situation that anyone should expect to encounter. “Come on,” Merlin says, snorting, “it’s Arthur , he wouldn’t.” “Arthur wouldn’t what?” Gwen has just rounded the corner, carrying a large basket of sheets. Merlin looks to Morgana, mouth open. “Er…” Gwen looks at them, still smiling. “What?” She glances between them and leans back a bit with a knowing look. “Is this about your secret meetings?” “What? No.” Merlin laughs, hearing his voice rise, “Why would you— We’re not…” “You’ve been having them for several weeks and you’ve just clearly finished with one,” Gwen points out, shifting the basket’s weight to one arm. “I’m not going to tell on you!” she adds. “But you don’t have to pretend that’s not what’s happening.” Merlin’s mouth is still hanging open as to tries to figure out how to formulate a response to that. “We’ve nothing to hide,” Morgana sweeps in to save him, smiling, “Merlin and I have just started a book club, that’s all. Unfortunately, Arthur seems convinced it’s a cover for something much more scandalous.” Gwen looks confused for a second. “Oh!” Her eyes go wide. “But why— I mean, you’re both…” Morgana sighs. “Trust me Gwen, I know . But that’s Arthur for you.” “So what are you reading, then?” Gwen asked, looking to Merlin. “Oh, uh, a book,” Merlin says, “that… we got… from Gaius. Or, the recommendation was from Gaius, we got the book from Geoffrey.” Gwen nods, smiling at the babble coming out of Merlin’s mouth. “I see.” She looks down at her basket. “Well, I’ll let you get back to it then. I’ll see you in the morning, Morgana?” “Of course,” Morgana smiles. “Have a good night, Gwen.” Gwen nods again and continues past them down the hall. “Night!” Merlin calls out, delayed over his shoulder, and Gwen turns around a little and gives him a half-wave. Morgana turns to Merlin. “Well, I’m off to bed, Merlin. Try not to worry too much, alright? Gwen doesn’t suspect anything, why should anyone else. Although we many need to pick a specific book next time she asks.” Morgana goes to visit the druids again the same day that Arthur planned to take Merlin on a hunt. Merlin sees Morgana readying her horse as he and Arthur ride out of the courtyard, their horses laden with enough supplies for an overnight trip. He nods at her as they pass, and she gives him a broad smile. Normally Merlin’s at best indifferent to hunting, but this time he’s glad for the distraction, honestly. Glad to get out of the castle and stop worrying when being seen with Morgana will land him in trouble, or when someone will put the pieces together and figure out what’s really going on. It’s nice to ride quietly behind Arthur, to watch him shoot at wild fowl and rabbits and make the fire when he’s done. It feels refreshingly normal. Arthur doesn’t comment on his silence for once. He’s been quiet himself since Morgause’s visit and everything that came after. Not in a way that most people would notice, he still runs drills with the knights and bellows orders at the trainees the same as always, still gives reports on patrols and weighs in at council meetings… But there’s a different quality to him now, mostly around Uther. He’s always been careful with how he says things around his father, even if he wouldn’t have admitted it, but now there’s something more. Merlin couldn’t figure out what it was at first, but now he’s fairly sure that something in Arthur has given up on Uther. He’s still treating him as his king, but not as his father. Merlin pokes at the fire with a stick and glances up Arthur over it. He’s staring into the flames, his face blank aside from a slight crease on his forehead. “We should probably think about getting to be soon,” Merlin says. Arthur doesn’t look up from the flames. “You go ahead Merlin, I think I’ll stay here for a little while longer.” “Are you sure? I can stay, if you want.” “And why would I want that?” Arthur asks, finally looking up at Merlin. Merlin shrugs. “For company. Or conversation, if you want to talk.” “There’s nothing to talk about, Merlin.” Arthur sounds tired, wooden. Like whatever mask he’s been putting on has fallen, or maybe he’s just taken it off. “Well we don’t have to talk about anything important. We could talk about the hunt, or… the stew. Or nothing. Like I said, I’m fine just staying here for company.” Arthur looks up at him, really looking at him in a way that he rarely does. “I’ve been giving a lot of thought to what you said, Merlin. About… my mother, and… Well, I’ve been giving a lot of things you said some thought.” “You have?” “Don’t look so surprised, you do say insightful things on occasion.” “Well it’s less that than it is the notion of you thinking.” A grin barely cracks Arthur’s face. The next second it’s gone and Merlin’s not even sure he didn’t imagine it. “I don’t know what to do,” Arthur says after a long moment of silence. “I’ve spent so much of my life trying o live up to what my father want for me, and I’ve grateful for so much of what he’s taught me, but…” He absently plays with a stick he’s holding, rolling it slowly between his fingers. “I don’t know what to do with the thought that he’s wrong about so much.” “Well… you’ve always known you would do some things differently, didn’t you? When you’re king. You’ve said as much to me.” “Maybe. But…” Arthur leaned back, gesturing with the stick. “There’s a difference between disagreeing with how he approaches problems that I also see and… fundamentally taking issue with the very idea that sorc— that something he sees as a threat to the threat to the kingdom is even that. And it’s not just my mother, even before that…” he looks down. “Well, you know.” “Do you—” A knot starts to form in Merlin’s throat and he swallows. “Do you really mean that?” Arthur glances at him. He seems genuinely surprised at Merlin’s question. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.” He held Merlin’s gaze over the fire. The flames crackled between them in the otherwise silent forest. Arthur stood up suddenly. “Right. We should probably get some sleep. Put the fire out, will you?” “Merlin!” He’s barely been back at Camelot a day when Gwen catches his elbow as he’s walking back from unpacking Arthur’s things and pulls him into an alcove. “As soon as you’ve got a free moment, come to Morgana’s chambers? We have a… situation.” “Wait, Gwen, what’s—” But she was already hurrying off down the hallway. Merlin has no idea what to make of it, but he quickly drops his bag off in his room then run-walks through the halls to Morgana’s room. He knocks on the door and waits, catching his breath. “Who is it?” He cant tell if it’s Gwen or Morgana through the door. “Merlin,” he answer. “Er, Gwen said I should come?” The door swings inward and Morgana waves him inside with an exasperated look. “Really Gwen?” She says as Merlin follows her into the room. “There’s no need to worry Merlin over this.“ Gwen sighs. “I thought he should know. And I thought you might listen if there are two of us telling you to maybe be a bit more careful?” Morgana makes a deriesive nose in her throat. “It’s not as though there are guards after him this time, no one even knows he’s here.” “Wait, who’s here?” Merlin says, looking between the two of them. Morgana turns her head over her shoulder, “Mordred? You can come out now.” Merlin does a double take as Mordred, dressed in travelling clothes, steps out from behind one of Morgana’s curtains. “Hello Merlin,” he says, smiling. “What are you doing here?” Merlin faintly registers that this is the first time Mordred’s called him anything other than Emrys. “He followed me back from the druid camp last night.” Morgana moves around to stand next to Mordred, putting her hand one his shoulder. “I thought it was best to let him stay the night, he can go back this evening once it gets dark.” “How did he even get in?” Merlin asks incredulous. “Wait, the druids?” Gwen frowns at Morgana. “I thought you were at your father’s grave?” Morgana and Merlin look at each other, panicked. Morgana’s eyes are wide and the hand on Mordred’s shoulder tightens just a little. Merlin swallows. His mouth is dry. He opens it but he’s not sure what to say. “Morgana?” Gwen looks from one to the other of them “What is it? Why were you with the druids? Did— Did you go looking for Mordred?” “Gwen,” Merlin’s voice sounds rough when it comes out. He doesn’t break his stare with Morgana, trying to silently confirm he’s doing the right thing. “Can we trust you with something?” “Of course, anything, you know that.” Merlin swallows again. “No, Gwen, I mean really trust you.” He lets his gaze slip towards her, just barely towards where she’s standing. “This— This is the kind of thing that you won’t be able to tell anyone , and… and if anyone finds out you know you’d be in just as much danger as us.” “Of course, Merlin, I’d never say anything to put either of you in danger.” Merlin looks back at Morgana. She nods— just barely. Merlin’s not entirely sure it was even meant as a nod until she takes a deep breath and nods again. “Yes,” she says, her voice shaky. “I say we tell her.” Gwen’s looking at them, her brow furrowed and her mouth half open. Her arms are crossed and a few of her curls are coming loose from how she’s tied them back. She looks so like herself that Merlin realizes that he can’t speak, can’t open his mouth and say the words that will mean he never gets to see her look at her with anything other than disgust or fear or hatred. “We have magic.” Morgana’s standing with her shoulders squared and her chin held high. “Merlin and I. He’s been teaching me and the druids have been helping me with my nightmares.” Gwen looks stunned. “Oh.” She says, blinking. “I… How long?” “Which part?” Morgana asked. “Ah, all of it, I guess?” Gwen looks like she’s still digesting the information. “How long has Merlin been teaching you, how many times have you been to the druids…” “Just twice,” Morgana says. “Three times,” Mordred corrects her quietly. “Right, three. The two most recent times I said I was visiting my father’s grave, and then also when Uther thought I was kidnapped.” “I… think I need to sit down,” Gwen says slowly, turning and pulling out the chair from Morgana’s vanity. “What about you? How long…” she asks, looking at Merlin. “I was born with it,” Merlin says, finally finding his voice. “I’ve had magic for as long as I can remember, I can’t imagine not having it.” Gwen nods, still looking overwhelmed. “Perhaps you should explain everything form the beginning.” They do their best, starting with the fire in Morgana’s chambers and going through everything with the druids and their lessons. Mordred gets bored partway through and wanders over to the window. Here and there Merlin adds in a few things about what he’s done with his magic since coming to Camelot. Most of it is stuff he hasn’t told Morgana yet— she’s had surprisingly few questions about his magic beyond what spells he knows and how to do them, something he’s been quietly glad for since it means he can keep being vague about just how much power he has. Merlin doesn’t share anything big now. He mentions that Gaius knows, and the part his magic played in saving Arthur’s life when he first arrived in Camelot, and other than that he stays quiet. Gwen says quiet too, not asking questions, just listening to the explanation, her eyes downcast, one hand covering her chin and mouth. When they’re done, she takes a deep breath and looks up at them, expression unreadable. Then, suddenly, she surges to her feet, wrapping her arms around both of them at once and pulling them into her. Merlin brings his free arm up instinctively to return the gesture. He feels Morgana stiffen next to him in surprise, then slowly bring her arm up to embrace Gwen too. “Thank you for trusting me,” Gwen says over Merlin’s shoulder. She pulls back. “You didn’t have to, but I’m glad that you did. And I promise , I will do everything to be worthy of that trust. I won’t tell a soul.” Tears prick at Merlin’s eyes as a face-splitting grin spreads over his face. “Thank you, Gwen. Really. I— I can’t tell you how much that means to me.” Morgana nods. “Yes, thank you, Gwen. I’m sorry we had to keep it hidden from you.” “No, don’t be!” Gwen’s eyebrows shoot up. “Of course you’d want to keep this quiet, if the wrong person found out…” She trails off, biting her lip. She looks at Merlin “I do have one question, though.” “What is it?” “Your friend. In Ealdor.” Morgana inhales, realizing where she’s going. “Ohhh, of course. The sorcerer. The one who save Arthur’s life. What was his name again?” “Will.” Merlin hears Gwen’s voice at the same time as his, like a strange echo. He takes a deep breath. “What about him?” “Well, he was a sorcerer too, wasn’t he? Or was that just… Well, I was just wondering if he might have been covering up for you.” “No, uh…” Merlin looks down. “No. Will never had magic. He just…” He sees Will’s face as he lay on the ground, hears his final words. “He was protecting me. So that I could keep serving Arthur.” Gwen’s hand on his arm is warm and comforting. “I’m sorry. I know I didn’t know him long, but he seemed like a good friend.” “He was.” Merlin puts his hand on Gwen’s and gives it a quick squeeze. With a deep breath he looks up at Arthur. “You still need to tell us why Mordred’s here though.” “I told you, he followed me back from the druid camp. I didn’t see him do it, he found me in the stables while I was returning my horse so I brought him up to my rooms.” Mordred, realizing they’re speaking about him, leaves the window and comes over to them. “I have something to tell you and Morgana,” he tells Merlin, taking Morgana’s hand. “And I wanted to spend more time with her. She’s so busy with the elders when she visits, I don’t get to see her.” “Oh, Mordred.” Morgana kneels down next to him. “I can come earlier in the day if that would help? Or I could see if I can get out of the castle for a longer trip sometime. It’ll be easier now that I can talk to Gwen about it. Would you like that?” Mordred nods, beaming. “What was it you wanted to tell us?” Merlin asks him. “Oh, right.” Mordred looks at Gwen, then back to Merlin. I meant it to be just the two of you. “Anything you want to tell us you can tell her as well.” “Absolutely,” Morgana assures Mordred. “Gwen’s helped you before, remember? Besides, I’m not about to start lying to her after having just told her the everything.” Mordred looks directly at Merlin. But you haven’t told them everything, Emrys. A chill runs down Merlin’s spine. “I trust Gwen,” he says firmly, folding his arms. “So unless you’ve got a good reason to keep stalling just tell us what you’ve got to say.” “ Merlin ,” Morgana chastises him. “He’s a child.” Mordred doesn’t seem bothered by either Merlin’s tone or Morgana’s defence of him. Instead, he walked over to a chest by the wall and pushed himself on top of it, kicking his legs so that his heels bounced against the front. “A man came to the druid camp a few night ago, he wanted to talk with some of the grown ups and I don’t think he realized I was there but I heard what he said. He wanted to know if they’d help him break into Camelot.” “What?” Merlin takes a step forward. “Why?” “There’s a crystal.” Mordred stops kicking and leans forward. “In the vaults. Alvarr— the man— said that it’s from the Crystal Cave.” Merlin hears Morgana inhale sharply beside him and she moves a few steps closer. “They didn’t want to help him,” Mordred continues. “I don’t know if he’ll try without them, but I thought I should warn you in case he does. Also, maybe Morgana could go get it and use it for scrying.” “That’s amazing,” Morgana breathes. Merlin glances over at her to see that her eyes are wide and she’s regarding Mordred with rapt attention. “But wait,” Gwen stands up slowly, “if this is in the vaults there’s probably a good reason, it could be dangerous or be something that belongs to the royal family.” Morgana laughs. “Most of what’s in the vaults does’t belong to Uther any more than your purse belongs to a pickpocket. It’s mostly things he took during the Great Purge and perceived to have some value.” “Gwen does raise a good point though,” Merlin says slowly, looking at Mordred. “If someone wants it badly enough to break into Camelot it’s definitely got some power, and if the druids don’t want to help than I’m not sure it’s the kind of power we want to get involved with.” Mordred shrugs. “I don’t know why Alvarr wanted it, he didn’t say. But the druids don’t like to do anything that might get us in trouble with Camelot. The king’s been trying to wipe us out for years, he doesn’t need another reason.” The casual way he says the last part makes Merlin shudder. “What are these Crystal Caves?” He asks, to change the subject. “What’s so special about them?” “They’re a place of great magic,” Morgana answers. “The druids mentioned them the first time I went to see them. The crystals are powerful scrying tools, but not everyone can use them, and even if you can they’re a double-edged sword. Apparently a lot of people see things that they’d be better off not knowing.” Her eyes are still wide and her voice is eager. She leans in as she explains this in hushed awe and Merlin can’t help but feel that despite the content of what she’s saying Morgana would do anything to have a chance to use one of those crystals. “My friend Kara says that she walked by it once, but I think she’s lying,” Mordred tells them. “She grew up with our grove and I didn’t, but I still know that they didn’t go to the Valley of the Fallen Kings before I got there, and we haven’t since I joined so I don’t know when she would have gone.” “The Valley of the Fallen Kings?” Morgana asks him turning to face him again. “Is that where it is?” Merlin makes eye contact with Gwen. From her face, she seems to be having the same misgivings about Morgana’s enthusiasm as he is. Holding her eyes, he clears his throat. “Er. Well, thanks for telling us about this, Mordred, it’s great information to have, really helpful, thanks again. Do you mind if I just talk to Morgana for a second?” Mordred shrugs, noncommittally. Morgana gives Merlin a confused look, but doesn’t protest as Merlin leads her and Gwen into the hallway outside of Morgana’s rooms. As soon as he’s checked that the coast is clear, Merlin rounds on Morgana. “We are not breaking into the vaults.” “What?” Morgana says on a burst of surprised half-laughter. “Why would you even suggest that.” “Because Mordred came here to specifically tell you about something valuable in the vaults? Something that you seem way too interested in getting at despite the fact that it’s apparently got incredibly volatile magic and is being held in one of the more closely guarded parts of the kingdom?” “Merlin’s right,” Gwen agrees. “The important part of what Mordred had to say was the fact that someone might be trying to break into the citadel. I don’t think he realized that, but it is, and both of you seem more interested in the crystal itself.” “Aren’t you?” She directs it more at Merlin than at Gwen. “Something that powerful— something that important, it shouldn’t be in Uther’s hands. It belongs with people who will actually appreciate it.” “And who’s that? The druids? Or you ." Morgana lowers her chin, glowering at him. He’s clearly struck a nerve, but Merlin holds firm, matching her gaze with a glare of his own. “The Old Religion—” Morgana starts. “And what would you know about that? You’ve spoken with the druids, what, twice? And now you’re suddenly an expert?” “And what would you know about it,” Morgana hisses, leaning in. “You haven’t even been once —” “Enough!” Gwen exclaims, holding her hands up between them. “Stop it. Both of you. The druids aren’t interested in helping with whatever Alvarr’s plan is, and it’s far too dangerous for us to try to get into the vaults on our own. Either we tell Arthur that there’s a risk that someone will try to steal something from the vaults or we come up with a new plan.” She gives them both a stern look. Merlin gulps. “Alright?” Merlin nods jerkily and Morgana looks away, muttering her assent. Gwen crosses her arms and takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Good.” She uncrosses her arms and lets them drop by her sides. “Now, what do we need to do?” “Well,” Merlin starts cautiously, looking at Morgana as he does. She’s still looking at the ground, her arms folded protectively over her chest. Merlin takes a deep breath and continues, “We don’t even know if Alvarr will still try without the druids’ help. I think the first think to do is work out what he’s up to, get more information.” “And?” Gwen prompts. “How do we do that?” “Well—” Merlin licks his lips. He catches Morgana’s eyes, almost smiling. “I do have one idea.” Morgana uncrosses her arms slowly and looks up at him, frowning. “What?” “Scrying.” Morgana inhales, leaning back barely. “I haven’t tried yet, the druids say I should focus on controlling my dreams first.” “You can still do it though,” Merlin takes a half step forward, newly enthused, his annoyance all but forgotten. “You’re a seer, and you said they’ve talked to you about different methods.” A smile spreads it way across Morgana’s face, tugging at one corner before taking hold of the rest of her mouth. “Alright. Yes, let’s try.” She takes a deep breath and straightens up. “We’ll need to get supplies together— a mirror, and a basin of water.” Gwen nods. “Good, we can get those no problem.” “And it wouldn’t hurt to have some herbs that help with focusing things. And some kind of crystal — just a normal kind I mean, if Gaius has it.” Morgana looks at Merlin. “If I give you a list could you get everything together?” “Yeah, just tell me what you need.” Morgana smiles again and takes a deep breath in. She’s more energized, lit up in a way Merlin recognizes instantly because it looks exactly like how he feels when he gets the chance to really use in his magic. Morgana may have some skill at spells, but it’s not innate in the same way it is to Merlin, not like this is. She’s in her element here in a way she’s never been with spell craft. Merlin smiles in spite of himself. “When are we doing this?” he asks. “Tomorrow,” Morgana says. “I’ll make sure Mordred gets out of the castle safely tonight, you two work on getting what we need. We’ll meet in the empty guest room in the third floor western corridor.” “Alright.” Gwen nods, a look of determination on her face. Merlin feels a swell of appreciation for her and how quickly she’s taken all of this in stride. He gives her a warm smile, then looks to Morgana. “It’s a plan.” The list Morgana gives him is mostly easy enough to acquire. Gaius’s store of herbs is well stocked enough to accommodate Merlin taking portions of all the ones he needs, and the two that he doesn’t have both grow close enough to the castle that it won’t take him more than half an hour to collect them and get back to the castle. He asks Gaius about crystals as casually as he can. Which is to say that he spends about ten minutes coming up with a good story for how he was looking for a scroll for Arthur in the library and happened to come across another that mentioned different rock formations and did Gaius have any crystals he could look at? Only for Gaius to cut off his rambling recitation of it about ten seconds in and ask what he was after. Gaius just sighs when Merlin tells him, and disappears up into the balcony for a few minutes, coming back with a soft cloth bag that clinks slightly as he hands it over. “That’s got a couple different sorts. Amethyst, quartz, selenite… There might be some agate left, but it’s been a while since I checked. I used to use them for making totems, but there’s nothing innately magical about them. Now,” he raises one eyebrow at Merlin, folding his hands in front of him, “are you going to tell me what you want them for?” “Oh, uh, you know…” Merlin glances up from the bag with a shrug. “I’ll get these back to you as soon as I’m done with them, alright?” Gaius’s eyebrow lifts a little higher, but he does’t say anything. Instead he sighs, turning towards his work bench. “Just be careful, will you?” “Of course,” Merlin assures him, tucking the bag into his pocket and heading towards the door. “I’ve got to go run an errand for Arthur, alright? I’ll see you later.” The lower town is busy in the same way it always in the late afternoons, and Merlin in able to slip through the crowds without anyone taking notice of him. The crowds thins out as he gets closer the gates, but Merlin doesn’t bother distracting the guards. He goes out for herbs often enough and he’ll be back soon enough with clear evidence of what he’s been doing that he’s not worried about what they’ll think. He finds patches of the last two herbs on Morgana’s list quickly enough, and grabs a couple handfuls of each before turning around to trek back across the open field between the castle and the woods. The sun is shining from behind Camelot towards him as he walks, and Merlin squints a bit as he looks at the way in front of him. It’s a gorgeous day. It’s gorgeous in a way that feels at odds with everything that’s been swirling in Merlin’s head the past couple weeks, and especially everything in the past few days. It feels like a glorious late summer afternoon that could stretch on for ages without anything pressing or urgent to do. The kind of day he’d spend with Will, down by the river that flowed by Ealdor, or that he and Gwen would take advantage of, skive off their duties and go for a walk in the woods. Or even a day when he’d watch Arthur training, clapping when he does well and joking with him when he comes for a new weapon or needs his armour adjusted. It doesn’t feel like a day when anything terrible would happen, but then again neither did the day he arrived in Camelot. Merlin drops his eyes to avoid the sun’s glare. Instead, he watches his boots flattening the bright grass as he walks. The grass gives way to the dirt road, which in turn gives way to cobblestone when he reaches the gates The bright warmth of the sun on his hair and shoulders is replaced by intermittent cool shadows from the buildings of Camelot. Merlin keeps his head down anyway, in thought more than anything else, and counts on the crowds to part for him. Rounding the last corner before the courtyard, he nearly crashes into Arthur. “Merlin.” Arthur seems amused rather than put out. “There you are.” “Arthur. What are you doing here?” “Well, you disappeared as soon as we got back to Camelot and no one’s seen Morgana since last night, I thought it might be a good idea to find where exactly you’d both disappeared to.” “Morgana’s in her room.” Merlin realizes what he’s said and adds quickly, “I mean, that’s where I’d look, if I were you. And that’s where Gwen said she was when I talked to her earlier, so there’s no reason to think she’d be with me.” “Yes, I found that out quite easily by knocking on her door,” Arthur tells him. “But strangely enough no one could tell me where my manservant had gone off to aside that he’d been seen heading toward the lower time.” He cocks his head to one side, leaving the question implied. “I was collecting herbs for Gaius. See?” Merlin lifts up his hand. “Herbs.” Arthur nods. “I see that.” There’s a beat of silence. Merlin shifts his weight awkwardly, unsure of what Arthur wants. “Did you need something, sire?” “There have been rumours…” Arthur says slowly. “About a druid in the lower town. You haven’t heard anything about that have you?” “No,” Merlin answers, his blood going cold. “Why?” “No reason.” Arthur turns back towards the palace. “Come on, I need your help getting ready for dinner.” Merlin could swear his heartbeat is loud enough for Arthur to hear as he follows him back into the palace. With the excuse of dropping the herbs off for Gaius, he stops off in his own chambers and takes several long slowly breaths, steadying himself before going to Arthur’s rooms. By the time he’s finished dressing him and they get to the dining hall, a good part of Merlin’s fear has been supplanted by annoyance at Morgana. She’s not at dinner, and Merlin can only hope she and Gwen are using this chance to get Mordred safely out of the city, but really, what was she thinking letting him stay this long to begin with. Arthur notices Merlin’s mood, or seems to at least, even if he doesn’t say anything. He just gives Merlin a questioning look as he refills his goblet. “You wouldn’t know why Morgana’s been in her room all day, would you?” he asks Merlin once they’re back in Arthur’s chambers. “Gwen was a little scarce on details.” “What?” Merlin looks up from the wardrobe. “Oh. It’s, uh, it’s fine.” He takes out Arthur’s night shirt and closes the wardrobe door. “Nothing to be worried about.” “Right…” Arthur folds the doublet he was wearing over the back of a chair and looks at Merlin. “You’d tell if it were, wouldn’t you? Not—” he pauses, “I wouldn’t need the details , just… if there was anything that I should know about, so I could do something…” “Yeah of course,” Merlin assures him. “It’s fine really, I think she just think she needed a day for herself.” He can’t remember when it became second nature for the first thing out of his mouth to be a lie, but it come out easily now. So smoothly that it might as well be second nature. “Good.” Arthur takes the night shirt from Merlin and disappears behind his screen. Merlin drifts over to Arthur’s desk, straightening up a bit. He glances out the window and does a double take. Two figures are moving across the middle of the courtyard, wearing long cloaks and pushing a wheelbarrow with a large barrel on it. Merlin moves around the desk, coming closer and craning his head for a better view. The figure on the right’s hood is down and in the bright moonlight it’s clearly Morgana. Going by height and build, the second figure could very easily be Gwen. Merlin groans in exasperation. “What was that?” Arthur asks from behind the screen. “What was what?” Merlin calls back. Gwen and Morgana are now struggling to lift the barrel onto a large cart loaded with them. Arthur comes out from behind the screen, the shirt he was wearing balled up in hand. “You made a noise, I don’t know.” A man emerges from the palace, walking towards the cart. Gwen notices him and says something to Morgana. They move hurriedly, shoving the barrel up onto the cart. “What is it?” Arthur walks toward Merlin. “Nothing.” Merlin spins around, blocking as much of the window as he can with his body. Arthur rolls his eyes and pushed past him. After looking out he sighs. “You really know how to make everything seem suspicious don’t you.” Merlin looks back out the window. Morgana and Gwen are nowhere in sight. The man has mounted the cart, and it’s slowly trundling towards the gate. “It’s just some supplies for the outlying villages to the south,” Arthur says, shoving the shirt into Merlin’s hands and walking towards his bed. “Get some sleep.” “Alright,” Merlin lets out a heavy sigh as he lets the door shut behind him, collapsing against it once it has. “Are we ready to get started?” Gwen looks up front the table where she and Morgana have laid out two bowls— one of water and one of wine, next to two empty pitchers— and a midsized oval mirror. “Are you alright?” Merlin shrugs. He unslings Gaius’s old physician’s bag and drops it onto the table. “Just tired, I didn’t sleep very well.” He ommits the fact that he was kept up by concerns about what might happen if it turned out Alvarr was still trying to get into the vaults— he doesn’t need to start that conversation with Morgana again. Opening the bag, Merlin starts tossing bundles of herbs onto the table. “And I thought I heard someone following me on my way here, so I took a detour up two extra floors… Don’t worry!” he adds as Morgans looks up sharply. “I didn’t see anyone and I didn’t hear anything else after, I think I’m just nervous.” “Are you sure?” Morgana leans towards him. “If someone catches us—" “I’m sure.” Merlin takes out Gaius’s crystals, setting them each deliberately not he table so they’re lined up in a neat row and doesn’t mention what a poor job she and Gwen did being cautious the night before. “Good.” Morgana visibly relaxes and Merlin tries to remind himself that she’s probably just as scared as he is of being caught, even if her perspective on living with that fear is warped by the privileges granted to a king’s ward. Gwen looks over the table, then up and Morgana and Merlin. “Should we start then?” “Yes.” Morgana nods, he eyes scanning the items before her. “I think I’ll try the water first. That’s supposed to be the easiest.” She lowers herself into a chair and pulls the bowl towards her. “Gwen — could you pull the curtains closed if you don’t mind?” Gwen starts to move to do that, when there’s a faint knock at the door. They all freeze, staring at it. It starts to creak inward and Gwen reacts immediately, grabbing one of the pitchers from the table as surging forward. She swings it, hard, and in the second before it connects with the person coming through the door Merlin realizes that it’s Arthur. The pitcher strikes him squarely across the top of his head and he crumples forward onto the the floor. Gwen drops the pitcher in shock, her hands flying to her mouth. “Gwen!” Merlin stares at her, at a loss for words. “Wh— I— I mean, what was that?” “I’m sorry!” Gwen says, hands still covering her mouth while she stares at Arthur on the floor. “I panicked, I didn’t even realize it was Arthur, I just wanted to stop whoever it was from realizing what you were doing, and I…” She looks up at Merlin, moving her clasped hands to just under her chin. “Do you think he’ll be alright?” “He’ll be fine, Gwen,” Morgana assures her. “I don’t know, I think I hit him too hard….” She looks back down at Arthur’s sprawled form. in a whisper she asks. “What are we going to do?” “We could wipe his memory?” Merlin suggests. Morgana’s eyes light up. “Is there actually a spell that can do that?” “We’re not wiping Arthur’s memory!” Gwen’s voice is high, almost shrill. Merlin holds up his hands defensively. “I wasn’t serious!” Morgana sniffs. “Pity.” On the floor, Arthur makes a groaning sound. They all jump, their heads whipping in his direction. “Alright, let’s just… stay calm,” Merlin says, deeply aware of how un-calm his own voice sounds. “Morgana, you clear up the mirror and the amethyst and all of that, Gwen—” Merlin’s cut off by another groan from Arthur. He stirs, then sits up laboriously, rubbing his head where Gwen hit him. His eyes find Merlin first. “What on Earth made you do that?” “It wasn’t me!” Merlin says automatically. “I don’t care who it was,” Arthur rolls his eyes as he pushes himself to his feet, anger mounting in his voice. “I just want to know why it happened!” “Look, Arthur, if you don’t want to be knocked out you should’t go around opening random doors.” “I’m the prince ,” Arthur says, staring at Merlin like he’s lost his mind, “I’m perfectly within my rights to go wherever I want. And besides, I was actually trying to help you.” Merlin freezes. “Help us with what?” “With… this,” Arthur waves his hand vaguely towards where Morgana is standing in front of the worst of the scrying supplies. “With whatever magic nonsense that’s got you running around half of last nigh midnight and the guards telling me there are rumours of a druid in the city.” Merlin’s brain stops. He’s fairly certain he’s staring at Arthur for approximately a thousand years before he finally manages to splutter out. “Magic? I— No, why— It’s, I mean, we’re— Why would you think that it’s magic?” Arthur rolls his eyes in exasperation. “Because, Merlin , why else would my secretly magic servant and the king’s secretly magic ward be whispering in hallways and holding poorly-concealed clandestine meetings?” “You knew ?” “Yes you clotpole, of course I knew .” “That’s my word!” "I can’t believe that’s what you’re choosing to focus on right now!” They’re shouting at each other by now, Gwen and Morgana’s eyes bouncing between them like spectators at a tournament. “Maybe—” Gwen starts, but Morgana shushes her, putting a hand on her arm. “No, don’t, I want to see where this goes.” “How— I mean—” Merlin splutters. “ You knew ?” he ends up repeating indignantly. “Yes, I did, I thought I’d made that perfectly clear ages ago, but apparently you’re a lot denser than I gave you credit for!” “Made it—” Merlin fully turns around and walks away from Arthur before spinning back to face him and coming closer. “I knew it. I knew you’d figured something out. I told Gaius and Morgana and Gwen and none of them believed me. How long have you known? Since Cornelius Sigan? Hm? Since Ealdor? Or— Oh, gods… Have you known since I got here? Was it stopping Lady Helen? Or the Afanc?” “What— ” Arthur starts. “How often do you use magic in front of me? Wait,” he waves it off. “That’s not important. I figured it out shortly before I asked you to help Morgana. I saw you use a spell to light my fire.” “When?” “About a month and a half ago. Just after the last tournament. The one with, er,” he looks over at Morgana, “Sir William.” “Why didn’t you turn me in?” “Do you want me to have turned you in?” “No,” Merlin answers. “But I always thought that if you knew I had magic you’d have me hanged.” Arthur considers this, averting his gaze from Merlin. “I don’t know what I would have done. Maybe, a year ago— or even a few months— I’d have done something different, but…” he looks up at Merlin again, “I see you every day, Merlin, I know you… You may be the worst servant in the world, Merlin, but you’re not evil. Besides,” he adds, looking somewhat uncomfortable with his own honesty, “a sorcerer saved my life, and died to do it. I didn’t forget that.” “Will wasn’t a sorcerer.” Merlin’s not sure why this is what he answers with, why of all the things that have come out of Arthur’s mouth in the last few minutes the fact that he’s still in the dark about Will is what Merlin most needs to address, but whatever the reason is, Merlin suddenly very badly needs Arthur to know the truth. “He— He lied. To protect me, to make sure that I could stay by your side.” Arthur takes this information in, nodding slowly. “Well. Thank you, then.” Merlin smiles in spite of himself. “You might want to hold off on thanking me until you hear about all the other times, if you thank me after each one we’ll be here all day.” Arthur frowns, pulling his head back. “I… definitely want an explanation of that, but I think it might have to wait until we’ve got less to worry about.” “That’s a good idea,” Merlin confirms, his smile widening. He feels like a weight has lifted off his chest, like a tension constantly coiled up inside him has finally been released and he’s allowed to breath properly since for the first time since he set foot in Camelot. “So you’re really not going to turn us in,” he asks Arthur, feeling a little giddy. “No. I’m not. I have no intentions of seeing anyone executed.” Morgana takes a step forward, bringing her hands together. “Well. Now that this is all out of the way, do you think we could get back to more pressing matters?” Arthur frowns. “Morgana… You’re not going to tell me you knew I’d figured you out?” “No of course not,” Morgana says breezily, “I was sure you thought that Merlin and I were conducting a romantic liaison.” “Morgana,” Arthur blinks slowly, “ why would I think that? I’ve never seen you be attracted to a man in your life!” “Nor will you,” Morgana replied smoothy. “But I could hardly expect you to have realized that, could I?” “When I asked if you fancied Lord Albans’ son you laughed in my face and told me that you couldn’t begin to imagine finding him appealing even if I clearly did, I think I got the message.” “Alright!” Gwen moves forward, preempting Morgana’s response. “This has been great, and Arthur I am genuinely very glad that you don’t intend to throw us all in the dungeons or worse, but Morgana brings up a very good point. There’ll be plenty of time to talk about all this after we’ve taken care of figuring out what Alvarr’s up to?” Arthur nods, immediately swiping into knight mode. “Alright, fill me in, what are you trying to do?” “Someone's going to try and break into the vaults,” Gwen tells him. “Or at least they might , we want to try and get there first.” “How’d you find out about this?” Gwen hesitates, looking to Morgana. “From a source that shall remain anonymous.” Morgana says. Arthur sighs. “ Morgana —” Merlin steps forward, “Morgana, if we're trusting him, then we’re trusting him with all of it.” Morgana sighs. “Fine. You remember the druid boy?” The explanation is quick. They don't linger on the finer points, just give Arthur the facts. When they’re done, Arthur pulls one hand down his face, rubbing his jaw. “Alright. So this... scrying, this is supposed to tell you what Alvarr and his people are doing?” “That's right.” Morgana nods. “Alright.” Arthur starts pacing, running his thumb over the ring on his left index finger as he does. "Alright," he repeats after a moment, “And it will be accurate?” “If we can make sure that it works, yeah.” Merlin watches Arthur nod along as he walks back and forth. “We should be able to see what he’s doing at this moment, and possibly a glimpse into the future. Although—” his eyes dart to Morgana and he chooses his words carefully. “Er, no one can know for certain what's ahead. It’s always possible for the future seen with magic to be... inaccurate.” They're all silent while Arthur paces, his brow furrowed in thought. Finally, he stops, pivoting to look at them. “Right,” he says, one arm crossed over his chest, the other hand curled under his chin. His thumb is still rubbing over the ring, and Merlin realizes that he’s much more nervous than he’s letting on. “Here’s what we're going to do. Get this whole... thing , set up and find out as much as you can. In the meantime, I'll tell the guards to be on the look out for Alvarr— or, well. A man of the closest description I can give them within reason. What I won’t do,” he scans along the three of them, holding their eyes, “is post any extra guards in the vaults or tell anyone else what Alvarr might be after.” “Why?” Morgana asks. “If he's still planning on heading here then wouldn't it make more sense that as many people as possible know about it?” “Not necessarily, if Arthur gives them too much information then they’ll have questions about how he knows, or it’ll get back to Uther.” She looks at Arthur. “That's why isn’t it?” “Partially.” Arthur nods. Gwen frowns. “But not entirely?” Morgana’s expression matches Gwen's as her eyes search Arthur’s face. “Then why is it?" “Because,” Arthur unfolds his arms, putting his hands on his hips, “if Alvarr really is still planning on coming to Camelot we have to assume that he'll be able to make it past the guards, and if that’s the case then we're going to want the way clear.” “But why?” Gwen asks, still looking confused. Merlin answers for him. “We’re going to break into the vaults.” The corridors that lead to the vaults are dark. Merlin stays close behind Arthur and hopes that whatever he’s done to get rid of the guards worked. Morgana and Gwen walk close behind him, silently peeling off to stay at the door while he and Arthur continue into the vaults proper. The key makes a grinding sound in the lock as Arthur turns it, and the heavy door creaks on its hinges, making Merlin wince. Arthur pauses, waiting for a moment before he pushes the door the rest of the way and keeps moving. It hadn’t taken long, considering all the trouble they went through on account of it, for Morgana to successfully find Alvarr and his people through scrying and report that they were, in fact, still planning to break into the vaults. It still took Morgana a few tries, first in the water, then the wine, before she finally successfully managed it with the mirror. Merlin knew the moment it happened, her eyes glowed a bright gold and stayed that way as she stared intently into the glass. Arthur and Gwen both tensed slightly, and Arthur actually pulled back in his seat when it happened. He caught himself, his eyes shooting to Merlin as he let out a slow breath and leant slightly forward again. Merlin had resolutely kept his focus on Morgana, pretending he didn’t notice. Part of him is annoyed— Arthur’s had weeks to get used to the idea of magic, he should have at least made it far enough to pretend he isn’t terrified of them. Gwen’s had far less time and she’s managing to do more than he is, even if Merlin can tell she’s still adjusting to being so near magic. Another part, one that’s far quieter but just as insistent, is reminding him that Arthur’s spent over two decades being fed Uther’s hatred. It’ll probably take time, and more than a few gentle corrections (and if need be not so gentle ones) before he’s fully accustomed to being in the presence of sorcery. And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Arthur is going to get used to sorcery. Because Arthur knows . He has known for weeks, he found out from something Merlin can’t even remember and didn’t turn him in. By all rights Merlin should be dead. He’ll have to talk to Arthur. At some point— after they’ve sorted out everything with the vault and Alvarr and it’s all over… He and Arthur will have to talk. Merlin almost sighs audibly, anticipating it. He can’t even begin to think about that inevitability, let alone what he’s going to say, so he pushes all of it— Arthur knowing, not being dead, their inevitable need to talk— to the back of his mind. He can deal with that later. Merlin shakes himself, keeping his attention glued to the dark fabric of Arthur’s jacket as he follows him deeper into the vaults. There’s no clear organization system. At least, none that Merlin can see in the dim light of the torch that he’s carrying (that Arthur watched him light with magic, and wow is he really trying not to unpack the look on Arthur’s face when that happened). Arthur’s moving through the crypt seemingly undirected, looking over this or that, and Merlin realizes it’s going to take them forever at this rate. He stands still and closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. “ Merlin ,” Arthur hisses in front of him, “what do you think your doing?” Merlin ignores him. He can feel a kind of static energy in the air, like the air before a lightning strike, making the hair on his arms stand up slightly. He takes another breath, frowning slightly and trying to see if he can— yes. Merlin opens his eyes and looks at Arthur. “We need to go that way,” he tells him, pointing. “What?” “You heard me,” Merlin walks passes him, moving purposefully. Arthur has to run a bit to catch up with him. “Merlin, are you going to—” They round a corner and Arthur stops like he’s just hit a wall. On a small pedestal in front of them is a cloudy white crystal, cradled in a dull cushion. It’s shining unnaturally brightly in the faint light of the torch and Merlin can’t take his eyes off it. It seems like there’s something moving on the surface. A reflection of the torch flames, maybe. Holding his breath, Merlin takes a few steps closer. The moving shapes solidify, becoming a flashing sequence of images, he sees Morgana, Mordred, the two of them meeting in the woods. Then a man and a he doesn’t recognize, both holding swords… Morgana’s eyes flashing gold, Gwen and Arthur lying on the hallway floor, Morgana holding out the crystal to the man, Morgause cradling Morgana’s crumpled body in the middle of the throne room, flames, Kilgharrah swooping over the castle, flames, flames, flames— “Merlin!” Something hard collides with the back of his shoulder and he’s knocked sideways, breaking him out of his trance. Arthur his staring at him, tensed, and Merlin shakes himself. “Come on,” Arthur urges him. “Grab that and let’s get out of here.” It’s only then that Merlin hears the alarm bells. “What’s happening?” “I don’t know ,” Arthur says, teeth clenched, “but since we don’t have any prisoners at the moments, presumably someone’s made it past the guards, so we need to go. Now .” Merlin snatches the crystal off the cushion and turns, running with Arthur towards the exit. They’ve almost made it to the door when they’re both knocked forward onto their faces, winding Merlin and sending the crystal flying into the shadows beyond the door. Someone pulls him roughly to his feet, and Merlin feels a blade at his throat. Out of the corner of his eye, Merlin can see Arthur, arms pinned behind him. “Well.” He hears from behind him, and a man emerges from the shadows, his teeth bared in a sinister grin. “It seems like we were expected.” “Alvarr, I assume?” Merlin asks, trying to keep his tone measured. The man quirks an eyebrow. “Very expected, it seems.” “Where are our friends?” Merlin asks. “Merlin,” Arthur mutters, warning. Alvarr smirks. “Enmyria,” he calls out. A woman— Merlin realizes that she was the one in he saw in the crystal— comes into view with another man, leading Gwen and Morgana before her. At the edge of the light fromt he torch, Morgana stumbles, falling to her hands and knees and staying there for a moment before the man hauls her roughly up again. “I’m so sorry,” Gwen starts as soon as she sees them, “we were going to signal but they ambushed us and we couldn’t—” Enmyria shoves her. “Quiet.” She looks to Alvarr. “What do you want us to do with them?” Alvarr looks over the four of them, considering. Morgana’s eyes search out Merlin’s in the semi-darkness, and she widens them, trying to signal something to him. Merlin frowns at her. “Unless I’m mistaken we’ve got two very important people in our welcoming party. Your highness,” he smiles, inclining his head just barely to Arthur. Morgana widens her eyes again and flicks them down, toward where her hands are bound in front of her. Merlin follows her gaze and realizes there’s a glint of something between her fingers, mostly obscured by her long sleeves. Alvarr turns around slowly to where Morgana and Gwen are standing, smile widening. “And the Lady Morgana.” Morgana jumps, and whips her head up to look at him. “You know… a little bird tells me that you’d have good reason to be sympathetic to our cause.” “A little bird?” Morgana arches one eyebrow, tone incredulous, mocking even. “How mysterious.” Alvarr snorts, unaffected he takes a step closer to her. “Don’t try to tell me you have no reason to disagree with Uther’s rule. Nothing in the laws that you would change?” “Morgana,” Merlin starts, “Don’t lis—” the man holding him tugs roughly on his hair and presses the blade a little harder against the flesh of Merlin’s neck. “Shut up,” he hisses. His breath is hot against Merlin’s ear. Morgana swallows and holds her head up higher. “And what if there were? What use would it be to you?” Alvarr takes another step forward. “I could use someone like you. Someone with… influence. In the palace, with Uther.” Morgana’s hand twitches and Merlin feels his blood freeze. The image of Morgana passing the crystal flashes in front of his eyes. “All you have to do,” Alvarr’s smile is all teeth, glinting softly in the torch’s light, “is help me find what I’m looking for.” “Alright.” Morgana nods, taking a step forward. “Let me go and I’ll get it to you.” “No!” Merlin cries, surging forward. “It’s for the best Merlin.” Morgana says as the man holding her roughly cuts the rope binding her wrists. “Morgana,” Gwen starts, looking dismayed, “you can’t honestly—” Enmyria shoves her again, cutting her off. “It’s the right thing to do, Gwen,” Morgana tells her. She takes another step towards Alvarr, holding out her hand, showing him the crystal. His eyes go wide. “You already have—” In the next second, Morgana’s kneed him— hard— in the solar plexus and twisted around, pulling the sword from the belt of the man holding her and bringing the hilt down on Alvarr’s head. Beside Merlin, Arthur uses the moment of confusion to kick backward at the man holding him. He swings a punch across his face, so he drops his sword, then grabs it off the ground, levelling it at the bandit holding Merlin. “Release him.” The sword at Merlin’s throat clatters to the ground. Meanwhile, Morgana has tossed the sword she took to Gwen, whose fighting Enmyria with her hands still bound. Morgana takes the sword from Alvarr’s unconscious body, knocking out the man who had been holding her the same way she did Alvarr. Gwen disarms Enmyria in a sweeping, circular strike, and holds the blade out to her throat, adjusting her hands on the hilt. “What now?” She asks, looking to Arthur, his own sword still held to the side of the other bandit’s throat. Merlin smiles, stepping forward and extending his hands. “Let me.” A second later, Enmyria and the two conscious bandits fly backward, crashing into the walls and crumpling to the ground. Gwen, Morgana, and Arthur all stare at him for a moment, their faces bearing varying degrees of shock and interest. Morgana breaks the silence. “Can you teach me that spell?” “Later maybe. I—” Merlin breaks off at the sound of approaching footsteps. They all look at each other, eyes wide. “Run.” Arthur says immediately. “All of you. I’ll come up with something to tell them. Here.” He moves over to Gwen, cutting the ropes still holding her wrists. “Now go. Quickly.” He doesn’t need to tell them again. “I don’t understand it.” Merlin was seated across the table from Gaius, his half eaten stew slowly cooling in the bowl in front of him. He poked at the chunks of meat and vegetable and then let the spoon drop, sitting up straighter as he worked through what he was trying to say. “I saw it, Morgana gave the crystal to Alvarr, he had it. If the crystal really is that powerful why would it have been wrong?” “I don’t know.” Gaius paused in eating his own stew, resting his hands on the table in front of him and interlacing his fingers. “I can’t say that I know enough about the crystal, or even Seeing in general to say why what you saw would now have come to pass. Perhaps what it shows is not what will happen but merely what might. Maybe something you did prevented it.” Merlin shakes his head. “I don’t know…” He pokes at his stew again, thinking. “Where is the crystal now?” Gaius asks. “Morgana still has it,” Merlin responds. “We’ve agreed to give it to the druids, though, I’m going tomorrow. Even if they don’t want it, they’ll have some idea what to do with it and I trust them to take care of it more than I do anyone else. It certainly shouldn’t still be in the vaults of Camelot.” “Hmm,” Gaius hums, looking down at his stew again. Merlin’s not sure whether to take that as an agreement or just an acknowledgement of what he’s said. “Come on, eat your dinner before it gets cold,” Gaius says after a moment. “There’s plenty of time to think it over later.” Merlin knocks on Morgana’s door the next morning. She opens it and lets him in, crossing to her vanity and taking the crystal out of the drawer without question. “Here,” she says, holding it out to him. He takes it, careful not to look directly at the smooth surface. “Thanks,” Merlin forces a small smile. “Have you looked in it?” Morgana shakes her head. “No. It tried, but it was just murky. I couldn’t see anything more than shadows.” Merlin nods, turning the crystal over in his hand. He looks up at Morgana. “Can I… ask you something?” “What is it?” “Did you think about doing it? About giving” Morgana looks surprised at the question. “No. How could I have?” “I wouldn’t blame you. I don’t think he would have actually followed through on any of what he was saying, or even if he did it probably wouldn’t be in any way that was actually fair and effective but—” Merlin stops himself. He takes a deep breath. “But I can see being tempted by what he offered.” Morgana hesitates, her eyes flick away from Merlin’s face and one hand comes up to hold her other arm. “For a moment.” Her voice is barely even a whisper and Merlin feels the ghost of another world pass over him. A world where she was more angry, or where he was more scared, where any number of small things went differently and she had actually made the choice to turn her back on them. She looks up at him again, her eyes wide and apologetic. “I— Merlin, I never would have done it! You, and Gwen, and even Arthur… I never would have betrayed you like that, you have to know that.” “I do!” Merlin reassures her. The what if’s haven’t happened. It won’t do to dwell on them. “Honestly, Morgana, I know. I just…” He looks down, rubbing his thumb over the hard edge of the crystal in his hand. “I wanted to ask, that’s all.” Morgana smiles at him. “Of course. I’m glad you’re my friend, Merlin.” Merlin smiles back. “I am too.” There’s one more thing he has to do. It’s late when Merlin gets back to Camelot from the delivering the crystal. Everyone will have finished their dinner and return to their chambers. The halls are quiet and filled with the warm light of torches as Merlin walks along them, letting his feet carry him along the familiar route to Arthur’s chambers. He pulls up short in front of Arthur’s door. It was easy to face Arthur in the midst of a crisis, when they both had to keep moving, to accomplish the plan, avert disaster. Now that it’s over, in the quiet day to day moments that are going to follow, the simple, everyday moments that lie ahead, Merlin doesn’t know how he’s supposed to manage it. He’s not sure how long he stands there before he finally manages to raise his hand to knock. Arthur opens the door, looking surprised when he sees who it is. “Merlin.” “Sire.” Merlin nods. Arthur realizes he’s blocking the entrance and takes a step back, opening the door wider as he does. Merlin follows him inside, but stays near the door, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. “Your trip went well?” Merlin nods. “Yes. The druids are going to look after the crystal. Mordred was very interested in hearing the whole story.” “Good. Alvarr and his people are set to be tried in the morning. I’ll do my best to see they don’t get more than exiled.” “I’m glad.” They’re both quiet. Arthur shuffles some papers on his desk, moving them into a pile. Merlin stays where he is, looking down at his shoes. “Oh for— Would you stop that?” Merlin looks up at Arthur, startled. “Sire?” “ That .” Arthur says, waving his hand at Merlin. “You’re never this quiet unless something’s wrong so out with it.” Merlin takes a step forward, slowly, carefully. “We need to talk.” Arthur lets out a slow breath. “Yes. I suppose we do.” He moves around his desk and crosses the room to his table. He picks up a pitcher and two goblets from the table, filling them each about halfway before setting them deliberately back on the table. He pulls out a chair and sits, nodding to Merlin. “Come on.” Merlin moves forward slowly, pulling out his own chair and sitting down. Arthur picks up his goblet and holds it out to Merlin for a toast. Merlin blinks, then picks up his own cup, bringing it up to meet Arthur’s. “So.” Arthur says on a sigh, putting down his goblet in front of him. “You have magic.” Merlin almost laughs. “I have magic,” he repeats. Arthur nods. “And you use it to light fires, and… knock out bandits, and defend your hometown, and— based on what you said when you learned I knew— I’m guessing a number of other things?” “Er, yes.” Merlin’s lip twitch and he can feel a smile spreading over his face in spite of himself. “I’d say there’s a lot of other things I use it for. Mostly saving your life.” “Hm.” Arthur lifts his cup again, taking a sip. “Well, I suppose there are worse things to do with it.” Merlin laughs at that, letting the relief and anxiety bubble out of him. Sobering, he asks, “What do you want to know?” “Well…” Arthur takes a deep breath, “If I’m being honest, I’d say everything. But I think the better answer is whatever you want to tell me.” Merlin smiles, reaching for the pitcher. “In that case, I guess I should start at the beginning.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Aglain (Merlin), Alvarr (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fix-It, Good Morgana (Merlin), Magic Revealed, sorta - Freeform, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Thinks Merlin Knows he Knows, Arthur Knows About Morgana's Magic (Merlin), Friendship, Magic Lessons, Season/Series 02, Elements of Emotional Hurt/Comfort at Times, it's not a huge part of it though
Language: English Collections: Merlin Holidays 2020 , Merthur Fics , MMF , Fics I've read
Published: 2020-12-01
Words: 22,297
Chapters: 1/1

Shock and Awe

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He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, his heart had dropped, shattered into pieces across the floor, a sudden rigid coldness taking over his entire body. Notes See the end of the work for notes He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, his heart had dropped, shattered into pieces across the floor, a sudden rigid coldness taking over his entire body. Merlin, too, was frozen in place, his armor still floating in the air dropping all at once, the sudden loud noise shattering the quiet. Merlin’s eyes were wide with shock and fear, which broke his heart even more. Merlin took a step towards him, arm reaching out across the gap, and he flinched back unconsciously, causing Merlin’s face to fall. “Sire,” Merlin starts, head bowed, not looking him in the eyes. “Don’t,” Arthur whispers back, but Merlin ignores him, continuing. “I’ve always been yours Arthur, magic, body, and soul, whatever you choose to do with me, I won't contest it,” Merlin continues, now kneeling in front of Arthur, neck arched in an act of submission or an act of stubbornness, Arthur is not sure. Arthur inhales sharply at Merlin’s words, throat dry, unable to come up with a response, his heart singing at Merlin’s words of devotion, but his mind heavy with betrayal. At Arthur’s silence, Merlin speaks more, eyes blurry, “Arthur, Sire, if you decide that I should be executed for my crimes, then please do it here and now, do not make a scene out of me, I do not wish to scar our friends more than needed,” tears now running freely down Merlin’s face, “I’d rather die here, by your hand, please, at least grant me this sire,” Merlin says with finality, his voice rough. Merlin’s tears break Arthur out of his trance, and he falls to the ground, reaching for Merlin, who flinches in turn. Nevertheless, Arthur grabs for Merlin, pulling him into his arms, holding him frantically. “Never Merlin, never, I would never kill you, I am hurt that you have hidden this from me, but I understand, I swear, I would never, I will never hurt you, I promise,” Arthur blurts out, trying to keep his own tears at bay. Merlin clings to Arthur, head tucked in between his neck and shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. “Don’t, don’t make promises you can’t keep,” Merlin sobs out, words broken. At that, Arthur’s tears fall free, “I swear to you, Merlin, on everything I hold dear, I will never hurt you, not if I can help it,” he says. Minutes or hours pass, with them kneeling there, crying, holding each other, wrapped in their own little world. When it seems that Merlin has run out of tears, he leans back to look at Arthur, shocked to see tears streaming down his face too. Without thinking, Merlin reaches out and wipes away the tears on Arthur's face, cupping his cheek for a moment. Blue eyes meet, holding each other’s gaze for what seems like a century. They both lean forward, foreheads meeting, eyes closed, breathing together. “No more secrets?” Arthur proposes, breaking the silence, eyes still closed. “Well,” Merlin hums back. Arthur leans back, blinking open his eyes, slightly annoyed. “There may be one or two more secrets,” Merlin continues, smirk wide, eyes full of mischief. “Oh really, like what?” Arthur retorts, standing back up. Merlin follows him, taking a step towards Arthur, smirk softening. He raises his hand once more, cupping Arthur's cheek, mirroring their position from earlier, and leans in. He kisses Arthur softly, Arthur standing frozen for a second, before flying into action, returning the kiss. “Like that,” Merlin murmurs, leaning back to catch his breath. “If all your secrets feel like that, I don’t mind,” Arthur replies, trying and failing to keep the blush off his face. Merlin giggling, and leans back in for more, but can’t stop giggling. Arthur huffs indigently, his wide smile bright on his face. “Really, Merlin?” Arthur drawls, arms crossed around his chest. “Yes really, Clotpole” Merlin replies, flush high in his cheeks, eyes bright with mirth. Arthur grabs Merlin by the arm, pulling him in abruptly, and crashes their lips together. Merlin quickly tries to adjust himself, so he doesn’t fall, wrapping his arms around Arthur's neck, and Arthur, in turn, wraps his arms around Merlin's waist. “I love you,” Arthur whispers into the air between them when they break apart for breath. “I love you, too” Merlin whispers back. [Much much later, when they are both lying in bed, Merlin will regale Arthur with all the tales of their expeditions, but from his point of view. And Arthur will listen attentively, waiting for Merlin to finish, before hitting him upside the head. “For putting himself in more danger than needed be, I could have helped you if you had told me earlier Merlin.” He follows it up by kissing Merlin senseless, an earnest “Thank you” whispered into his ear.] End Notes I know merlin was a bit OOC, but I still liked this story and didn't wanna change it. part (?) out of (?) of going through my personal archive haha Anyways, Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! kudos/comments are much appreciated. (i crave validation) Love Sammy<3 Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: slight angst, Fluff, loOooOOveee, Very fluffy, Drabble
Published: 2020-12-09
Words: 787

Jealous

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Arthur decides to start being nice to Merlin. Merlin is very suspicious. Notes Written for an anonymous prompt on tumblr for a story where Arthur gets jealous of a visiting lord flirting with Merlin. Arthur is sparring with Percival. The match has gone on for only a few minutes before Arthur sees an opening. Arthur twists his sword just right, and Percival’s sword flies out of his hands. Before Percival can recover, Arthur sweeps his legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground. There’s scattered clapping from around the training grounds - it really was a spectacular defeat, Arthur thinks. He turns to make sure Merlin saw it. Merlin is standing by the training yard fence, but he’s paying absolutely no attention to Arthur. Instead, he’s chatting with one of the visiting lords from Essetir. Arthur clears his throat and glares pointedly at Gwaine and Lancelot. They’re clearly not doing their job, as they’re supposed to be on Merlin duty - making sure Merlin doesn’t get himself into any trouble with the visiting knights and lords who are here for the tournament that’s to start tomorrow. (Merlin's aggravated enough lords that Arthur has to take precautions, before Merlin starts yet another diplomatic incident, or gets himself hurt.) Lancelot takes his meaning and turns to look at Merlin, but he doesn’t make any move to interfere. “That’s just Lord Nathaniel,” Lancelot says, as if this should be reassuring. “He has an excellent reputation as a kind and honourable man.” “Relax, Princess,” Gwaine adds. “No need to get upset - unless you’re worried about someone else showing Merlin a good time.” Arthur glances back at Merlin and Lord Nathaniel. He watches them for a few moments, sizing him up: Merlin is speaking animatedly and his posture is relaxed, and the lord looks like he’s listening with interest. So, it doesn’t look like Arthur needs to go over there and break them up. Still, he doesn’t like it. He really doesn’t like it. “Fine,” he says to Gwaine, because nothing will get his mind off of Merlin’s apparently requited interest in a handsome lord quite as well as a fight. “If you’re not going to do your job, you can take your turn fighting me.” * Lord Nathaniel’s interest in Merlin isn’t a one-off thing. Whenever Merlin isn’t working for Arthur - and sometimes even when he’s supposed to be - they’re together, talking like old friends. Well, like more than friends - Nathaniel uses any excuse to put his hands on Merlin, and Merlin doesn’t seem to be complaining. Even worse, Nathaniel keeps giving him presents - one morning when Merlin comes to wake Arthur up, he’s wearing a new grey scarf that he keeps touching absentmindedly and smiling. Ugh. Arthur thinks he’s doing pretty good at not letting his jealousy show, but sometimes - when he’s sure neither of them are looking - he glares at Nathaniel and imagines yanking his hands off of Merlin and breaking his fingers one by one. “You really don’t need to worry,” Lancelot says one of these times, interrupting Arthur from imagining how satisfying the snapping noises would be. Arthur looks away, flushing, and Lancelot continues, “Lord Nathaniel is very respectful of Merlin, and very kind. Doting, really.” “Great,” Arthur says, in a weirdly cheerful tone that sounds to his ears like it’s coming from far away. “Thanks.” * Arthur wins the tournament, obviously. The knight he faces in the final is very good, though, and Arthur gets distracted, because in the crowd, Merlin is standing with Lord Nathaniel. The knight lands several blows in succession. Arthur stumbles and, for a second, thinks he’s going to lose. Then he somehow manages to find his footing and attack again. This time, it's his opponent who stumbles, and Arthur wins the match. After he shakes hands with his opponent, he looks for Merlin in the crowd again. He’s squeezing Lord Nathaniel’s hand. Arthur has never been this jealous in his life. * Through some discreet investigations, Arthur finds out that Lord Nathaniel is going back to Essetir in two days. Over those two days, Arthur’s terrified every time Merlin opens his mouth, but Merlin doesn’t announce that he’s leaving with him. Arthur gives a sigh of relief when Merlin’s still there the morning after Lord Nathaniel leaves. This, Arthur decides, can never happen again. Before some other eligible lord gets his eyes on Merlin and isn’t stupid enough to let him slip through his fingers, Arthur needs to make Merlin fall for him. And thanks to Lord Nathaniel, Arthur knows what Merlin likes in men. Respectful. Kind. Doting. Arthur can do that. How hard could that be? * Arthur decides to start by giving Merlin a present. His first idea is to give him a new pair of boots - Merlin’s been wearing the same pair for years, and they’re horribly ratty. On second thought, though, Lord Nathaniel’s gift of a scarf seems much more romantic than boots, and shouldn’t Arthur be trying to outdo him? But maybe noticing what Merlin would actually appreciate is actually more romantic than buying him something fancy, because it means Arthur actually thought about it. Arthur finally decides he’s already spent far too much time thinking about it, and gives him the damn boots. It looks for a moment like he chose wrong – Merlin almost immediately looks suspicious. “This doesn’t come with some horrible trick, like, ‘now you have new boots, you’re ready for our 100- mile hike,’ does it?” “Of course not,” Arthur says, and smiles into Merlin’s eyes. “I just thought you deserved something nice.” Merlin looks even more suspicious. “Are there - toads, or something, in these boots?” he demands, sticking his hand in one and searching around. “Toads? Really?” Arthur asks. “That’s the first thing you think of to put in boots?” “No, that’s the first thing I think you would think of to put in boots.” “I still think that says more about you than it does about me,” Arthur says. And then, because Merlin’s still feeling around inside the boots for some sort of trick, he adds, “ Honestly , Merlin, it’s just a pair of boots because yours keep sprouting holes.” “Oh,” Merlin says. “Well. Thank you.” Finally. “You’re welcome,” Arthur says. * Arthur keeps doting. Whenever he has the urge to insult Merlin, he compliments him instead. This turns out to be a lot of compliments. Arthur hadn’t realized quite how often he insulted Merlin before, but now he’s making an effort not to, he’s discovering it’s a lot. Maybe there’s a reason Merlin liked Lord Nathaniel better. His first few compliments go badly - once Merlin just laughs and says, “Did that sound more insulting in your head?” which - apparently Arthur really should’ve been nicer to him, since Merlin doesn’t believe Arthur would intentionally compliment him. But when Merlin reminds him of an appointment he’d forgotten, Arthur says, “Thank you, I don’t know where I’d be without you,” and Merlin looks startled and then very pleased. Later, he compliments Merlin’s eyes, and Merlin blushes and stammers complete nonsense in response. * After a few weeks, he thinks he’s getting pretty good at it, and is considering what his next move should be - is it way too early to ask Merlin on a date? - when Merlin’s reactions start becoming unfavourable again. Even simply saying “Thank you” or “I appreciate you listening” to Merlin now makes him frown. Compliments like “You’re one of the kindest people I know” make him look like he wants to cry. Arthur’s pretty sure he knows what’s happened: Merlin’s figured out that Arthur likes him, and he doesn’t return Arthur’s feelings. Arthur considers dropping the whole thing quietly and moving on, but decides he can’t do that on the slim chance that that’s not what Merlin’s thinking. After all, if Merlin’s actually sad about something else and Arthur suddenly goes back to insulting him, won’t that just make things worse? So Arthur braces himself and brings it up one night. "Er," he says, “I’ve noticed that lately you’ve been looking upset when I compliment you. I just wanted to say that I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, and I’ll stop, if you’re not okay with it.” “No!” Merlin says quickly. “I mean… it’s nice. It’s just… are you okay?” “Um,” Arthur says, because that makes absolutely no sense. Merlin’s starting to look agitated. “Just tell me,” he says. “Are you dying?” “ What ?” Arthur asks. “You’re being really weird!” Merlin says. “You keep giving me things and saying nice things and telling me how much I mean to you. So, are you dying?” “You think if I were dying, I’d choose to spend my last moments telling you how fantastic you are?” Arthur snarks, then realizes how mean that sounded and slams his mouth shut. Damn it. He starts trying to figure out how to word an apology, but before he can say anything, Merlin laughs with relief. “Oh, thank God ,” he says. “This is getting a little insulting,” Arthur complains. “You really think I wouldn’t be nice to you unless I were dying?” “Arthur, you’re an absolute prat,” Merlin says. Well. Okay, fine, Arthur supposes he deserves that, but he did think he was doing a little bit better the past few weeks. “I don’t mean that in a bad way,” Merlin adds, more gently, presumably in response to whatever Arthur’s face just did. “You know the reason you like me is because I’m a prat, too. That’s the reason we’re friends , Arthur.” “...because we’re both prats?” “Yes, and because we both know what we mean by it when we insult each other!” Merlin says. “For the record, I did not know what you meant by it when you said I have pretty eyes. What was that even supposed to mean ?” “It was supposed to mean that you have pretty eyes!” Arthur says, indignantly. “ Why ?” Merlin demands. “Because…” Arthur starts, and trails off. The whole thing had seemed reasonable in his head, but if he’s just now realizing that if he actually explains it out loud, he’s going to sound ridiculous. Still, Merlin does deserve an explanation. “You seemed to like Lord Nathaniel because he was nice to you. So, I thought if I wanted to have a chance, I should be nicer.” Merlin stares at him. “Gwaine said you were jealous,” he says after a moment. Arthur scoffs. “I was not jealous.” Merlin has a huge shit-eating grin growing on his face. Arthur kind of loves him for it. (Merlin was not wrong about the reason they like each other, he realizes.) “You’re really cute when you’re jealous,” Merlin teases. Arthur can feel himself blushing. He would protest again, but his brain stopped working a little when Merlin called him cute . “You have absolutely nothing to be jealous of, though,” Merlin says softly, stepping towards Arthur. “Unfortunately for Nate, there’s this one particular prat I happen to really like.” “Oh?” Arthur asks, still not really able to form words, because Merlin’s now very close to him. “Yeah,” Merlin says, and leans in to kiss him. * A short while later, Arthur murmurs, “You’re beautiful,” to Merlin, and Merlin pulls away. He’s blushing, and he doesn’t look displeased, but he says, “You don’t have to keep doing that. I told you, you have nothing to worry about.” Arthur picks his words carefully, because he doesn’t want Merlin to think this is still about jealousy, and he thinks he’s maybe been too much of a prat in the past. Merlin deserves someone who’s nice to him. “I know, and I’ll be a prat a lot of the time, probably,” Arthur says, with a bit of a grin. “But I like telling you how special you are, and making you happy.” “Oh,” Merlin says, and gives him that pleased smile that Arthur’s used to his best compliments getting. Arthur’s glad that this time, he gets to lean in and kiss it. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Fluff, Getting Together, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Published: 2020-12-10
Words: 1948

No.12 Broken Bones

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Whumptober 2020 no 12 - Broken bones Arthur has a jousting accident. Notes See the end of the work for notes No. 12 – Broken bones Arthur clicked his fingers at Merlin who was talking to his horse. Merlin jumped and followed him, taking the horse’s reins. Arthur held his head high as he strode back into the tilt yard. The crowd erupted again, trumpeters heralding his approach. Merlin grinned as he held the horse so Arthur could mount. “The people love their prince,” Merlin commented, shaking his head. “Of course they do,” Arthur said, pulling a face at Merlin’s annoying ability to state the obvious all the time. “Can’t think why,” Merlin continued. “They obviously don’t realise what a big prat you are.” Arthur pulled his foot from the stirrup and kicked Merlin hard in the chest, sending his tumbling to the floor. He scowled up at Arthur, his hands planted either side of him in the mud. “Proving my point there!” he shouted. Arthur just raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “I hope he knocks you off your horse,” Merlin grumbled, gesturing to the other end of the tilt where his opponent, Sir Leon, was mounting his own horse. “Doubt it,” Arthur scoffed. He held his hand out for his shield, but Merlin of course didn’t have it ready. Luckily a young squire had followed them from the tent at the side of the tournament ground, Arthur’s helmet and shield in his hands. “Just because you think you’re better than everyone else…” “I’m better than Leon,” Arthur said with a dismissive wave of his hand. He held it out again for his shield. The squire stepped forward importantly, his chest puffed out. He couldn’t have been more than ten. “My lord,” he said, handing the shield to Merlin and bowing low to Arthur. “See that,” Arthur pointed at the boy, whose face had flushed red now. “That is respect, Merlin. You’d do well to try it.” “Thanks, Kel, you’re doing a great job,” Merlin told the boy, taking the shield from him. The boy blushed even harder. Of course Merlin would know the boy’s name. Every bloody person in Camelot seemed to be on first name terms with his stupid servant, and Merlin was polite and kind to all of them. It was only Arthur he talked back to and insulted. Arthur scowled and refused to look at Merlin as he strapped the shield onto his left arm, securing it around his forearm. He shifted his shoulder, getting the heavy wood to settle comfortably. “Helmet, please, Kel .” He spoke deliberately, looking directly at the boy. He almost collapsed, bowing so low that it was a wonder he didn’t pitch forwards. Arthur gave Merlin a pointed look over the boy’s bent back. Merlin curled his lip. Once the boy had straightened from his ridiculous bow he handed Arthur his helmet. “Thank you, my lord. Your Highness!” he cried then scuttled off, beaming. Arthur grinned to himself. “That helmet won’t fit if you keep letting your head swell.” Arthur stopped grinning. He was tempted to kick Merlin again but settled for snatching the reins from him instead. He settled his helmet on his head, snapping the visor down and nudged his horse into a trot to the end of the tilt. The crowd cheered again. “Prince Arthur!” The list master shouted, drawing even more applause and whistling from the crowd. “Sir Leon!” A fair amount of applause thundered for Leon as well, he was well liked by the crowds as one of the best knights in the kingdom. Merlin handed up Arthur’s lance. “Good luck, my lord.” Arthur squinted down at him through the narrow slit in his visor, trying to gauge if he was being sarcastic. He couldn’t tell. He lifted his lance, adjusting his grip until it felt comfortable in his hand. He readied his lance, raised his shield and pressed the balls of his feet down in the stirrups. The list master lifted the white flag… The crowd roared as the flag was dropped, the two horses surging forwards at a strong canter. Arthur levelled his lance, rising to his feet in the stirrups, leaning forwards, bracing for the impact of his lance ploughing into Leon’s shield. Closer… closer… He let himself rise and fall with the horse’s movements, his eyes narrowed along the length of his lance, ready to strike… There was an almighty crash and pain exploded in his left arm. He was forced back in the saddle, the black clouds of agony blurring his vision. A loud cry echoed around his helmet. He swayed, his lance – broken from his own hit against Leon’s shield – slipping from his fingers. His horse kept running, trained to run to the end of the tilt, even when his grip on the reins slackened and he toppled forwards against her neck. She stopped and turned at the end of the tilt, prancing nervously at the lack of response from him. Someone was shouting his name. Several figures were running towards him but through the pain and the slit in his visor he couldn’t make out more than vague shapes. Hands took the reins, his horse settling. Someone had their hands him, on his thigh and his lower back. They were holding him in the saddle, stopping him slipping sideways off the horse. He reached up and yanked his helmet off, the weight of it pulling his arm back down the minute it slipped off his head. He grimaced and let it drop to the ground. It was Merlin holding him, of course. He’d also been the one shouting his name. His face was etched with concern. “Arthur! Are you–” he started, one hand reaching for the shield, the other steady on his thigh still. Arthur tried to pull himself upright in his saddle. He still had his pride, even if he was winded and gasping for breath against the constant screaming agony in his arm, shoulder and ribs. “I’m not a girl, Merlin,” he managed to squeeze out through lips that wanted to scream. “I can take a hit.” He’d been jousting for years and this was hardly the worst hit he’d had. “Not like that one. I think your arm might be broken.” Well that explained the excruciating pain then. He looked over at the stands; his father had risen from his throne, one hand on the railing on front of him and a frown on his face, but he made no move to come closer. He looked disappointed that his son had been defeated, more than worried his son had been hurt. Arthur let out a grunt and turned back to Merlin. “Let’s get you back to the tent,” Merlin said calmly. The young squire from earlier – Arthur had forgotten his name already – was holding his reins, stroking the horse’s nose while staring wide eyed at Arthur. Merlin chivvied him on and he began leading the horse back off the tilt yard. When they got to Arthur’s tent Merlin reached up to hook a hand under Arthur’s armpit. Arthur braced his good arm against Merlin’s shoulder, gritting his teeth and groaning as he slid off the horse. His feet had barely touched the ground when someone else ran to his side. “Sire!” Leon’s hair was plastered to his face with sweat, his gaze scanning Arthur quickly. He fell to one knee at Arthur’s feet, his head bowed. “My apologies, my lord. I’m sorry. I never intended to injure you.” “Rise, Sir Leon,” Arthur said wearily. “It is a tournament, you are meant to hit me.” “But you are the Crown Prince, my lord.” He rolled his eyes and looked down at Leon, who had not risen from his knees yet. “Get on your bloody feet, Leon,” he snapped. His arm was throbbing and he found he didn’t have the patience to listen to his friend apologising any more. “Sorry, my lord.” Leon stood. Arthur nodded then looked away from him. Merlin was still standing beside him, propping him up with an arm around his back. “Sir Leon,” Merlin started, clearly trying to take charge of the situation. “I need to get his shield off his arm, could you help?” He pushed Arthur into a chair, still supporting his injured arm carefully. “Of course, shall I fetch Gaius?” “No, just, hold the shield, take its weight while I undo the straps.” Arthur tried not to yelp as the shield was jostled on his arm. Leon held it gently where Merlin told him to, pulling it slowly away from Arthur’s body so Merlin could get his hands in behind it. Merlin’s fingers were like daggers up his wrist, every touch agonizing despite his manservant’s gentleness. He found he was holding his breath as Merlin unfastened the two straps that held the shield to his arm, one on his wrist the other just below the crook of his elbow. He let the breath out with a sharp yell as Merlin slid his arm out of the straps. The shield had been holding it steady like a splint but now without the support of the strong wood, it was throbbing and burning, sending pain radiating up his shoulder. “Yep definitely broken,” Merlin said, slowly pushing Arthur’s chainmail up his elbow. “Find Gaius,” he asked Leon, who immediately dropped the shield to the floor beside Arthur’s chair and sprinted from the tent. Arthur let his head fall back against the chair, a groan forcing its way out of his throat. “So,” Merlin started, the tone of his voice telling Arthur he was about to be insulted or teased. “You’re better than Sir Leon, are you?” “Yes,” he said stubbornly. “Sir Leon doesn’t have a broken arm.” He aimed a kick at Merlin’s shin but Merlin stepped to the side easily. “Sir Leon is a fine knight with excellent jousting skills,” Arthur said. “He got in a very good hit.” Merlin nodded sagely. “So what does that make you then? A prat with bad jousting skills?” “Your prince.” He was saved from having to try and hit Merlin over the head without jostling his broken arm by the arrival of Gaius, who swatted Merlin out of the way and deposited his physician’s bag into his arms. End Notes Thanks for reading! I love any and all reviews! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: arthur being a prat, physician Merlin, sir leon being noble, Jousting, Whumptober 2020, no 12, Broken Bones Series: Part 12 of Whumptober 2020
Published: 2020-12-12
Words: 1690

Above and Beyond

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Once again, Merlin sacrafices his life, for Arthur. Just this time, he dies. Broken hearted, Arthur finds use in the Horn of Cathbhadh, and sees Merlin's ghost again. Notes this is for Jay! I really hope you like this edit. Your christmas wish was Merlin being all powerful and protecting Arthur and getting hurt, and then Arthur raking care of him... Unfortunately, there aren't many scenes like that- bc it's always Arthur getting hurt, and Merlin taking care of Arthur... So- I created this little AU story, hopefully you like it as well? I wish you a merry christmas and health for you and your family. Take care, love! AU: Once again, Merlin sacrafices his life, for Arthur. Just this time, he dies. Broken hearted, Arthur finds use in the Horn of Cathbhadh, and sees Merlin's ghost again. Both of them don't want to lose the other, and luckily, this time, destiny is on their side. Because as it was for told, Merlin belongs at Arthur's side. They're two sides, who make each other whole again. So Merlin comes back to life. But that doesn't change their future. Merlin and Arthur live together, side by side, till the day Merlin loses Arthur. But their story is far from over, because Arthur will rise again. *it's extremely not extrimly omg I am so sorry for that spelling mistake fml Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fanvids, Fluff and Angst, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon, Sad, How Do I Tag, Protective Merlin, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Collections: Merlin (early) Winter Creative Exchange
Published: 2020-12-14
Words: 119

Just A Kiss From Your Lips

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A collection of Merthur kiss one-shots, all in one convenient place. Each work will be a separate chapter, with its own title and summary. See notes for each chapter for possible warnings about content. For A Few Reasons Chapter Summary When Merlin finds out about a group of men looking for Arthur, he hides the Prince's identity in the best way he can think of. And no, it isn't using magic. Merlin's lung were burning, his legs screaming at him to stop, but he keeps moving. It had been foolish of him to leave his Prince in the small room above the tavern to go talk with Kilgharrah. He had known that it would be a long shot, the dragon helping them with the journey they were on, but he had still hoped. While making his way back, he had spotted a fire. A camp of burly and dangerous looking men. Men apparently with a vendetta against the Royal Family of Camelot. How they had heard that Arthur was there now, in this small village, Merlin did not know. All he was sure of was that, if they managed to find him, they would undoubtedly try to kill him. If he had been able to sneak away from the camp undetected, he may have been able to get to Arthur, and have them both gone by the time the men ever stepped foot in the village. Instead, he had tripped magnificently, drawing too much unwanted attention, and had to run. His legs nearly give out in sheer relief as the village comes into view, but he forces himself to keep sprinting forward. He can hear the sounds of the men and women inside the tavern as he approaches, laughs and shouts and off-tune singing. He pays all of it no mind as he careens into the door, nearly knocking it right out of place as he falls through. He narrowly avoids falling again, lungs heaving in deep breaths as he steadies himself. All eyes are again on him as he rushes into the room. Disgruntled shouts, and rather rude names, are tossed at his retreating back as he weaves his way through the crowded floor to the stairs at the back. He bumps into some poor soul, and gets a shove to his back in retaliation. He stumbles into the wall, barely taking a second to shake himself off as he moves for the stairs. The angry shouts die down as he takes the rickety stairs two at a time. They groan threateningly under his feet as he charges up them. As soon as his feet reach the upper floor, he's moving quickly in the direction of the room he had left Arthur behind in. He is keenly aware of his pulse racing in his chest as he nears the door. He doesn't have many options available to him. As good a warrior as Arthur is, there are too many highly skilled men for the Prince to handle alone. The room is too small for Merlin to risk using his magic to defend him, and he doesn't have time to grab Arthur, and their things, and leave before the men get here. His only option, really, was to hide Arthur. Disguise him long enough for the men to move on. But how? Arthur snaps his head up in surprise when Merlin bursts through the door. "And where exactly have you been? And why do you look like you've just come from a rather arduous training session? What's the matter with you?" Merlin ignores the Prince's questions, instead asking one of his own. "Arthur, do you trust me?" The Prince's face contorts slightly. "What kind of question is that? What's going on, Merlin?" "I don't have time to explain." Merlin replies in a rush, taking a step closer, keenly aware of the door to the tavern banging open again downstairs. "Do you trust me? Yes or no?" For one heart stopping moment, Arthur doesn't reply. Merlin almost asks again, more urgently, when the Prince finally says in a soft voice, "Of course I do." With a sigh of relief, Merlin angles his body so he is between Arthur and the door, then steps close enough to cradle the Prince's jaw, keeping him steady as he leans in and kisses him soundly on the mouth. Arthur makes a muffled sound of surprise, hands coming up to rest on Merlin's wrists, and for a moment, Merlin is worried that Arthur is going to pull away and yell at him, effectively giving them both away. Instead, he starts to kiss back, fingers settling over the pulse point in Merlin's wrist. Merlin's head swims for a moment, but he quickly comes back to himself as he hears heavy footfalls on the stairs, ascending to the second floor. His heart very nearly gives out as he suddenly remembers the ring bearing the Pendragon crest adorning Arthur's finger. If anything now was going to give them away, it would be that. Easily enough, he pulls his wrist away from Arthur's grip, moving his hand to run gently over the back of Arthur's. Deft fingers grip the cool metal, and slide it from the Prince's finger unnoticed. Under the disguise of gripping the Prince's hips with both hands to walk him forcefully backwards into the wall, he slips the ring into the small pouch hanging from Arthur's belt. Just in time, too, as the multitude of footsteps reach the upper floor and start down the narrow hall, opening doors roughly as they go. As Arthur's back connects with the hard, unforgiving stone wall behind him, he separates from Merlin's mouth with a soft, breathy gasp. Startled blue eyes fix on Merlin's face before sword calloused fingers curl into the hair on the back of his head, and pull him back in for a much more heated kiss then before. Merlin makes a strangled noise in the back of his throat as he realizes just how much Arthur seems to want this. He lets his attention wander to the footfalls approaching the door he so stupidly left open. Not that it would have made much of a difference. Arthur must hear them too, because he tenses in Merlin's hold, and again Merlin fears that Arthur will push him away. He tightens his grip on the Prince's hips. A warning. A plea. "Hey, you there!" A gruff voice growls out. Merlin's heartrate explodes, and he presses closer to Arthur, trying to make their embrace look as passionate as possible in a desperate attempt to make whoever these men are feel awkward and want to leave. He hears one of them take a step into the room, and he fears that they're about to be made, when he hears a snort of disgruntled disgust behind them. "Damn bloody kids." The gruff voice snaps, before footsteps lead back out of the room. Merlin keeps his mouth firmly against Arthur's until all the footfalls from all the men have passed the door. When they're gone, he pulls away, but only far enough to catch his breath. There is only one way to and from this floor, and the men will have to pass by again on their way back to the stairs. Arthur is again staring at him with wide, shocked eyes, looking slightly dazed. Under any other circumstances, Merlin would revel in his ability to render the great Prince of Camelot speechless. He tenses as he hears the men returning. He presses his face closer to Arthur's letting their noses brush, but their lips remain separate. He hears grumbled curses shot their way in several different voices as the men all pass. Merlin closes his eyes tight, and prays that none of them decide to approach them after all. He doesn't realize that he's held his breath until he hears all the men descend the stairs back into the tavern below. Arthur noticeably shivers as Merlin's breath ghosts across his still slightly parted lips. He stays where he is, pressed close to the Prince, until he hears the men leave. "Right." Merlin says, pushing away as he steadfastly ignores his body begging him to kiss Arthur again. "We need to leave." Arthur blinks at him. "What?" 'Gods above, he even sounds dazed.' Merlin thinks as he takes another step away, turning to survey the room, and what of Arthur's belongings had been unpacked. Thankfully, there's not much there, so he moves to the bed to repack everything into Arthur's bag. When he turns, both his and the Prince's bags slung over his shoulder, he finds Arthur exactly where he had left him, leaning against the wall, blinking owlishly at him. "Arthur, come on. Those men are here, looking for you . We need to get out of here before they come back." Merlin says, bordering on slightly desperate. Honestly, what was the matter with him? Merlin waits with bated breath as Arthur blink again, then seems to give himself a little shake. "Right." He says, finally pushing away from the wall. Merlin heaves a relieved sigh, and heads for the still open door, peeking out to look both up and down the hall to make sure none of them were still lingering in wait. They were completely alone, so he steps out, leading them carefully to the stairs. "Merlin." Arthur says, close behind him, sounding alarmingly more coherent. "Not now, Arthur. We need to leave first." Merlin snaps back. There's an annoyed and irritated huff behind him, and he knows that he's walking the line between pushing Arthur too far and coming off as his normal, insolent self. He treads down the stairs slowly, ears strained to hear anything out of the ordinary from the crowd downstairs. He can feel Arthur behind him, much closer than normal, if the heat along his back is anything to go by, but resolutely refuses to think about it. He won't let himself linger on the feel of Arthur's lips pressing back against his own until they are completely clear of any and all immediate dangers. When they reach the bottom of the stairs, Merlin casts an uneasy look around the room. He doesn't see any new faces from when he burst inside earlier, but he remains tense and on guard. Who knew what these people did for a living, or in their spare time. Any number of them could have been bought off by those men. They heard of Arthur's whereabouts somehow, after all. Deciding to lead them around the perimeter of the room, so as to avoid the people scattered over the tables throughout the center of the room, he grabs Arthur's wrist and tugs. Arthur huffs behind him again, but surprisingly allows himself to be lead forward. Several hard glares are sent their way, the patrons still unhappy with Merlin's rather rushed entrance earlier. Merlin gasps in a breath of fresh air as they make it outside. There's no one around, but seeing through the quickly fading light is difficult, and far from accurate. There was an almost vibrating tension underneath Merlin's skin, and he just wanted to get out of this village as soon as possible. "We need to get to the horses, and ride as far from here as we can." Merlin whispers to the Prince, now standing beside him. "Good idea. You get them, and meet me back here." Arthur replies. A jolt of panic runs through Merlin's body at the thought of them being separated again. Before he can stop himself, he blurts out, "No!" Arthur looks at him, eyebrows raised. "No?" "We should stick together. We'll be safer that way." Merlin says, not wanting to give away just how little he likes the idea of being apart from his Prince when he knows that danger was nearby. He holds his breath as Arthur looks him over with an unreadable expression on his face. "Of course. How could I forget how useless you are at protecting yourself. Very well, Merlin, we'll go get the horses together." Arthur replies, but something about the tone of his voice tells Merlin that Arthur actually does agree with him, he just doesn't want to admit it. Without another word, Merlin leads them off in the direction of the stables nearby. He keeps his eyes and ears trained for any sounds that could alert an attack, but everything around them is quiet. Where did the men go? Before he can take another step, Arthur grabs his shoulder and pulls him around the corner and out of sight, just as two men appear out of the stables, grumbling about royalty and spoiled princes. They wait for several beats after the voices have faded to nothing before ducking back out onto the narrow street, and jogging the rest of the way to the wooden building. Merlin's usual mount nickers softly as they slip inside, and he brushes his fingers gently over the mare's nose before hurrying to grab their tack from the wall. To his surprise, Arthur grabs his own, easily getting his own stallion ready by himself. If they weren't so pressed for time, Merlin would allow himself the opportunity to stop and gawk at Arthur actually doing something for himself. As it is, he rushes through dong up buckles, and settling their bags behind his mare's saddle, as Arthur leads his mount to the large doors. Merlin leads his own over as Arthur slowly opens them. With no one in sight, still, they lead their horses out into the fading light, being sure to close the door behind them. No need to announce their presence, or their sudden departure. They both swing up into the saddle easily, making eye contact as they settle on their mounts. Through wordless agreement, they decide to head west, out of the village away from Camelot, and closer to the border of the kingdom. Arthur naturally takes the lead as he kicks his horse forward, the stallion shaking his head in disapproval before surging forward. Merlin's mare follows close behind, happy to let Arthur lead. They hear a few shouts as they gallop through the village streets, but hear no signs on pursuit. Arthur doesn't slow until he reaches the tree line, and even then, he only slows enough so neither horse trips as they move through the dense foliage in the coming darkness. Merlin remains tense until he feels that they're far enough away from the village, still with no sounds of pursuit, that they're out of danger. His magic stops prickling under his skin, ready to burst forth at his command. His shoulders drop from their previous tense line, and he takes a deep breath, to properly fill his lungs since before he found the men to start with. "What were you doing?" Arthur asks, and Merlin startles at the sudden noise in the otherwise quiet forest around them. "I'm not doing anything." He says, confused. Arthur gives him a look, easily telling him that he's an idiot by the expression on his face alone. "No, I mean before. You left. What were you doing?" The Prince clarifies. Merlin's heartrate picks back up again, the tension returning to his shoulders. He couldn't exactly tell Arthur that he was consulting the supposedly dead Great Dragon about the reported magical disturbances along the border of the kingdom. Not yet, anyway. "When we passed through earlier, I had noticed some herbs that Gaius was running low on. They're notoriously hard to find, so I thought I'd go back and try and find them." He lies smoothly, internally wincing at how dirty he felt to have to continue to lie to his Prince. Arthur hums thoughtfully. "And did you? Find them?" Merlin grunts. "I found something, but it wasn't herbs." He replies. When Arthur raises an eyebrow, barely seen through the dark, Merlin elaborates. "I came across the camp of those men. They had a grudge against your family, and had heard you were there. They wanted to kill you. I couldn't let them." "So," Arthur starts slowly, "instead of just telling me that before..." He drags off, and Merlin's cheeks redden, either from embarrassment or annoyance, he isn't sure. "In case you didn't notice, I didn't have a lot of time to explain anything to you." He grouches. "Besides, if I had, you would've just wanted to fight your way out, and there were too many of them. Even for you." The Prince merely hums again, and Merlin would give anything to be able to read his thoughts. Memories of kissing the man rise back to the forefront of his mind, and he finds himself wanting to make more of the same memories. The feel of Arthur pressed so close to him had been intoxicating, in a way, and he desperately wanted to know if Arthur felt the same way. He had kissed back, after all. Despite the questions burning in his mind, he holds his tongue, obediently following after his Prince in silence. They ride for another hour or so before Arthur deems them safe, and they stop to make camp for the night. Again, to his vast surprise, Arthur takes care of his own horse, avoiding looking at Merlin at all costs. Merlin feels the sting of that particular rejection strongly, and mumbles about going to find firewood before slipping back out into the quiet solitude of the trees. When he returns with an armful of dry kindling, he finds Arthur seated on the ground, back to a tree, staring thoughtfully ahead of him. He blinks back to the present as Merlin approaches and drops the branches on the ground. They remain quiet, much to Merlin's fraying nerves, as he sets the branches up properly, and sets them alight. He sits back for a moment, wanting to rest for a second before laying out their bedrolls. His muscles were protesting his long sprint from earlier, and he just wanted to sleep. He's just about to force his body up to continue setting up their camp, when Arthur inhales deeply, readying himself to speak. "Was there any other reason?" He asks, voice quiet. Merlin stares at him, body freezing still as images of having to confess his magic here and now flood his mind. When Merlin doesn't reply, Arthur look directly into his eyes, and adds, "For kissing me. Did you only do it to hide my identity from those men?" Merlin stares at him, trying to keep his mouth from falling open, as he registers the almost vulnerable way in which the Prince had voiced his question. Was there another reason? Yes. Simple as that. Merlin had been fighting back feelings for the Royal Prat since shortly after everything with Valiant happened. When Merlin still fails to reply, Arthur flushes slightly in the firelight, and looks away, mumbling something under his breath that could be, "Nevermind." "Did you want there to be another reason?" Merlin blurts before he can really think of a proper response. Arthur's eyes snap back to meet his. Merlin meets the scrutiny head on. "If there were... other reasons ," Arthur says slowly, "I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to them." That was not the answer that Merlin has been expecting. He had long ago resigned himself to the fact that his frustratingly growing affections would always be unrequited. The fact that this assumption may not actually be the case has him staring mutely at the Prince again. When Arthur shifts uncomfortably, so subtly that no one but Merlin would notice, Merlin forces himself to speak. "What exactly would you do if there were other reasons?" Merlin asks, heart in his throat. Arthur studies him intently for a long moment before nodding to himself, seemingly coming to a decision. "I would tell you to do it again." He replies, voice sure, and face even more so. There are absolutely no hints of uncertainty or indecisiveness anywhere around him. He means every word. Merlin inhales sharply, eyes dropping to Arthur's lips without him consciously doing so. Arthur seems to notice, as he shifts slightly, leaning ever so slightly closer. Merlin forces his eyes back up to Arthur's as he swallows thickly. Intense, deep, blue eyes are already looking back at him. Practically boring down into his very soul. "Kiss me." The Prince orders, voice low and sure and commanding. Merlin's body obeys before he even fully realizes that he's doing so, crawling forward to straddle the Prince's outstretched legs. Arthur exhales heavily as he leans back against the tree trunk behind him, hands on Merlin's waist pulling him closer. "Kiss me." He says again, quiet this time, so only the air around them gets disturbed by the words. Merlin has to swallow thickly again before complying with the Prince's command. This kiss is even better than their first. There is no outward sense of urgency to it, no looming dangers to them. It's just them, and the crackling of the fire next to them. The distant sounds of forest life, and the horses munching contentedly on grain. Merlin's heart flutters madly in his chest as he focuses solely on the feel of Arthur's lips pressed willingly to his own. When they slowly break apart, Arthur looks up at Merlin in his lap, eyes sparkling in a way that Merlin has never seen before. He smiles back, soft and shy, keenly aware of the red flush to his cheeks. "Your other reasons are permissible." Arthur says, in as much of a royal tone as he can muster. Merlin barks out a delighted laugh. "Good to know, Sire." He says, leaning in to kiss him again languidly. A "Friendly" Conversation Chapter Summary After having Merlin's magic revealed to him, Arthur takes some time to sort through his thoughts. Their resulting talk doesn't exactly go the way he had imagined it would. It had been a few days shy of a fortnight since Arthur had last spoken to Merlin, and he was still angry. How could he not be after the conversation they'd had? Merlin. His clumsy, insolent, idiot of a manservant had magic. Had always had magic, apparently. The sting of being lied to for nearly an entire decade was still fresh and raw. Arthur had trusted Merlin with even the most private parts of himself, but the other man had never deemed him worthy enough to return the favour. Instead, he had lied, continuously. 'My magic is yours, Arthur! I only ever use it for you. To keep you safe!' Merlin had said that day. In fact, it was one of the last things he had said before Arthur had sent him away. And he had stayed away, just like Arthur had asked him to. He needed space to think, to go over what he knew of magic, what he had been told his whole life, and what he truly believed it to be now. In almost ten years, Merlin had never once tried to harm him. That had to say something. Didn't it? A sudden need to get out of the castle, out of the city altogether, arises, and he gets to his feet. Though he was still loath to do so, he needed to find Merlin. Twelve days should be long enough, and they needed to talk. Privately. Where no one could interrupt them. He spends the next half an hour scouring the Royal Household in search of his servant, who, for the first time in possibly his entire life, had taken Arthur's orders seriously and was frustratingly impossible to find. By the time he finally found him, walking into the courtyard in dusty clothes, with a laden down bag of herbs over his shoulder, the King was frustrated and annoyed all over again. Merlin looked wary as Arthur approached, dark storm clouds practically visible over his angry set face. The lingering hint of fear in Merlin's eyes brings Arthur pause. Thinking back over their rather heated conversation before, Arthur realized that he had never actually said anything regarding Merlin's fate. The laws of Camelot still called for Merlin's execution for possessing and performing magic within the kingdom. Merlin's current expression clearly spoke of this thought at the forefront of his mind, and it very nearly makes Arthur flinch. Merlin didn't actually think that Arthur would have him executed. Did he? "Merlin." He says, trying to keep his voice as even as possible. "You need to pack our things." "Why?" Merlin asks, eyes narrowing in suspicion. Arthur huffs an aggravated sigh. "Because I told you to." When Merlin doesn't move to obey, Arthur huffs again. "We're leaving to go on a hunting trip, and we need supplies in case we stay out over night." Merlin looks him over shrewdly. "I don't recall seeing a hunting trip on your Royal Schedule, Sire." He says. Arthur glares at him. "Well, it is now. Now stop questioning the orders of your king , and go do as I asked." As Merlin scowls and walks away, muttering under his breath about having to do everything for the spoiled prat, Arthur rubs at his face wearily. Almost two weeks of barely seeing each other, two weeks of no words spoken between them, and it gets broken with an argument. He glances around the crowded courtyard surreptitiously, hoping that they hadn't drawn any unwanted attention to themselves. Despite his being the king, no one seems to have paid them any attention. Thankfully. He makes his way back into the castle, being sure to avoid all pathways Merlin might be using to gather their supplies. He winces outwardly as he thinks about Merlin's future annoyance over packing their hunting equipment, and then Arthur not making use of it. It really couldn't be helped, however, as Arthur knew well enough that if he had merely asked Merlin to leave the city with him to talk, the man would've undoubtedly had questions, or started yelling, or even flat out refused. Being the king clearly made no difference to Merlin when it came to him being as stubborn as a mule. "There you are!" Merlin says loudly as he bursts through the Council Chambers' doors. Arthur startles and looks up at him. He quickly schools his features back to something more uncaring and aloof. "Here I am. Are you finished doing as I asked, then?" He replies, a harsher edge to his tone than he had intended. He was still angry, after all, he reminds himself. "Yes." Merlin bites back. Arthur lifts an eyebrow. Merlin huffs a breath out through his nose, flaring his nostrils in frustration. "Yes, Sire ." "Good." Arthur replies in faux cheerfulness. "What are we waiting for? Let's go then." Merlin opens his mouth to retort, most likely about how it had been him who had been avoiding Merlin and therefore holding up their departure, but wisely closes his mouth and silently follows the King out of the room. The eerie and unusual silence follows them all the way through the stone halls, to the heavy wooden doors leading them outside. As promised, two horses are awaiting them in the sunshine, one laden down with all manner of supplies, the other standing regally and waiting for the King. A warm breeze picks up, ruffling the horses' manes as they chomp on the metal in their mouths. Arthur nods and descends the stone staircase toward them. "I'm assuming everything is as you desired, my Lord?" Merlin says from beside him as he quickly checks over the various buckles holding his mount's tack in place. The King grits his teeth in frustration. This was not going to be an enjoyable venture out of the city. However, it was unfortunately necessary. "Yes, it's fine, Merlin." He replies, brushing Merlin aside as he settles a foot in the stirrup and swings up onto his horse's back. The mare senses his agitation and shuffles on the spot uneasily, snorting her disapproval. Arthur soothes a hand down her gleaming neck to calm her, glancing over his shoulder to see Merlin settling upon his own mount, a trusty old gelding that Arthur himself had practically learned to ride on. Merlin meets his eyes and gives him a nod. Arthur nods back and nudges his horse forward. She immediately breaks into a trot, heading for the entrance to the courtyard automatically. The King hears Merlin following behind, and feels himself relax. At least the man was still willing to go wherever the King led. The stilted and frosty silence remains as they manoeuvre through the streets of the Lower Town. The people of Camelot all respectfully move out of their way, the younger ones crowding along the edges of the streets to watch their king ride by. Arthur smiles at them politely. He may be angry with Merlin, and that anger may still be festering under his skin, but he wasn't going to take that out on his people. If the children wanted a king that they could look up to, and stare at with awe, then that is what he would give them. Nevermind how Merlin always said it made his head too big for his own crown. Arthur breathes a sigh of relief as they finally step free from the city. It had started feeling suffocating there. All the people. All the laws demanding Arthur make a very specific decision. He glances over at Merlin, sees him looking up at the clouds in the sky, of all things, a hint of a smile playing at his lips, and he just knows . As angry as he was now, he wouldn't stay that way. However, the potential for things to get a little more heated between them is still there, as Merlin drops his gaze to meet Arthur's, and his face hardens noticeably. Arthur feels how own expression go stony before he looks away. Yes, they still had a long, potentially on fire, road ahead of them before they could go back to the way they were. One deep breath later, after deciding it was time to start down that dangerous path, Arthur says, "Merlin, I believe that it's time we have a talk." "Oh, that's rich," Merlin snaps, "coming from the man who's refused to so much as look in my general direction for nearly a fortnight." Arthur slowly counts to ten in his head. "I've needed time to think, and I couldn't do that with you around." "Am I really so much of a distraction that you honestly can't think when I'm around?" Merlin retorts. Arthur has to try and swallow his tongue before he responds to that statement with something stupid and damning. 'Yes, you are. And it's not just the betrayal and the lies. It's the truth behind how close we're grown. It's the feelings I've never felt before rushing to the surface whenever I see your blue eyes. It's the temptation I feel every time you open your mouth and speak.' Instead, he says, "Forgive me if I didn't want a further reminder of your treason every time I tried to figure what to do with you." His snapped words have their desired effect, Merlin instantly shutting his mouth, screwing up his face like he had tasted something overly sour, or vile. Arthur feels a flare of regret over his harsh words, but doesn't speak again. He takes his time, regulating his breathing, focusing on the scenery around him, the things he can reach out and touch, the smells filling the air around them, the taste of the forest air on his tongue. "We were never coming out here to hunt, were we?" Merlin says, breaking the tense silence between them. "No." Arthur admits. Merlin nods. "You brought me out here to, what? Pass your sentence in private? Wanted to spare me the humiliation of being sentenced to death or exile in front of the entire Royal Court? My friends?" "What? No! Of course not!" Arthur exclaims, scandalized. "Gods above, Merlin, why on earth would you even think that?" He adds with a frown. Merlin raises his eyebrows incredulously. "Oh, I don't know, Arthur, you tell me. Maybe the countless number of executions I've had to witness since stepping foot in Camelot has something to do with that." He drawls sarcastically. "No one has been executed for sorcery since I took the throne." Arthur argues. Merlin snorts out an unamused laugh at the King's words. "The laws are still there, Arthur. How am I, how are any of the people like me, supposed to know that our magic isn't going to ultimately end with our execution?" Merlin shoots back angrily. "It isn't fair to assume the worst of me, Merlin. I am not my father, and those laws were not put in place by my decree. Do not take my father's shortcomings out on me." Arthur replies through gritted teeth. This was certainly not going as well as he had hoped. "Maybe not, but they're still there. Can you really blame me for thinking I wasn't safe?" Merlin's clipped words have the King's eyes snapping back to his. "You could have talked to me. I can't read your mind, Merlin, how was I supposed to know that you didn't feel safe around me?" He snaps. Merlin's mouth drops open for a moment in shock, and Arthur goes back over what he had said, and winces slightly. Very softly, Merlin says, "I did try to talk to you, Arthur. You know what that got me? Nothing. You can barely stand the sight of me." His voice grows in volume as he continues. "You know how hard it was to decide to finally tell you my deepest and darkest secret? And all I got in return was you turning your back on me. You sent me away with hatred in your eyes, assuming the worst of me, and replaced me without a second thought. I'm not even allowed to bring you breakfast and wake you in the morning anymore. George is doing all that!" "That's not true!" Arthur argues. "I did not replace you. I just needed space to think over what you had told me! Is that really so big a crime?" Merlin huffs another unamused laugh before shaking his head and looking away. "I don't know why I expected anything different from you." He spits harshly, as if ever having any faith in his king was the dumbest thing he's ever done. "I was waiting until I was less angry with you before trying to talk with you, but you are so infuriating. I don't know why I ever thought that, that could happen." Arthur snaps. The man riding along next to him shifts cold, hard eyes back his way. "If you hate me so much, then why are we even having this conversation? Why not end it now and be done with it?" Merlin's words push Arthur over the edge. He reins his horse in so sharply that the mare throws her head back to try to escape the harsh pull in her mouth. Rage is bubbling hotly in Arthur's stomach, rising up his chest, as he dismounts, pushing away from the mare's side to land heavily in the dirt beside her. He tosses the reins onto her neck, walking around her to grab Merlin's mount's reins and pulling him to a stop as well. Merlin glares down at him as Arthur steps closer, eyes opening wide as Arthur reaches up to grab a fistful of the front of his tunic. He lets out a yelp as Arthur tugs, pulling him from the saddle, and very nearly depositing him on the ground in a heap. Only the King's strong grip on his clothing keeps him upright. "Arthur, what the hell?!" Merlin yells as he steadies himself. Arthur doesn't answer, just uses his grip on Merlin's tunic to pull him close enough to angrily claim his mouth with his own. Merlin grunts in surprise, lifting his hands up to settle over Arthur's ribs, as if moving to push him away. However, he pauses for a moment, hands resting on Arthur's body, and then he presses closer, matching the angry intensity of Arthur's lips with his own as he slides his hands around to the King's back. One hand splays across his lower back, as the other moves to take a handful of his tunic between his shoulder blades. Arthur lets his other hand settle on Merlin's hip, fingers practically bruising through the cloth of his trousers. Merlin's reciprocation of his embrace spurs Arthur on, and he growls low in his throat as he bites at Merlin's lower lip, licking into his mouth as Merlin meets his challenge head on. From there, it devolves into a hot tangle of tongues and a clash of teeth as they both fight to win over control. As abruptly as he dove in, Arthur retreats, breathing heavy and harsh. He only pulls away enough to see Merlin's eyes. He can't tell if they're dazed, shocked, or angry. Perhaps a mix of all three. He lets his own eyes flick back and forth between Merlin's before trying to speak. "I never want to hear those words come out of your mouth again, do you understand? Don't you ever think that I hate you." He spits venomously before roughly shoving Merlin away from him. The man stumbles back a few steps, his grip on Arthur's clothing pulling free. Arthur glares at him from this new distance for a few beats before turning his back on the man. Fury still curling in his chest, he grabs the reins from around his horse's neck and strides angrily away on foot, leading the mare behind him. The farther from Merlin that he gets, the more his anger cools, and the more realization of what he had just done fully hits him. Gods, what had he just done? Why had he done that? He had just been so angry, so hurt that Merlin could ever think so low of him, that he had simply stopped thinking at all. His body had completely taken over, and had done that . Now what was he supposed to do? He buries his head in his hands and huffs softly. What a mess he had truly made of things. "Arthur?" A soft, tentative voice says by his side, a few paces farther away that it normally would be. Arthur grunts into his hands, refusing to look up. A very hesitant step brings Merlin a little closer. "Arthur, I'm sorry. I know you don't hate me, and I know you would never sentence me to death. I shouldn't have assumed the worst of you, that wasn't fair." Merlin says, voice still soft and giving, not as harsh and unyieldingly stubborn as it had been before. "Then why continue to lie?" Arthur asks, dropping his hands, but still refusing to look at the man beside him. Merlin inhales deeply. "At first, I had to lie, because I didn't know you. Then, I didn't want to make you choose between me and your father. After that, it was me and your kingdom. It wouldn't have been fair of me to put you in that position." Arthur frowns. "Merlin, that doesn't make any sense. Even when my father was alive, I could have helped you. I would have kept you safe. How could you not know that?" A gentle hand settles on his forearm, finally making Arthur look up to meet Merlin's eyes. Even his face has gone soft and open. Vulnerable in a way that Arthur hasn't seen for nearly a fortnight. "I should have told you sooner. I wanted to. There were so many times I just wanted to blurt the words out, but I was scared. I was scared of hurting you, of pushing you away, of ruining whatever it is that we have between us. It was foolish, and I am sorry." Merlin says earnestly. Arthur believes him. He's still hurt, but the anger is gone, the familiar sting of betrayal from someone close to him is gone. It rushed out of him as he had harshly staked his claim to Merlin's lips. Arthur nods slowly. Once. Twice. Opens his mouth to quietly say the words, "I could never hate you, Merlin. Never you." Merlin gives him a small, crooked smile. "I know. Just as I could never hate you, no matter how much of an arrogant prat you can be." A surprised huff of laughter leaves Arthur's lips, and it makes Merlin's shy, tentative smile break out into something brilliant and dazzling. The sunlight catching his eyes almost seems to light up flecks of gold in his eyes, and the sight makes the King's breath catch. Beautiful. He was beautiful. Arthur steps closer again, more questioning this time. Where he had taken what he wanted last time, he now wanted to ask permission. Merlin's sunny smile sobers back down to the merest curl of his lips as he reads Arthur's unspoken intentions. Reaching out, Merlin ghosts his fingertips along the King's jaw, making Arthur close his eyes as he sighs softly. He doesn't flinch as slightly parted lips brush over his own, just a little damp from a pink tongue. While their first kiss had been rough and demanding, this one is soft and pure. Arthur revels in the slow slide of Merlin's lips upon his own, the taste of him lingering as he slowly pulls away. Arthur opens his eyes a few seconds after Merlin leaves, finding blue eyes already looking back. "There's something I want you to look at." Arthur says. "New laws on magic that I had begun drafting before you ever even told me about yours. I don't want any of my people to have to live in fear. Especially not you." Merlin huffs a watery laugh. "You are unbelievable, you know that?" He asks, smiling at the King so lovingly that it makes Arthur's stomach flop. "You are already a much better king than your father ever could've hoped to be." The words make Arthur's blood sing, and he smiles back hopefully. Merlin leans in again, this time simply letting their foreheads come to rest together. Arthur watches as Merlin closes his eyes, and sighs happily. Maybe this hadn't all gone terribly wrong after all. They really did still need to talk, but at least he knew that they were on the right track now. An Insufferable Idiot Chapter Summary When Merlin gets a call from the hospital about his best friend, he fears the worst. If his reaction when Arthur wakes up involves a little less thinking and a little more instinct, well... who can really blame him? Merlin was a very careful person, and a worrier by nature. He always says that he gets it from his mother, who raised him alone as an only child. He was the type of friend who wanted you to text him when you got home safe, and would text you first if you forgot to. He was the kind of friend who always reminded you not to text and drive whenever you went somewhere. Out at the club with friends, he was the one always double checking that no one was drinking from a glass that they had left unattended for any length of time. His best friend, on the other hand, was not. Arthur Pendragon was impulsive, a result of his father's strict upbringing as a child. For starters, he owned and drove a motorcycle, practically everywhere. Sometimes without a helmet, especially if he was taking Merlin anywhere, as he only had the one and always insisted that Merlin take it instead. He was the kind of person to jump into situations first, and then think about them later. He would pick fights in bars, usually with the biggest bloke in the room. He would cross the street without looking both ways first. He drove Merlin crazy. And Merlin was head over heels in love with him. Merlin's morning had started just like any other as of late. With his alarm failing to go off, resulting in a mad scramble to shower, get dressed, snag a coffee, and make it to his Uncle's small book shoppe in time for work. While the usual disapproving eyebrow was waiting for him when he half ran, half fell through the door, the little bell above happily singing his entrance, he knew that Gaius didn't really mind. He'd always had a soft spot for his nephew, and Merlin knew it. Obviously, he didn't take advantage of it, but it certainly came in handy from time to time. Times such as this. "Good morning, Merlin." Gaius says from the counter, eyes going back down to the paperwork temporarily spread over the surface. "Shall I be investing in a new alarm clock for you for the holidays this year?" Merlin laughs good-naturedly. "Morning, Gaius. You can blame Arthur for my alarm never going off. He was the one who got mad at it for going off too early the other day, and throwing it clear across the room. I don't know why the prat couldn't have just turned it off like a normal human being." He says in explanation. He's too busy shedding his coat to notice the interested look in Gaius' eye as the man looks up to study him. "Arthur stayed the night?" He asks innocently. Merlin pulls a face. "Yeah, a few days ago. He, uh, had gone on another one of his borderline benders with his footie mates. I had to haul his drunk arse back to my flat, cause I didn't trust him not to choke on his own vomit in the middle of the night. The bloke really needs to just settle down." Merlin says, a tinge of worry lacing his tone. Gaius hums non-committally, knowing exactly what would settle Arthur's behaviour down, but not wanting to say anything. He was well aware of his nephew's feelings for his best friend, even if Merlin didn't know that he knew. He also knew that it was a touchy subject for the young man, if his rants of meddling friends were anything to go by. "He is young, Merlin." Gaius says. When Merlin opens his mouth to argue that he is young, too, and not drinking himself into oblivion every other night (a bit of a wild exaggeration, and Merlin knows it ) , Gaius continues, "And he is experiencing true freedom for the first time in his life. I know his father, and I know what a tight leash he kept on that boy. He'll get it out of his system soon." "I hope so." Merlin mumbles, picking at a loose thread in the cuff of his long sleeved shirt. "He's going to give me an ulcer at this rate, the way he stresses me out." Gaius doesn't bother pointing out that most friends, who are only friends, don't worry themselves quite this much over their mates. Instead, he merely nods, gathers his paperwork into a neat pile, then disappears into the back office, telling Merlin to fetch him if anything comes up. Merlin watches him go, then sets about straightening up the book shelves a bit before going to turn the open sign on over the door at promptly nine o'clock. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he frowns at the empty screen. Arthur had usually texted him by now. He knew he wasn't out somewhere, recovering from a long night of booze and partying, because they had FaceTimed last night, and watched a movie together from their separate flats. Arthur had ordered a pizza, while Merlin had ordered in Chinese take-out, and Arthur had passed out on his sofa before the movie had even ended. He was home last night, and therefore should've had time to text him before heading to work this morning himself. Merlin bites his lip, worry filling his chest, and debates sending him a text first (to which Arthur will undoubtedly tease him for later, he did that kind of thing whenever Merlin openly worried about him) , but before he can so much as hover his thumb over the screen, a customer walks in. Merlin shoves his phone in his pocket, and smiles politely. "Hello, welcome to Albion Books. Can I help you find anything specific?" He asks. The young woman smiles at him, cheeks reddened from the chill in the air outside. She politely shakes her head, informs him that she's only browsing, then moves off to wander past the shelves housing a surprisingly large array of books and genres. Merlin lets himself think briefly of Arthur one more time before pushing thoughts of the blond aside. Arthur was fine. He always was. This time was no different, and there was no evidence to support Merlin working himself up over it. Arthur had just been running late this morning. ~~~ When Merlin's lunch hour break comes around, and he still hasn't heard from Arthur, he lets himself feel worried. Merlin can count on one hand the number of times Arthur hasn't contacted him in any way, and they all involved him being disgustingly sick, and one memorable time when he had broken his foot falling down the stairs and the hospital nurses had taken his phone away because it was messing with their equipment. "I'm sure he's fine, Merlin." Gaius says reassuringly as he sets a cup of tea down in front of the younger man. Merlin only frowns. "What exactly do you think has happened to him?" "I don't know." Merlin finally replies. "He's not exactly the most careful person in the world, is he? He attracts trouble, and when he doesn't, he goes looking for it." Merlin lifts a stricken face up to his Uncle. "What if something serious has happened to him this time, Gaius?" Before Gaius can say anything to ease his fears, Merlin's phone starts ringing from where he had placed it on the table earlier. Merlin's blood runs cold when he recognizes the number for the local hospital. He stays frozen in fear and dread for so long that the call nearly rings all the way to voicemail before he finally lunges for it, nearly knocking the device to the hard floor. "Hello?" Merlin answers the call breathlessly. "Hello. Is this Merlin Emrys?" A pleasant sounding voice on the other end of the line asks. "Uhm, yes. Yes, that's me." Merlin stumbles over the words. "Mr. Emrys, I am calling you because you are the emergency contact on file for a Mr. Arthur Pendragon. Do you know this man?" The woman asks. Merlin almost throws up. "Yeah, he's my best friend. Is he okay?" Merlin asks. "Mr. Pendragon was involved in a traffic collision this morning, and brought in for..." Merlin zones out as the woman keeps speaking. Arthur was hurt. Badly enough that they were phoning Merlin for him. He could be lying dead or dying in a hospital bed, could've been all morning while Merlin was telling himself that the man was fine. "Mr. Emrys?" The woman's voice cuts through his spiraling thoughts. "Uhm, I'll be right there." Merlin says, having no clue as to what the lady was actually talking about, or if she had asked him anything specific. He hangs up before she can say anything else, heart racing in his chest, and hands trembling violently. "Merlin?" Gaius says softly, clearly concerned, and Merlin vaguely wonders just how many times his Uncle has called his name before he'd even heard it. When he looks up to meet his gaze, the man raises his eyebrows in question. "Uhm, it's Arthur. He's in the hospital. Was in an accident this morning. I need to go." Merlin's voice sounds weird to his ears, emotionless and toneless. He's in shock. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knows that. "I'll drive you." Gaius offers, already rising to his feet to fetch his jacket and keys from his office. Merlin nods idly, already reaching for his coat to pull it on. He follows Gaius out the back door to his car in a daze. It was all a joke. It had to be a joke. Any moment now, Arthur was going to text him, complaining about his boss. Only he doesn't, and Gaius is starting the car and backing out of his parking spot behind the shoppe, and turning to drive Merlin to the hospital. Where Arthur is. After being involved in an accident that morning. Oh, God, what if he really wasn't okay? Why hadn't he paid attention to what that woman had been telling him on the phone? His stomach curls again, and he thinks he might be sick after all. Breathing deeply through is nose, he presses his fist to his mouth, blinking back tears as he stares unseeingly out of the window. He jumps violently when a sudden hand lands on his shoulder. He jolts his head around to look at Gaius in the driver's seat, and only then realizes they've stopped moving. "Would you like me to come in with you?" Gaius asks softly. Merlin nods mutely, desperate for the support at the moment. If anything terribly serious had happened to Arthur, he really didn't know what he would do. Merlin doesn't move to get out of the car until Gaius does, and he follows his Uncle out. He continues to follow all the way to the main hospital entrance. As the scent of disinfectant assaults his nose, he feels the distinct need to vomit again. As they approach the desk, Gaius takes a step back, and Merlin knows he needs to do the talking. "Hi." He says as a smiling brunette lady looks up at him. "My name is Merlin. I got a call about my friend?" Recognition sparks in the woman's eyes. "Ah, Merlin. Yes, we spoke on the phone. Just take a seat, and I will go grab Arthur's attending physician for you." Merlin nods numbly, and moves robotically to take a seat in one of the uncomfortable plastic chairs. There's only two other people in the waiting area with him, a couple who is clearly expecting a baby. Unlike him, these two don't look tense or scared at all. If only everyone could be so lucky. Gaius sits down beside him, a calming and constant presence at his side. "Mr. Emrys." A male voice pulls Merlin out of his thoughts again. He jumps to his feet to shake the Doctor's outstretched hand. "I'm Doctor Bayard, I've been looking after your friend." Merlin swallows. "How is he?" Doctor Bayard chuckles. "I'm sure he's had much better days than the one he's had so far today. He has suffered a fairly significant concussion, has three cracked ribs, and two breaks in his right tibia and fibula, which make up the bone structure of the lower leg." "So," Merlin says slowly, blinks a few times, "does that mean he's okay? Or, going to be okay?" "Mr. Pendragon will make a full recovery, yes. It will take time, but you seem like the type that will keep him under control as he rests and heals." Bayard replies, a slight twinkle in his eyes. Merlin curses himself as he feels his cheeks flush. "I don't know about that, but I'll do my best." He bites his lower lip uncertainly. "Can--can I go see him?" Bayard smiles kindly at him. "Of course. He is still resting after his surgery, we had to set and pin the bones in his leg before casting them, but he should wake soon. You can wait for him in his room. I'll have one of the nurses take you while I go over some of the finer details with..." He drags off as he looks at Gaius. "I'm Gaius, Merlin's uncle." Gaius says. The Doctor nods, then gestures to a young woman who's just appeared at the front desk. "Yes, Sir?" She asks as she approaches. "Sefa, would you take Merlin here to Mr. Pendragon's room, please?" Bayard asks. "Of course." Sefa replies. "Right this way." She adds, smiling brightly at Merlin. Merlin smiles wanly in return as he shifts his focus to her, and follows her into one of the halls. The smell of disinfectant is even stronger here, and Merlin grimaces. White fluorescent lights shine from the high ceiling, and Merlin can feel a headache brewing behind his eyes from everything that has happened today. "It's this one." Sefa says, gesturing to the closed door to their right. "I must say, he's a lucky man to have his boyfriend drop everything to come see him." "Oh, we're not--" Merlin starts, but the nurse has already bid him goodbye and started down the hall to see to her other patients. Merlin stares helplessly after her for a moment before squaring his shoulders and turning to face the closed door. Never has slate grey looked so imposing to him before. With a deep breath, he reaches out to grasp the handle, closing his eyes as he slowly opens the door. When he opens his eyes, he isn't fully prepared for what he sees. Arthur's right leg from the knee down is bound in hard plaster, lying above the blankets covering his other leg and the rest of his body. Merlin can imagine the multitude of bandages wrapped around his ribcage right now. His skin is pale, much more so than Merlin has ever seen it. His usually gleaming, golden hair even looks dull. "God, Arthur. Look at you." Merlin breathes as he steps fully into the room. Closing the door softly behind him, not wanting to disturb his friend, he moves to sit in the equally uncomfortable chair by the bed. As he settles down, his fingers itch to reach out and touch a pale hand, or brush the hair from the man's forehead. He keeps his hands to himself, even as his heart stutters as he looks over the various machines hooked up to his friend. 'It could have been worse.' He thinks to himself. 'I could've lost him. God, I could have lost the man I'm in love with.' He has no idea how long he sits there, waiting for Arthur to wake up, but the stress of the day, all the adrenaline that had been pumped through his body, eventually catches up with him, and he finds himself feeling exhausted. He fights against them, but his eyelids droop, even seated in the hard plastic chair. Deciding to rest his eyes for a moment, he lets his chin fall to rest against his chest. Yes, he'll just close his eyes, keeping his ears fixed on his companion in the room to hear when he wakes up. His eyes get startled open by the sound of a weak chuckle, and a raspy voice saying, "Merlin, you look like hell." Merlin stares at Arthur, awake and alive and mostly whole. His usually bright blue eyes are more grey now, matching his other pale appearance. But it's him, and he's okay, and Merlin is so relieved that he could cry. In fact, his eyes are a little misty at the edges as he leans closer and carefully kisses Arthur on the lips. Before he even has a chance to overthink anything, he pulls away and yells, "What were you thinking? You scared me half to death, Arthur! You know how much I hate that bloody motorcycle! Don't you ever even think of scaring me like this again!" Arthur stares at him wide-eyed, still reeling from the sudden kiss from his best friend. Merlin stares back, wondering if its maybe the pain medication no doubt coursing through Arthur's veins that has the man looking vaguely like someone hit him over the head. Merlin blinks as he slowly realizes what he had done, then promptly bushes bright red. "If it'll get me more of those, I might just have to make this a habit." Arthur finally says, a bit more of his normal mischievous gleam back in is eyes. Merlin brandishes a warning finger at him. "Don't you dare. One more call from the hospital like the one I got earlier, and I'll march right down here and finish you off myself." He says, voice still shaking slightly from sheer relief. Arthur was alive. He was okay. He was awake, and talking, and okay. Tired, yes. In pain, undoubtedly. But he was okay. As that knowledge fully hits home, he crumples back down onto the chair, unaware of when he had even gotten to his feet, and buries his head in his hands. He's aware of his entire body shaking as he slowly breathes in through his nose, and out through his mouth. He hears the steady beeping of the machine next to him, counting every strong beat of Arthur's heart. "Hey." Arthur's soft voice makes Merlin peek back up at him. "I'm going to be fine, Merlin. Nothing to worry about." "Nothing to worry about?" Merlin replies weakly. "Arthur, I got a phone call from the hospital, saying that you had been involved in an accident, and I thought they were calling me to tell me that you were dying. Do you have any idea what that felt like?" Arthur winces slightly. "No, I'm sorry. I never meant to scare you. I'll do my best to stay in one piece from now on." Tears well up in Merlin's eyes again. "You better, you prat. I love you too much to lose you for good." A sharp inhale makes Merlin freeze. Had he just admitted that out loud to his best friend? He had, hadn't he? Now would be a great time for that nurse to come back to check on Arthur. She doesn't, leaving Merlin to very reluctantly lift terrified eyes up to meet his best friend's. "Do you really mean that?" Arthur asks hesitantly. Hopefully? Merlin slowly nods, heart pounding in his throat and blocking off any words that might've been there. Arthur stares at him silently for a moment before breaking out into a breathtaking smile. Merlin can almost imagine the expression adding more colour to his pale complexion. "I do, too, you know." Arthur says. "Love you." His words take a moment to fully register in his brain, but when they do, Merlin stares at him wide-eyed, looking for any hint of a joke or insincerity on Arthur's face. There's nothing but genuine and fond affection staring back. It makes his heart flutter madly as his stomach flip flops nervously. Where did they go from here? Arthur seems to read the expression on Merlin's face, and reaches a weak hand out to him. Merlin huffs a watery laugh and leans closer, kissing him gently again. Pulling away, Merlin says, "You're an idiot. Why didn't you just tell me how you felt?" "Why didn't you?" Arthur retorts. Merlin chuckles softly. "We're both idiots, then." The words make Arthur huff a laugh, then wince slightly. "Come back and kiss me again. I'm in recovery, and I think your lips might be just the prescription I need." Arthur says. Merlin barks out a laugh. "You're going to be insufferable, aren't you?" Merlin asks, already moving to do as Arthur had asked. "You wouldn't have me any other way." Arthur replies, Merlin close enough now that their lips brush over the words. Merlin just properly kisses him again in response, because he was right. He really wouldn't want Arthur any other way than who he always was. Insufferable. Endings and Beginnings Chapter Summary They both know that he's dying, but that doesn't stop Merlin from trying to save his King's life.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Minor Characters, Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Mutual Pining, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), First Kiss, Idiots in Love, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Clumsy Merlin (Merlin), Fluff, Boys Kissing, Boys In Love, Dorks in Love, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Post-Season/Series 01, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angry Merlin (Merlin), Angry Kissing, Light Angst, The boys need to use their words properly, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Merlin (Merlin), Getting Together, Love Confessions, Hospitalization, Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canonical Character Death, Sort Of, Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Angst with a Happy Ending, POV Alternating, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Panic Attacks, but very mild, no beta we die like knights, Evil Morgana (Merlin), Confused Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon - freeform, Gwen & Arthur Pendragon Friendship (Merlin), Alternate Universe - College/University, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Fake Marriage, except not really, Miscommunication, Misunderstandings, idiots to lovers, Background Relationships, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Strangers to Lovers, Cooking Lessons, Bad Cooking, Consort Merlin (Merlin), Smitten Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Romance Collections: Once and Future Fanfic Favorites
Published: 2020-11-23 Completed: 2021-12-28
Words: 394593
Chapters: 84/84

Worthless, worth less or is it so much more?

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Merlin thought his life was worthless; Nobles thought his life was worth less; There was a King, however, who new it was worth so much more. Or Merlin means the world to Arthur. He's going to make Merlin realise that. But when has it ever been that simple between the two of them? Or Welcome to the life of Merlin and Arthur Pendragon. Pining ensues. Notes hello all! I am going to try to make an effort with this story but there is no guarantee that posting chapters will be regular and on time. But I procrastinate a lot so this story will probably still be a WIP by next year lol. Sorry if you prefer regular updates, but maybe the long waits in between might be worth it. I hope you will enjoy this if you dare read it, so yeah, I'll try not to keep any of you waiting! -smolbean Arthur Pendragon liked to go on hunting trips. He always had. It helped him deal with the heavy destiny weighing on his shoulders. He could partially forget about who he really was and how his father's kingdom would one day be his responsibility. It was inevitable. Sometimes, Arthur could feel his future crushing him and so he went hunting. The peace that the forest hummed swept over him with a soft whisper in his ear and a simple ruffle to his hair. In this forest he was just Arthur. Not Prince Arthur. Just Arthur. There were days when he wondered of a world where there was nothing to him other than his personality and his self-worth. But in this world it looked as if fate had other plans for him. Again, the swish of the wind eradicated his thoughts of 'what if?'. He was content and he liked it. The forest never judged him. The forest was the only thing that treated him like an equal. That was until a boy called Merlin turned up. Merlin showed a blind eye toward formality and royal respect. It shocked Arthur at first. No one had ever treated him in the manner that Merlin did. He had entered dangerous territory that other common folk never dared to go into. At first, it made Arthur angry that someone as low as Merlin would provoke a royal like him. His arrogance dissipated quickly though and he felt a strange pull towards the lanky boy with the most prominent of ears. This time, he had quietly thanked destiny. Things felt right when Merlin started to be by his side and Arthur felt himself turn into the man he was in the forest. Arthur Pendragon used to like going on hunting trips. Now, with Merlin by his side and the forest gently playing with his cloak, Arthur loved hunting trips. -------------------- "Come on Mer lin, we're starving!" Arthur moaned to his half-wit of a servant. He wasn't starving, but taunting Merlin seemed to dissipate his boredom. "Well, maybe if you had taught your royal ass to cook, then you would know that it doesn't take seconds to make your dinner!" was Merlin's retort. He really had the guts to say that, but Arthur wouldn't let Merlin win this childish feud. "Actually, if your idiotic head had noticed, you'll find that I am perfectly capable of cooking one of your measly dinners." was all Arthur managed to bounce back. "I really don't doubt you can, sire." Merlin's sarcasm was cute, however Arthur shouldn't be thinking that. "Just hurry up Mer lin, we haven't got all day." Arthur sighed. Maybe the time for friendly squabbles should happen later. Arthur wasn't in the mood for it anymore. "Maybe you would if you got off of that pompous ass you sit on everyday." anyone would be shocked about how Merlin was easily able to insult his king, but with Arthur, it just made him grin even wider. Okay, so maybe he was in the mood for bantering with his idiotic servant. "Being a manservant doesn't mean you can question the way I run the kingdom, Mer lin." Arthur answered reasonably. "It might be my concern if everyone hates you." Merlin was starting to hit Arthur's nerves. It made him want to open up and let his bottled up emotions free, like any normal person would unashamedly do. Arthur didn't like it. "And do they?" Arthur managed to firmly ask. "My answer stands for the whole of Camelot." Merlin replied. What did that mean? "Does it now...mm." maybe if he was sarcastic he could fare off signs of self-doubt. "Of course, sire." "So, Mer lin, what is your answer?" questioned Arthur, secretly wanting to know Merlin's opinion of him. "You're a dollophead." Of course Merlin would take the route of avoiding the answer and instead trying to weave out by using that word which Arthur still didn't fully know what it meant. Apparently it meant 'King Arthur' , but how could something mean himself? "That's still not a word Merlin." "It's still two real words put together." That still didn't make it a word that made sense. "You're infuriating." "I may be that, sire, but at least I'm not dollophead." Again. Not a real word. -------------------- Dinner was good. That's what King Arthur would say. However, just Arthur would say that dinner was far from good. In fact, much better than good. He would say that it was his typical hunting supper. And that's what made it the best. As always, Merlin's cooking was on point, but Arthur would prefer to face the void of hell than voice that opinion aloud to Merlin. Arthur could, however, admit that it would be worth it for the smile that would contagiously spread over Merlin's features. His ocean blue eyes would sparkle slightly with an ethereal glint of gold. His ears would lift and look even bigger and goofier, making Merlin's whole face look even more otherworldly than it was before. His lips would quirk up and then part to reveal that massive and adorable smile of his. He realized he was staring at Merlin. Staring at his lips, he realized. There was an interesting tree over there. Most of its leaves were laid in disarray across its base. Leaves were interesting too. And so was Merlin. Wait, what? No, Merlin was his servant. No. Merlin was a servant. Merlin washed socks. Arthur couldn't think like that towards someone who washed socks. Socks were also interesting. Maybe Merlin could get him some new socks. Arthur really did need new socks. He could go to the market with Merlin and choose some. He would obviously only get the ones that had Merlin's approval. "So, princess, what are you thinking about?" he heard Gwaine whisper in his ear. "Merlin." Arthur was too busy staring at Merlin to notice to see Gwaine looking to Arthur, then to Merlin and then back to Arthur with a mischievous grin planted on his face. "Oh....... I see." Arthur furrowed his brows. "What?" asked a confused Arthur. "I knew already, princess." Gwaine's grin grew bigger. "Knew what?" Arthur tore his eyes away from Merlin and looked at Gwaine. He seemed to be getting excited and Arthur had no idea why. "I mean, it was quite obvious..." What was obvious. Arthur had never been obvious in his life. Why did Gwaine keep talking in riddles? "What the hell are you talking about Gwaine?" "Merlin." Why was Gwaine talking about Merlin? Gwaine rolled his eyes, "You are so oblivious, mate" then seeing Arthur's face become even more screwed up with confusion, he added, "It's not that hard to tell him you love him." What?- Oh. Ohhh. Standing up, Gwaine patted his shoulder and walked away, giving Arthur no chance to reply or retort on what Gwaine had just said. He didn't love Merlin, of course he didn't. That was just silly. -------------------- Arthur had offered to take first watch, even though he was tired. Well, he thought he was tired. He kept on thinking about what Gwaine had said and kept pondering on fantasies of living on a farm with Merlin or cuddling up with Merlin on a cold winter's night or even placing a crown on Merlin's head, declaring him his husband and then kissing the life out of him. Merlin would be a terrible husband and probably a terrible kisser. But Merlin could also be a great husband and a great kisser. Life could be very confusing at certain times and right now Arthur could relate to that statement. And of course, to make things even more complicated, Merlin was still awake and was walking over to him. "I can take watch if you want." Merlin offered. Arthur relaxed under the comforting heat that had just sat down next to him. Being close to Merlin was a familiar sensation to him and if he dared say it, he liked it. Arthur really wanted to cuddle into Merlin right now. The thought was tempting, but he didn't act upon it. "And what are you going to do when you see a group of bandits running towards you? Scream like a girl?" now that was what Arthur called a good retort. The sharp poke in the leg was unfair. "Merlin!" "You deserved it." "No I did not!" Arthur retaliated. "If you say so, sire." Cute sarcasm. Again. A short silence lay around like dust. Unforgotten but not wanted to be acted upon. Then Arthur remembered something. "You still didn't answer that question properly." "What question?" Merlin asked, looking confused. There were just sometimes Arthur had no idea if Merlin was acting dumb or not. "Does everyone hate me?" Arthur replied, trying again to not doubt his worthiness as King. Merlin's face melted into a pensive look and Arthur knew Merlin was going to mock him. However, Merlin's face sobered and a seriousness flashed over his features. His brows furrowed. "Of course not!" Merlin said, his voice deeper in tone and with a hint of threat. Merlin definitely wasn't joking and his offensive manner almost made Arthur think that this was personal to him. Arthur wanted to believe him. "Morgana does." Again, with a serious punch to his words, Merlin spoke "Morgana has no reason to hate you. You may be your father's son, but you're certainly not like him. Morgana has been blinded by hate and fear. She is more like Uther than you ever have been." It was a wonder how Merlin, out of all people, could speak like a King. However, self-doubt still lingered. Merlin could just be saying this to make him feel better. "How do I know you're not lying?" "Because it's my opinion. I have no say in what you should believe in. I am not lying because you deserve to know the truth." Of course. Merlin's loyalty was self explanatory. So was Merlin's lack of knowing his own worth and how much he mattered to Arthur. "Merlin, you've always had a say in what I should believe in." Arthur answered, trying to tell Merlin that he really should give himself more credit. "Not really." The selfless idiot really thought that he wasn't worth anything. "I wouldn't believe that for a second." Merlin didn't reply. And so Arthur asked the one question that had been drilling deeper into his head ever since he had laid a though on it: "What about you? Do you hate me?" "What do you think?" Merlin replied without hesitation, whilst his blue gem-like eyes relaxed into Arthur's with nothing but a softness that made Arthur want to melt into a puddle. Arthur had no idea what to do when Merlin looked at him like that, so he decided to answer back by conveying their usual banter in his voice. "How the hell the would I know?" Merlin's expression didn't waver. If it was possible to fall for someone even harder, that was exactly what Arthur was not trying to do, but he was someone seeming to fail rather miserably. "What would you want me to say?" asked Merlin, eyes becoming searching and contemplative. "I don't know. I suppose I would prefer you not to hate me." Arthur said honestly, letting a small smile tug at his lips. "You really are an idiot." sighed Merlin, and then shifted his weight to bump Arthur's shoulder with his own. They really were very, very close. "How?" "What ever made you think that I hate you?" Merlin wondered, with his eyebrows raised. "You have to put up with me." suggested Arthur. "You really think I hate having to put up with your antics and that turnip head of yours? I wouldn't be here if I did. Putting up with you, out of all people, is not as bad as it seems." was what Merlin seemed to blurt out. Was that a compliment or an insult? "Thanks..." "No, I mean it. There's a reason that I do what I do. Sometimes, it's to see you change into the king you're destined to be. Other times, it's to protect you. But most of all, it's to always be your friend and stay by your side... No matter what happens." Maybe that was a compliment. Things like this made Arthur happy. To know that Merlin, his best friend, would always be by his side, meant more to him than he would ever admit. Yet a part of him still fueled his doubt. He needed to make sure. "Always?" "Always." This time, Arthur truly let himself go within the calming waves and the starry sunset that played endlessly within the depths of Merlin's eyes. He felt his face mirror Merlin's and it was moments like this that he would never let go. He treasured them safely within his heart and so that night Arthur dreamt of waves rolling ever so slowly to the rhythm of his heartbeat. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit, POV Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur, Pining Arthur, Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst, Mpreg, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Pining Merlin (Merlin), Mutual Pining, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Character Death, Sad, this is gonna be a very long burn, sorry - Freeform, prepare for a lot of angst, this is my way of coping with the ending, it's been 8 years, and arthur's still in that damn lake, what am I writing, oh well, ideas from my brain when i'm trying to sleep, this is gonna be a messed up story, I am so sorry, Slow Burn
Published: 2020-12-18
Words: 2152

Adventures In Camelot

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Merlin never knows when to shut his mouth up. It’s sort of a problem. - When Arthur is finished, he is so red in the face that Merlin fears a little for his health but doesn’t dare to voice that because once Arthur is in a mood, Gods forbid that— “Are you alright, sire? Shall I call Gaius, you look like you’re going to explode. You know that your skin getting that red is not—“ “ Merlin !” Arthur screeches. Notes See the end of the work for notes Merlin throws Arthur a nasty look when he turned around, muttering under his breath about how if only Arthur knew of how he saved him ten minutes ago from that very dangerous, life threatening sorcerer he had no clue about—he’d be more grateful to him. And not take him for granted. But he can’t because that would mean he has to reveal that he has magic, which would lead to a whole conversation that Merlin is not at all ready for, and definitely end in him being executed which can’t happen. If he dies then, Arthur would definitely die in the next moments just after him because there would no one to save his arse from magical beasts and threats—which is awful, and terrible because he’s supposed to reunite Albion and bring back magic into the world and because if Arthur dies, then Uther would lose his only child and become even more ruthless and because Arthur is his friend and— Maybe, Merlin should have been paying more attention to where he was going. All his hard work at keeping his magic a secret is going to be useless, since he’s going to die right now. “Merlin!” Arthur shrieked, a furious expression on his face. Merlin shouldn’t laugh. He shouldn’t . He laughs anyway. Arthur looks utterly ridiculous with the pink paint splashed all of his face. “Sire,” Merlin sputters out through his laughter. “You’ve got a little something on your face,” “ Merlin ,” Arthur says, very calmly, smiling that smile that meant he isn’t pleased, at all, a twitch to his eyebrow. And Merlin knows that tone of voice, it was just before—ah, yes. There it is. The Object Of The Moment, the brush, hitting just where Merlin was. “Can you be any more of an idiot ?” Arthur shouts, and Merlin sighs, preparing himself for the long speech about his work and how he’s so incompetent. When Arthur is finished, he is so red in the face that Merlin fears a little for his health but doesn’t dare to voice that because once Arthur is in a mood, Gods forbid that— “Are you alright, sire? Shall I call Gaius, you look like you’re going to explode. You know that your skin getting that red is not—“ “ Merlin !” Arthur screeches, throwing more objects at him that Merlin can’t really define because he is too busy ducking away and running away. Okay, so maybe he should’ve not gotten Arthur more worked up but—if he didn’t, he wasn’t Merlin was he? It was just a part of the job that came with being Arthur’s servant—along with of course saving his royal arse all the time. Merlin blows a breath, seriously, he only has been running for a while now—why is he so tired. He can’t stop now, Arthur hot on his tail. Merlin skids down the hall, zooming around the people. Arthur’s voice getting alarmingly louder behind him. “Hello, what trouble are you up this fair moment?” A very familiar voice says, and Merlin's face splits into a grin as he glancesup to Gwaine running beside him. “I—“ Merlin starts which is just when Arthur screams his name again. And Gwaine bursts into laughter, doubling over from the force of it, thumping down on his shoulder very hard that he winces—knights honestly . “Oh Merlin, I knew there was a reason that I loved you.” Merlin grins wider—if that’s possible—and side steps a servant with a basket and takes a sharp turn left. “I heard that one before.” “What did you do?” Gwaine asks, eyes sparkling. And Merlin is about to reply right before they— smash to a wall. End Notes Merlin has no self-control bone in his body when it comes to Arthur. And I Love That. Also I was going to make this longer, but couldn’t think of how to—and thought, huh, wait, leaving like this is perfect because it really gives off that chaotic, dumb energy they all have. ...Also, I think this is my first Merlin fic that is NOT angsty, lol. And as always, thanks for reading! *grins* You’re a gem. ♥ ️ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Lots of Ridiculousness, Humour, Merlin is a Little Shit, Arthur is no better, and gwaine is just here for the fun
Published: 2020-12-22
Words: 613

Anything and Everything

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“You’re an idiot,” Merlin says fondly. “But you love me,” Arthur replies, never doubting it for a second. --- Or, Arthur has an important question for Merlin on Christmas. Notes Sorry this is so unedited! I was just trying to finish it so I could get it out today. See the end of the work for more notes Merlin wakes up on Christmas to Arthur poking him in the face. He cracks an eye open, staring unimpressed up at Arthur for a second, who stares right back at him with a smug grin on his face. The audacity. On Christmas, of all times. “Really, Arthur?” Merlin asks, already resigned to his fate. Arthur is lucky he loves him, that’s all there is to say. “Yes, really, Merlin,” Arthur replies, “I have something for you. For Christmas.” “And it couldn’t wait for later?” “No, I think this should be a more private gift. It seemed more… us to do it like this.” Merlin sat up as Arthur turned to the drawer next to his bed, curious now. The next moment, Arthur turned around with a ring in hand, and Merlin was silent for a second, tears filling his eyes. He looked shocked, and was unable to do anything but just stare, alternating between Arthur and the ring. The ring was simple, but beautiful, and everything Merlin wanted. “Marry me, Merlin,” Arthur says simply. He never was one for words, and Merlin didn’t need a big speech to convince him to marry Arthur. He would’ve answered yes even if Arthur had proposed with a ring pop, to be quite honest. He does have one thing holding him back, though. “What about your father, Arthur? He’s going to kill you!” Merlin says when he snaps out of the shock, even though he looked like it would kill him to say no to Arthur. “Forget my father. I want to marry you, and damn the consequences,” Arthur says, knowing he would not regret this no matter what his father did. He knows Morgana will be right by his side too, just like she was when he made this decision. Merlin will be there too, forever now, and his support is more valuable than anything. Loving Merlin is worth everything. “You’re an idiot,” Merlin says fondly. “But you love me,” Arthur replies, never doubting it for a second. “I do,” Merlin says, then nods, “Yes, Arthur. I’ll marry you.” Just for a moment, Merlin wraps himself back around Arthur, and they enjoy the happiness they have right now. Things would be difficult in the coming days, with Uther and the consequences of having him as a father in general, but for now they have each other and that was enough. It would always be enough. End Notes I hope you enjoyed! This story changed so many times while I was writing it, so if anything seems out of place I missed a bit of the last version lmao. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: unedited, Fluff, Christmas, Marriage Proposal Series: Part 1 of merthurweek2020 Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-21
Words: 402

of snow in hair and rings on their fingers

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Merthur Week Day 1: “You’re an idiot.” “But you love me.” + Fluff Arthur watched with fond amusement as Merlin’s arms pinwheeled and he tripped face-first into the snow. Arthur watched with fond amusement as Merlin’s arms pinwheeled and he tripped face-first into the snow. Merlin went down in a flail of limbs and Arthur laughed at the sight. Merlin swore through a face full of snow and Arthur gracefully made his way over to his husband. It was in times like this that Arthur was struck by just how lucky he was to have Merlin by his side, advising him on anything and everything. They ruled together, and their council was made up of the round table; which had long since expanded to include more friends and trusted allies. “Show off.” Merlin scoffed, and Arthur grinned openly as he brushed the snow from Merlin’s hair and scarf. “You’re an idiot,” Arthur said fondly, “it’s not that hard to stay upright!” “But—” Merlin protested, then seeing Arthur’s raised eyebrow—Gaius was a skilled teacher— swiftly changed tracks, “—you love me anyway.” Arthur sighed, and there was so much longing in that one sigh that Merlin kissed him on the nose. Arthur cursed his pale skin as he always blushed darkly whenever Merlin did anything like that, “I do, and it’s a true shame.” Merlin laughed and Arthur noted with no small amount of pride that people turned and smiled at hearing him. Arthur met eyes with Gwen and Morgana—both bundled up in thick cloaks and openly holding hands; Arthur noted that Morgana had conveniently forgotten her gloves in favour of showing off her glittering ring. “You’re soft, Arthur Pendragon.” Merlin said, and Arthur could hear his grin, “Kinghood has turned you into a sap.” “Well being Court Sorcerer has done the same to you, Merlin Pendragon,” Arthur responded and Merlin laughed again. He was truly blessed, Arthur thought, to have such a wonderful husband for his very own. Even if he did fall over in the snow and end up with a bad cold. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Minor or Background Relationship(s)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur Week 2020, Day 1, Day 1: “You’re an idiot.” “But you love me.” + Fluff, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Established Relationship, Snow, Background Relationships, background Gwen/Morgana - Freeform, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Everyone knows about Merlin's magic, Good Morgana (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, this isn’t mentioned but it’s important to me that you know that Series: Part 1 of Merthur Week 2020, Part 5 of of kings and magic, Merlin and Arthur Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-21
Words: 316

If I Give You This

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Merthur Week 2020 Day 4 - "What are you hiding Merlin?" + fun Arthur hasn't seen Merlin all day. He decides to see what's going on. Arthur was getting a little frustrated. So far that morning, Merlin had left him to wake up late, find his own breakfast and find another servant to help him put his armour on for practise. As it neared lunchtime, he decided he’d had enough and determinedly stormed through the castle to Gaius’ chambers in search of his incompetant manservant. Gaius wasn’t around, so Arthur approached the door to Merlin’s bedroom without resistance. He knocked with a heavy fist. “Yes?” Merlin’s muffled voice called from inside. “Merlin, I want to see you.” There was a curse and the sound of something with significant weight dropping to the floor, before Merlin poked his head around the crack he’d opened in his door. Arthur stood where he was, arms crossed at his chest, eyebrow raised and weight rested on one hip. “Merlin.” “Arthur.” “Care to tell me where you’ve been for, oh I don’t know, the whole morning?” Merlin bit his lip, and Arthur really wished he could stop his eyes from being drawn to that movement. “Project. Very important one,” Merlin eventually replied, seeming nervous and as though he was going to retreat back into his room at any moment. “For Gaius.” “Really?” Arthur asked, getting a frantic nod. “You’re a very bad liar, Merlin. You know that, don’t you?” “I am not,” Merlin insisted. “Now, if you’ll excuse me-” He stepped back and made to close the door, not seeing that Arthur had wedged his foot between the door and its frame, rendering any closure attempts useless. “Merlin, Merlin,” he tutted, a teasing smirk on his lips. “What are you hiding, Merlin?” “Arthur-” Merlin began to protest, before being cut off by the prince overpowering his hold on the door. Both young men froze. Nervously, Merlin wrung his hands together. In the middle of his bed was a band of gold. “Merlin, what’s this?” Arthur quietly asked. “Birthday present,” Merlin responded in a whisper, not meeting Arthur’s eyes. “For you.” He swallowed. “It’s not finished.” Arthur didn’t move. Neither did Merlin. “You can look at it properly if you want. Now you’ve seen it.” Merlin said. For a long moment, Arthur didn’t take his eyes off Merlin, before carefully approaching and sitting on the edge of Merlin’s bed. He took the small-ish band into his hand. “A bracelet?” Merlin nodded in confirmation. He hoped Arthur wouldn’t sense the magic coursing through it. “Did you do the engraving yourself?” Arthur asked, rubbing his thumb over the patterns on the surface of the metal. Merlin nodded again. When he finally looked up from the ground, he found Arthur standing two inches from him with a look in his eyes that he couldn’t entirely place. “It’s… it’s beautiful Merlin.” Arthur whispered in awe. Timidly, Merlin smiled. “Thank you.” Something tense but mildly pleasant passed between them, before Arthur took hold of Merlin’s hand and placed the bracelet into his palm. “Can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.” he whispered into his manservant’s ear, before vanishing from the room. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur Week 2020, Gift Giving, Implied Feelings, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Shy Merlin (Merlin) Series: Part 4 of Merthur Week 2020 Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-24
Words: 505

merlin & arthur | stay with me

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Happy(?) anniversary!!  This year, I decided to recreate one of the first vids I uploaded 8 years ago (8 years wow) in honor of the finale. Can't believe it's been that long since it ended lol it still haunts me every Christmas... vc & ac: mine song used: Stay With Me (Cover) - HeyHiHello Stay safe, everyone! ❤ Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fanvids
Published: 2020-12-24
Words: 53

stay, my darling, and never leave

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They stood there, Merlin too scared to say anything, and Arthur simmering with betrayal and anger and above all, hurt. "If-" Merlin's voice broke, he couldn't understand why Arthur was being so cold and emotionless. "If you do love me, then- then I think you should know that- that I love you. Too. I love you." "Got any other lies to tell me?" Merthur Week 2020 Day 5: “Any other lies left to tell me?” + Angst Notes helloooooOOOOOO i'm in a bit of a weird headspace it is dead o clock in the night i need sleep and my phone is broken and the song i'm listening to is beautiful and the story i just wrote took me on a rollercoaster and hopefully will do the same for you enjoyyyyyyyy See the end of the work for more notes Merlin took a quick look around, and whispered a spell that led to his room warming up immediately. He closed his eyes and stretched out on his bed, basking in the new warmth of his room. Behind him, partially hidden by Merlin's door, a horrified Arthur crept slowly away. ~~~ Merlin entered Arthur's room after he finished his chores for the day, like he had been doing for the past month. Arthur was standing at his window, and even in the half-darkness, Merlin could make out the line of tension in his shoulders. "Arthur?" he asked softly. "What's wrong?" No answer. "Arthur?" Merlin tried again. "Did something happen?" Arthur turned around, and Merlin saw the raw sadness in his eyes before it was wiped away by a cold, stone mask. "Did something happen." Arthur chuckled humorlessly, and held out his fist. In it, he was clutching a ring. "My mother's," he said, and his voice was filled with heartbreak. "I was going to tell you I love you today, and give you this ring." "You love me?" Merlin's voice was filled with hope. All this time, he thought his feelings were unrequited and that Arthur would never see him as anything but a servant, but Arthur was planning to tell him that he loved him? Maybe he was more than a servant to Arthur. Arthur didn't reply. "Arthur-" Merlin took a step forward, making to lay a hand on Arthur's arm. Arthur flinched away. Merlin froze, hurt crossing his features. They stood there, Merlin too scared to say anything, and Arthur simmering with betrayal and anger and above all, hurt. "If-" Merlin's voice broke, he couldn't understand why Arthur was being so cold and emotionless. "If you do love me, then- then I think you should know that- that I love you. Too. I love you." "Got any other lies to tell me?" "I- what? No, I'm not lying. I love you, Arthur, please, believe me." Merlin was in shock, because how could Arthur think that he didn't love him? Merlin would always love Arthur, no matter what. Surely Arthur had to know that? Arthur scoffed. "I can't trust a word that comes out of your mouth, Merlin." Merlin's heart shattered at the statement. "What? Why? Why not, what happened , Arthur? What aren't you telling me?" "I know," Arthur whispered. "I know about your magic." His voice was broken, like he was barely keeping it together, and Merlin ached to gather Arthur into his arms and wipe that terrible, broken expression of his face. But he couldn't, because Merlin was breaking inside as well. Arthur knew . About his magic . He staggered back, and the back of his knees hit Arthur's bed and Merlin collapsed on it. Arthur stood stone still, revealing no emotions. "Why did you never tell me?" Arthur asked. His voice was tiny and insecure, like he was genuinely wondering why Merlin hadn't told him. "I-" Merlin couldn't find his voice, because he had to know something first. "Are you going to kill me?" Arthur's eyes widened almost comically. "What? No! How could you even think that, Merlin? I love you, obviously I'm not going to kill you!" Merlin let out a sigh of relief, his shoulders relaxing and the lines on his forehead disappearing. He sunk into the bed, and began to cry. Awkwardly, Arthur sat down next to Merlin and touched his back. He thought back to what Morgana would do to him when he was upset, and began to hum a song. It was off-tune, and Arthur kept pausing as he forget the melody, but the sentiment behind it was enough. Merlin's tears slowed down and after a minute, stopped completely. "I'm sorry," he said, hiccuping. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry -" Arthur placed a hand on Merlin's knee; a light touch meant to comfort. "Are- are you feeling-" Arthur couldn't think of a word, because he knew better than to ask if Merlin was okay . Merlin nodded his head mutely. "Yeah." Arthur removed his hand from Merlin's back, and the two men sat silently in the moonlight. "I never told you because I didn't want to lose you," Merlin said. His voice was quiet, but it held determination. "I didn't want you to look at me different, like I was someone else entirely when I was still just Merlin." Arthur didn't say anything. "And I was scared," Merlin added. Arthur blinked, he hadn't expected Merlin to say that. "Scared? Whatever for?" Merlin chuckled. "Sorcerers are- feared, to say the least, in Camelot. And a sorcerer killed your father. Sorcery harmed you and the ones you care about so much, I thought you would never be able to see the good side of it." "Were you ever going to tell me?" "Course I was! I was just going to introduce you to the good parts of sorcery first." Arthur sighed. "I was angry, at first. Angry that you didn't trust me, angry that you were a sorcerer , and-" Arthur hesitated. "Angry at myself that I hadn't done more to win your trust." Merlin opened his mouth, but Arthur held up a hand, looking every bit the king he was. "Wait," he said. "I want to say my part first." Merlin nodded. "Now, I'm- I'm- well, I don't know what I am. Or what I'm feeling. But I know one thing for certain. Two things, actually."Arthur looked Merlin right in the eye, unconsciously tightening his grip on Merlin's knee. "One, if you have magic, then magic can't be all evil. Two, um, I still love you. You having magic doesn't change that, and it never would have. You will always be just you to me, Merlin." Merlin let his tears spring back into his eyes. Arthur smiled tiredly. "We can discuss your magic in detail later. I just want to sleep now." Merlin nodded fervently. "Yes, of course. I'll go, and should I come tomorrow? Or maybe I shouldn't, maybe you need more space, maybe you won't want to see me for a few days, should I-" Arthur cut off Merlin. "Stay," he whispered. "Please." Merlin did, and he stayed for many nights after. End Notes whew, what a ride! i hope you enjoyed reading it *hehe* as much i *enjoyed* writing it :D visit me on my tumblr @i-love-books-and-so-do-you Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Did I mention angst, Just checking, Angst with a Hopeful Ending, Hopeful Ending, Merthur Week 2020 Series: Part 5 of Merthur Week 2020 Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-25
Words: 1028

Summer Afternoons

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“What are you hiding Merlin?” Arthur asked with raised eyebrows, though he was unable to stop the slight smirk on his face. Merlin jumped slightly as he turned around, looking surprised to find Arthur there. “What? Why would I be hiding anything?” Merlin replied as casually as he could, but Arthur knew him far too well to believe that. --- Day 4 of merthurweek2020, “What are you hiding Merlin?” + Fun Notes See the end of the work for notes The sun was bright outside, the perfect summer's day as Arthur made his way to the training grounds. Merlin was nowhere to be found, as usual, but Arthur didn't even mind that much today. That was, of course, until he found Merlin creeping around quite suspiciously in one of the corridors. Then he minded much more about what his servant was doing. “What are you hiding Merlin?” Arthur asked with raised eyebrows, though he was unable to stop the slight smirk on his face. Merlin jumped slightly as he turned around, looking surprised to find Arthur there. “What? Why would I be hiding anything?” Merlin replied as casually as he could, but Arthur knew him far too well to believe that. “Really? Then you won’t mind if-” Arthur began, stepping towards him, but was cut off unexpectedly as Merlin laughed and started running from him. Arthur let out a surprised laugh before running after him, training all but forgotten now. This felt like a challenge, and Arthur wasn’t going to let Merlin win so easily. The two of them raced through the halls, Arthur following the sound of Merlin’s laughing that he couldn’t seem to get under control. They left behind a trail of bewildered servants and knights, but neither really cared enough to stop. Truly, everyone should be used to these kinds of things by now with Merlin around. Arthur finally cornered Merlin in a hallway that ended with a locked door, and grinned in his apparent victory. “Well, well, well,” Arthur said, just to get a rise out of Merlin. “The great Arthur Pendragon, unable to outrun a simple servant,” Merlin shot back without missing a beat, grinning just as widely as Arthur, “if I wouldn’t have gotten trapped you never would have caught me.” “I would’ve caught up eventually!” You just got a head start.” Arthur said, outraged at such a suggestion. “Well don’t be upset by it, you are getting on in years a bit…” Merlin trailed off, the teasing obvious in his voice. “Oh, I’ll show you old!” Merlin turned to try and run from Arthur, the look in Arthur’s eyes making him forget he was trapped. Arthur ran up behind him and grabbed him, spinning him back around. Merlin’s breath caught for a moment at the way Arthur’s hair shone in the sudden sunlight from the window next to them. It was like his hair was made from gold, and it was a mesmerizing effect. They were so close together that he could feel Arthur's breath on his face, but he didn't move back. Arthur seemed to sense the change of mood, and the grin on his face softened. He didn't give up, though. “What are you hiding Merlin,” Arthur asked, deliberately making his voice lower. “You really want to know?” Merlin murmured, reaching up to run a hand through Arthur's hair. He leaned closer to Arthur, and felt the moment Arthur let his guard down. Merlin whispered in his ear, “Then you’ll have to catch me.” Arthur stood there dumbstruck as Merlin took off laughing again, unable to process that Merlin had tricked him so easily. “Merlin!” He shouted, chasing after him. The game was on. End Notes Merlin was distracting Arthur because they were planning a surprise party for him! I can write the surprise party for day 6 if anyone is interested  Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Established Relationship, kind of Series: Part 3 of merthurweek2020 Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-25
Words: 533

a death for a life, a life for a lie

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Merlin leaned against the railing, forcing Arthur to meet his gaze. “Don’t lie to me, Arthur.” “Right. That’s your job, isn’t it?” The words left Arthur’s mouth before he considered the damage it would cause. Before he considered the fight he was probably starting. Merlin tensed immediately, his eyes going dark. “Excuse me?” (aka how arthur finds out the truth about his mother’s death) Notes Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin BCC (makes sense if you read the series in order) See the end of the work for more notes “Morgause is lying! She's an enchantress. She tricked you. That was not your mother you saw. That was an illusion. Everything your mother said to you, those were Morgause's words.” - Merlin to Arthur Arthur dropped his head back, thudding against the thick back of his throne. Merlin and Gwen were crowded in the corner of the throne room, whispering to each other. Arthur watched as Merlin’s eyes twinkled with mischief and Gwen’s cheeks flushed red. The two glanced over at the knights— Lancelot, Arthur realized— and Merlin nudged Gwen. Lancelot, as if sensing their attention, glanced up and met Gwen’s gaze. He offered her a small smile and Gwen returned it, her eyes fond. Arthur ached at the sight. He was happy for them. Truly. But something about the innocent starting of something more was nostalgic. He missed when Merlin and he were just starting out. When there were just flirty touches and shared smiles and blushing cheeks. It seemed like in the past few weeks a void had expanded between them and whenever they dared to cross, it ended in nothing but fights. Arthur hadn’t truly felt like he could relax around Merlin. It was stupid, really. Merlin had a right to his privacy and didn’t owe Arthur any explanations but the thought of Merlin meeting his gaze and just lying sent something cold curling in his chest. He refocused his gaze and found that Merlin was watching him. His eyes filled with worry. He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly to the left. Arthur hastily realized that he must have been showing his emotions and wiped his face blank. Offering a reassuring smile, he turned back to the court members who were discussing something Arthur had no idea about before him. He didn’t dare look back at Merlin. Arthur knew that Merlin knew him better than anyone. And that Merlin knew that the smile was fake. And honestly, Arthur wasn’t in the mood to talk to Merlin about it. He’d get over it. He always did. “What’s wrong?” Arthur stifled a curse under his breath. He had escaped to the highest towers of the castle in the hopes that no one would bother him. He should’ve known Merlin never took any social cues. “Nothing.” Merlin leaned against the railing, forcing Arthur to meet his gaze. “Don’t lie to me, Arthur.” “Right. That’s your job, isn’t it?” The words left Arthur’s mouth before he considered the damage it would cause. Before he considered the fight he was probably starting. Merlin tensed immediately, his eyes going dark. “Excuse me?” Arthur pressed his lips together, looking away. Letting out a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his heart rate. “Arthur.” Merlin stepped forward, placing a hand on Arthur’s bicep. Arthur jerked away. “Don’t–don’t do this. Look, I’m not in the mood.” “In the mood for what? Arthur, what is wrong?” Merlin hesitated, like he was planning on touching Arthur again but then moved back. “Is this about tomorrow? I already cleared your schedule so you can relax.” “Don’t. I have work to do. I never asked you to clear my schedule.” Arthur sniped, uncaring about the way Merlin flinched at his harsh tone. “You did last year. And the year before that. You told me that—” “That what?” Arthur whirled on Merlin. “Since when do you even listen to what I have to say?” Merlin moved back, furrowing his eyebrows. He stared at Arthur for a moment before shaking his head. “Alright. You clearly need some rest. George will look after you. I promised Gwen I’d help her with something before dinner. We’ll talk later, yeah? I’m not talking to you when you’re like this.” Arthur scoffed. “Help Gwen with something?” Merlin turned away. “Yeah, Arthur. I’ll see you after dinner. Maybe you can calm down and tell me what’s wrong by then.” Merlin left before Arthur could even think of a response. Arthur groaned and turned back on his heel to look over the railing. From this viewpoint, he could see the bustling street of the lower town as people packed up their shops and headed home to their families. His eyes caught on a couple that was packing up the pastry shop. He watched as the two joked and laughed. And even though Arthur couldn’t hear them, their laughter echoed through his mind. A taunting reminder of what he and Merlin had once been. “Look, it’s nothing.” Merlin scoffed. “Are you serious right now? Did you see the way Lancelot looked at you today? Please, he had literal heart eyes.” Gwen rolled her eyes, snatching up her sewing kit so she could mend the laundry. “He did not. He sees me as a little sister or something.” “If that was the case, I feel bad for all sisters out there. Does Elyan look at you like that?” “Ok, first of all, ew. Second of all, I’m older than Elyan so it doesn’t count.” Merlin quickly finished off his knot and re-threading the yarn. “Same concept. Lancelot’s been in love with you for as long as I can remember. He’s way too noble to make the first move so talk to him.” Gwen shot Merlin a look. “Really? You’re giving me relationship advice? The same guy who came moaning to me that Arthur only sees him as a servant and nothing more? You’re kidding.” “Oh, don’t even. Arthur’s emotionally constipated so you can’t blame me.” Merlin looked down, trying to swell the bitterness in his chest. “Not when it comes to you. Have you seen the way he acts around you? Now that is the definition of ‘literal heart eyes’. Not whatever Lancelot’s doing,” Gwen said, tossing the mended shirt into the laundry basket. Merlin hummed in response, holding up the shirt. “It’s not that bad, right?” Gwen looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Unless you want the entire court to see his lower back, no. Trust me, Merlin. No one wants to see that.” Merlin wrinkled his nose, flopping onto his back. “I much prefer washing clothes over mending them. Jesus, do these people work in a tornado?” Gwen shoved Merlin with her foot. “Get up. It’s not like you have anything better to do. We both know that you don’t get any work done around Arthur.” Merlin groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes. “Right.” Gwen paused, studying Merlin. “Oh no. Did something happen between you two?” Merlin jerked up. “Did something? I don’t know, Gwen. Everything is just weird. I don’t know if it’s because his birthday’s coming up and with his mother and all but he’s been so much more snappy at me.” Gwen pursed her lips, looking down. “Where is he now?” Merlin shrugged. “I don’t know. He’s supposed to be writing his speech or something and I told George to look after him—” “He’s with George?” “Um, yeah?” Gwen stared at Merlin. “What is wrong with you? What are you still doing here?” Merlin scratched his jaw. “I’m helping you, remember? I don’t see what the problem is. I’ll talk to him after dinner and—” Gwen snatched the clothes from Merlin’s hand. “Oh my god. Get out. Poor George. Arthur’s going to kill him. Go.” “Go? Come on, Gwen. I said that I would help.” Merlin argued, stealing the clothes back. “You say one more word and I might think that you’re making excuses to avoid Arthur. Come on, Merlin. He’s obviously down with his birthday tomorrow and he needs you.” Merlin sighed. “He doesn’t need me, Gwen. He pushes me away and—” Gwen glared at Merlin. “Do you two never actually sit down and talk?” She leaned over and pushed Merlin away. “Go to him. If anyone can cheer Arthur up, it’s you. The last thing he needs is to be away from you. Go to him.” Merlin hesitated. “Gwen—” “I won’t ask you again. I’m almost done here anyway. Go, Merlin.” Gwen scrunched up her face and made a split-second decision. “If you go to Arthur right now, I’ll ask Lancelot out tomorrow.” Merlin froze. “Shut up. Are you serious?” Gwen laughed. “Get out.” Merlin scrambled up. “I’m leaving. I’m leaving. Don’t back out, okay? The man loves you.” Gwen rolled her eyes. “I hope so.” Merlin winked and slipped out. Gwen scoffed and picked up the shirt again. How the two managed to stay together astounded Gwen. She only hoped that she and Lancelot could be as happy as the royal couple. Arthur was genuinely about to throw George out of his window when the door slammed open revealing Merlin. He stalked forward and tugged at George’s jacket. “Thanks, George. You can go know.” George, who was in the middle of moving Arthur’s armor into the chest at the foot of his bed, only glared at Merlin. If Arthur was being honest, after so many years of Merlin carelessly tossing his armor to the ground, he’d forgotten that there was an actual place for it. “Give me a minute, Merlin. Do you ever put his Majesty’s armor in the right place? It—” Merlin waved George off, taking the armor. “No. And if Arthur has a problem, he’ll sack me. Get out, George.” George opened his mouth, probably to complain again but Arthur was at the end of his line. “Oh, for god’s sake, George. Get out. Merlin can take it from here.” George frowned, but let Merlin take the rest of the armor. George gave a stiff bow before turning on his heel and storming out. Merlin dumped the rest of the armor inside and shut the chest, seemingly unbothered about the fact that it didn’t close properly. “I cannot believe you, Merlin.” Arthur groaned. “You left me with George. George. I thought you were joking. I suffered through his stupid brass jokes for the past hour.” Merlin only glared at Arthur. “Serves you right. We need to talk.” Arthur snorted. “Do we? I thought you didn’t want to talk to me when I’m like this.” “I really don’t but I’m getting sick and tired of Gwen and Lancelot and their stupid looks and unresolved romantic tension so I’m here.” Merlin snapped. Arthur blinked. “What?” “Nothing.” Merlin made his way to Arthur’s bed and threw himself on top of it. The two fell silent. After what felt like an eternity, Merlin spoke up again. “Do you still want me to clear your schedule tomorrow? Because if you’re that desperate for it, I’ll be more than happy to have the meeting in the morning.” Arthur sat down at the edge of his bed. “Leave it. I’ll take the day off.” Arthur watched as Merlin hummed, letting his eyes fall shut. His long eyelashes were prominent against his pale cheekbones and Arthur was instantly jealous of how quickly Merlin seemed to relax and relieve tension. Or perhaps, Merlin was simply better at hiding it than Arthur. Merlin patted the space next to him. “Lie down. You look like a startled deer sitting like that.” “You can’t even see me.” Arthur rolled his eyes but crawled over to curl up on the bed beside Merlin. “I know you, Arthur. Let me ask. Is this the type of situation where you mourn the day before rather than the day of or is there something else bothering you?” “Who the hell mourns the day before?” Merlin rolled onto his side, facing Arthur. “I do. Sometimes, at least. It’s the tension of knowing that the anniversary of something is coming up and it pulls you down. You usually don’t mourn for a day, you know. It’s just that general time.” “You seem to know a lot. Lost a lot of people, yeah?” Arthur muttered. Merlin paused, thinking. “Not much.” “No? I mean, you lost your father, your childhood friend, your girlfriend. That’s no small number.” Merlin internally cursed. He had forgotten that Arthur knew about that. It was scary in a way. That Merlin had gotten so used to keeping it from him he had forgotten that Arthur now knew. “I guess. At least I knew them all. You never met your mother.” Arthur sighed. “You knew your father for just a couple of days, right? You have no idea what I would give to have just a day with her. To know what her voice sounded like. What she looked like.” “You don’t know what she looks like? There were no paintings of her?” Arthur chewed on his lip, thinking. “My father never talked about her. Now that I think about it, I did see her when we went after Morgouse. Even though her words were lies, I did see her. Hear her. Even if it was just for a few minutes.” Merlin remembered that day. He could still remember the way Arthur had his sword to Uther’s neck and if Merlin had just stayed quiet then— He inhaled sharply. He did the right thing. Arthur never would’ve forgiven himself had he killed his own father. But he couldn’t help but wonder what would’ve happened had he let it happen. Had Arthur realized that Uther was wrong and that magic was innocent. That Uther killed his mother, not magic. Oh, how Merlin ached to just tell Arthur everything. “Merlin.” Merlin jerked at Arthur’s voice. Arthur had rolled over, propping himself up on his elbows. His gaze was furrowed and worried. “What are you hiding?” Merlin dropped back onto his back. “I’m not hiding anything. I was just thinking.” Arthur’s gaze burned holes into his head and Merlin’s heart skipped a beat in his chest. And not in a good way. Arthur leaned closer. “Don’t lie to me.” His voice was nothing but a harsh breath and Merlin shivered. This wasn’t the first time Merlin had lied to Arthur. Usually, he bought his flimsy excuses without a second thought but right now, Arthur’s gaze seemed to bore into his soul and Merlin felt more exposed than ever. “What?” That’s your job, isn’t it? Arthur pushed himself up. “Don’t. Don’t do this. You wanted to talk, let’s talk. What are you hiding?” “Don’t be ridiculous, Arthur. What could I possibly be hiding?” Merlin snapped. Arthur’s gaze faltered. “You-you’re keeping something from me. What were you just thinking about?” “I was just thinking about that day. What are you talking about?” Merlin asked, praying to all the gods that Arthur wouldn’t press further. He really didn’t feel like explaining everything to Arthur. Would it help? Merlin thought back to Arthur’s words from all those days ago. After everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live? He executes those who use magic, and yet he has used it himself. You have caused so much suffering and pain. I will put an end to that. Merlin blinked back sudden tears. It was everything Merlin had wanted to hear. All Merlin had ever wished for was Arthur to realize that Uther was wrong and that magic was innocent. And what had Merlin done? He lied. And forced Arthur to hate him and everyone like him once more. Arthur stared at him for a moment and then pulled back. “Oh. Ok, right. I’m sorry. I just thought —” “Morgouse was telling the truth.” Merlin blurted out, the words leaving his mouth before he could stop it. Arthur blinked, the words washing over him, but not really registering in his mind. “What?” Merlin backed away, slipping off the bed. “Oh shit. What is wrong with me?” “Morgouse was what?” Arthur stepped forward. Merlin let out a sigh and faced Arthur. “Ok, listen. Um, I was going to tell you. I was. But you did hear your mother’s words. That wasn’t an illusion.” Arthur stared, trying to wrap his mind around what Merlin was saying but he felt like he’d been spinning in circles and the entire world was about to topple sideways. “It wasn’t an illusion.” Merlin winced. “No. Uther desperately wanted a child and sought out the use of magic to do it. He knew that it would require a life. A life for a life. But he did it anyway and so you were born of magic. And in return, your mother was taken.” Arthur backed away. “No. No. No. What—” “It might have been magic that took your mother but it was the same magic that brought you to life. Uther needed an heir and he might not have consciously done it, but he sacrificed your mother in the process.” “Shut up. Shut up, Merlin.” Arthur growled, his breath coming in quick pants. Merlin stepped forward. “Arthur—” “Don’t. Don’t touch me. Are you serious? Morgouse wasn’t the liar. You were.” “I was only trying to help, Arthur. You were going to kill your father. I wasn’t going to—” A sudden wave of anger crashed over Arthur. “So what if I was? Who the hell gave you the right to stop me? Who gave you the right to make that decision for me?” “Come on, Arthur.” Merlin pleaded. “You wouldn’t have wanted your reign to based off of patricide. You never would’ve forgiven yourself.” Arthur scoffed. “Oh, don’t act like you know shit about me. That was my mother. You really believe that Uther deserved to live?” “It’s not a matter of whether he deserved to live or not. He’s still your father.” “He killed my mother. And you stopped me from killing him. You had no right. You–” Arthur broke off, frustrated beyond belief. Merlin cautiously approached Arthur. “I’m sorry. I had to do something.” Arthur swallowed roughly. “Ok fine. I get it. But why the hell didn’t you tell me afterward. When I wasn’t as prone to killing my father. It’s been years, Merlin.” “I know. I know. I just- I wanted—” Merlin stuttered through his reply. Arthur pressed his palm to his forehead, trying to take in even breathes. “You know better than anyone how it feels to grow up without a parent. You know how much I wanted to meet my mother and talk to her. And instead, you forced me to believe that the one time I actually saw her, it was a lie?” “That was never my intention, Arthur.” Arthur snorted loudly and pushed away from Merlin. “I don’t give a shit about your intentions, Merlin. That was my mother. You had no right to do what you did. Do you know how many lives could’ve been saved? How many sorcerers that my father murdered to try and forget about his own sins? How many innocent people I murdered becuase I foolishly believed him?” Merlin moved to wipe the tears that were building up in his eyes. His hands went to clutch at his hair. “I—you don’t understand. I had to. That was never the way things were supposed to be. You can’t rush things and make decisions that you know nothing about. Uther, as terrible as he was, taught you valuable lessons.” “Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Are you trying to defend yourself right now?” Arthur snarled. “No. I’m not trying to do anything. I’m sorry that I never told you. I was only doing what I thought was best for you.” “Yeah, that’s your problem, Merlin. You don’t know what’s best for me. Jesus, you’re my best friend. You’re my- my lover. You don’t get to make every decision for me. I’m the king. Not you.” “I know that. You’re my king and I respect and follow you–” Merlin started. “Then don’t lie to me. Don’t make all these stupid decisions without me because you think you know what’s best for me. I don’t care if you don’t tell me about your dead girlfriend or some other private crap but this affects the kingdom. This affects me. You cannot keep it from me.” Merlin stepped back. “You don’t care?” “Don’t. Don’t try to turn this around. You know exactly what I mean. This is what I’m talking about when I say that there’s King Arthur and there’s just Arthur. You told just Arthur about things that matter to you. But you have to also tell King Arthur about things that matter to the kingdom.” “Didn’t we have this conversation before? I tell you everything that you need to know—” “No, you don’t. What about this is so hard for you to understand. You didn’t tell me about Morgana or the stupid dragon or my mother, what else are you keeping from me?” Arthur snapped. Merlin fell silent, just staring at Arthur. His eyes were wide and filled with unshed tears that sent a pang through Arthur’s heart. Arthur moved forward and grabbed Merlin’s hands. “Merlin. You can trust me. I know that you always have my best intentions at heart. I do. But you have to understand. You need to talk to me. I have to know what’s going on in my own kingdom. I can’t do that if you keep things like this from me.” Merlin sniffled and looked away. “I know.” “Do you?” Arthur asked. “Look at me. Don’t turn your head. You’re probably the only person in the kingdom who has more secrets about Camelot than me. There’s no reason for you to not tell me. If you have my best intentions, then what’s the harm?” Merlin met his eyes. “I’m sorry. I just—” Merlin broke off, sinking his teeth into his bottom lip. “That trust has to go both ways, yeah? I know I should’ve told you about your mother. I guess I didn’t think it was that important for you to know.” “I don't care how insignificant it might feel. I want you to tell me.” “I will,” Merlin promised. “But you have to trust that I’ll tell you everything you need to know.” “That’s not what I—” “I’ll tell you everything. Just trust me.” Arthur laughed bitterly. “I feel like every time we fight, we always come to the same conclusion. I have to trust you. You’re right, that trust goes both ways. This is not a one-way street.” “No.” Merlin agreed. “I trust you with my life. You know that.” “I know. But do you trust me with anything else?” Merlin furrowed his eyebrows. “What do you mean?” Arthur pulled away. “Nothing. I’m going to get some rest, Merlin.” “Of course. Let me—” Arthur pushed Merlin away. “That’s okay. I want to sleep alone tonight.” Merlin frowned. “Why?” “No reason. You can go accompany Gauis for the night, yeah? I’ll see you tomorrow.” “But—” Merlin started to protest. Arthur shoved Merlin out the door. “Go, Merlin. Good night.” And before Merlin could reply, Arthur shut the door. He waited until he heard Merlin's footsteps walk away before he broke. A loud sob escaping his throat. He clasped a hand over his mouth, trying to muffle them. His own blood roared in his ears and it seemed like all the air was sucked from the room, leaving Arthur to gasp for something that wasn’t there. Arthur could still remember that day like it was yesterday. The way he felt when his mother had curled up against him. The betrayed coursing through his veins when she looked into his eyes and told him that Uther had killed her. The stupid, guilty face of his father when Arthur confronted him. And Arthur could still remember the way the doors had burst open and Merlin had run inside. Morgouse was lying. All the anger suddenly drained from him and his knees buckled, causing him to crash to the ground with a thud. He pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes hard enough for colors to burst behind his eyelids. And he cried and cried and let himself fill the room with the foolish drops of tears that seemed to waterfall down his cheeks. And when he woke up the next morning, he was still laying against the door, the sun barley peeking over the horizon. He stood up shakily and wiped the dried tears from his face. And when a knock sounded on the door, George’s voice calling through, Arthur was never more relieved to not hear Merlin. --0-o-0-- End Notes Healthy Holidays! I hope you enjoyed this (or not because it wasn't supposed to be fun) <3 Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), minor Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin) - Relationship
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Additional Tags: no magic reveal, Sad Merlin, sad Arthur, angry arthur, Mistrust, Unhealthy Relationships, you know the drill by now Series: Part 4 of how to love a liar
Published: 2020-12-26
Words: 4022

You'll Never Burn

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Merthur Week 2020 Day 7 - Free Day + Magic Reveal Arthur pieces together the past and tries to get Merlin to understand. Notes That summary is AWFUL! Anyway, I had a lot of fun writing the fics for this week! Hope y'all enjoyed them as well! The room was silent. Eerily silent. Arthur stood staring at a shaking and terrified Merlin, trying to wrap his head around what had happened. Magic? Merlin? All those times Merlin had been accused of it and never denied it, or those few times that he’d flat out admitted his guilt to save someone accused in his place. Each time, what was it Arthur had said? “Surely not Merlin ”, “he has no idea what he’s saying”, and so many other things. But his lack of denial made sense now. Now that Merlin was- He finally paid attention to Merlin. He was curled into himself on the ground, sobbing. Arthur felt his heart stop. It wasn’t right. Merlin was happy, and enthusiastic, and ready to defend himself and put Arthur in his place, not… not petrified to tears. “Merlin.” he murmured. “Don’t burn me. You can do anything to me, but please don’t burn me.” Merlin begged through tears. Arthur’s heart broke. This was what the law - what his father’s law - did to people, he realised. “I won’t. Merlin, I promise I won’t.” he promised, crouching in front of his friend. “All of it was for you. Always for you.” Merlin babbled. “Merlin, I’m not going to have you killed. I couldn’t bear to even hurt you.” It was as though Merlin couldn’t hear him. Knowing better than to touch him, Arthur shuffled to sit next to Merlin and face forward. That was how they sat for a long while - Arthur didn’t know how long - until Merlin shifted. “Why are you still here?” Merlin quietly asked. “Well. I couldn’t leave you, especially when you thought I was going to…” Arthur made some vague gestures with his hand so he didn’t have to say it. “You should be so mad.” “I’m a bit upset that you never told me, but I know why.” Arthur turned to face Merlin. “Merlin, no matter what happens, you are safe. Nothing will happen to you as long as I’m around, I promise.” Wide eyes met his. “Really? You’d really-?” “You’re an idiot if you don’t think I’d do anything to keep you safe.” Arthur told him, lightly. Hesitantly, Merlin laced his fingers with Arthur’s. Arthur gave his hand a protective squeeze, causing Merlin to give him a soft smile. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merthur Week 2020, Post-Magic Reveal, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur, Panic Attacks, Fear of Death, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Established Relationship Series: Part 7 of Merthur Week 2020 Collections: Merthur Week 2020
Published: 2020-12-27
Words: 382

The World that Could Have Been

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Merlin manages to reach Camlann before the battle has begun. Deciding the only way to save Arthur's life and defy destiny is to keep Arthur out of battle, Merlin choses to take on the Saxons alone, trusting that his magic would be strong enough to defeat an entire army. Arthur had been sleeping peacefully beside Guinevere when something woke him. He lay there for a moment, unsure where he was, when he remembered. He was camped at Camlann. He was but possibly minutes or hours from a battle against Morgana and the Saxons. Most likely his own death. He frowned. But what had woken him? Guinevere shifted beside him and then her hand was on his chest. “Arthur. Arthur, what is it?” Arthur shook his head slowly. “Merlin.” Guinevere sighed. “It was just a dream. Go back to sleep. You need your strength.” Arthur shook his head again. “No. No, it was…” Why couldn’t he remember? Suddenly, the tent flap opened and Sir Leon stepped inside. “Sire, I am sorry, but Morgana is preparing to attack.” Arthur pushed aside the fear and swung himself out of bed. “We must ready ourselves. Prepare for battle.” Leon bowed and backed out of the tent. “Arthur-“ Guinevere started. Then she stopped herself. Slowly, assuredly, she helped him into his armour. It felt wrong. Merlin should be here, doing this. Merlin, his idiotic manservant who had grown to be his best friend and the one person he thought he would always be able to count on. And yet, when it really mattered, Merlin wasn’t here. Arthur shuddered as he thought about his last words to Merlin – how cruel they had been. But he was hurt. Hurt that Merlin had decided to back out of the battle they had been building towards for years. Hurt that he wouldn’t have his best friend by his side in what was most likely his final hours. Hurt that Merlin – dependable, brave, clumsy, loyal Merlin – had abandoned him when he needed him most. He swallowed as Guinevere moved around him, fastening his armour in place. He was used to peaceful moments like this, where Merlin dressed him and prepared him for battle, said something terribly wise that seemed at odds with the rest of his friends personality and then said something to the effect of how much he believed in Arthur. It was that belief in him, that devotion that Merlin had shown him over and over again throughout their years together, that had helped Arthur face many of his problems. He wished Merlin was here to encourage him now. There was a loud commotion outside and Arthur turned his head towards the tent flap, wondering what was going on. Then a figure stumbled into the tent and Arthur felt his heart stop, just for a moment. “ Mer lin?” he asked in astonishment. Gwaine, Leon and Percival had followed Merlin into the tent. “Look who we found,” Gwaine said, grinning. Merlin swallowed and looked at Arthur with those big doe eyes of his. “Arthur, you need to trust me.” Arthur shook his head. “What are you doing here? I thought you had something more important to be doing?” he asked petulantly. Merlin rolled his eyes. “You can be angry with me later. Right now, we have to take care of Morgana and the Saxons. Arthur, do you trust me?” Arthur stared at his friend. “Yes. With all my heart.” Merlin beamed, bright and sunny and so at contrast with the dark and despair surrounding them. “Then please, stay here. No one must leave this camp.” Arthur snorted. “ Mer lin, in case you didn’t notice, Morgana is preparing to attack us as we speak.” Merlin swallowed. “I know that. But I can take care of this. I can stop her and her army without a single Camelot soldier being hurt. Please, just trust me. Stay here and you will all be safe.” “Merlin, I’m hardly going to let you prance off to face an army alone. You can’t even hold a sword. ” Merlin shook his head, smiling lightly. “You’re a great king, Arthur. A bit of a prat, but a great king and friend, none the less. You said you trusted me, so do as I ask. Please.” With that, Merlin turned and fled from the tent. The knights stared after him, before turning to Arthur and Guinevere. “My Lord?” Leon asked. Arthur bit his lip, before sighing and saying, “Order everyone to stay at camp. Gwaine, with me.” Arthur left the tent and followed after Merlin, Gwaine close at his side. “We’re going to follow him then?” Gwaine asked. Arthur snorted and kept his eyes on Merlin. “Of course we are. I trust him. Fully. But I’m not about to let the idiot wander off alone. What could he possibly be planning if he thinks he can stop Morgana and her army?” Gwaine looked solemn, for once in his life. “I don’t know. But I except we’re about to find out.” *** Merlin wasn’t one hundred percent sure this was going to work. But he had to believe it would. He was stronger than he’d ever been before. After getting his magic back, he could feel it thrumming beneath his veins and he was ready to take on Morgana and her entire army if he had to, so long as Arthur was safe and far away from Mordred. He could not let the prophecies come to pass. Some saw his devotion to Arthur as loyalty or duty, to King and Country or magic. It was neither. Merlin was devoted to Arthur because he loved him. And right now, he was willing to do anything to keep the man he loved alive to see another dawn. As he reached the battle field, he could see the Saxons stood together, ready and waiting to attack. Standing above them on the jaggered edge of the cliff face, was Morgana. Merlin walked slowly and steadily, stopping several feet away from the Saxons. “This is your only chance. Leave now and no harm will come to you,” he shouted over the distance between them. Morgana laughed cruelly from where she stood. “What? Has Arthur sent you out here alone to fight his battles? Emrys. ” Merlin gazed up at her sadly. “Arthur does not know who I am or what I can do. But he trusts me. And I told him I would end this battle without a single Camelot soldier getting wounded. I meant it.” Morgana laughed louder. “You might be Emrys, but not even you are strong enough to take on an entire army and survive.” Merlin cracked a smile. “Wanna bet?” Morgana snarled. “Kill him! Kill him, now!” The Saxons raised their swords and charged. Merlin raised a single hand. His eyes flared gold and a large, bubble like barrier rose between himself and the Saxons. Temporarily safe from their advances, he threw his head back and yelled, “O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!” Knowing that Kilgharrah was on his way, Merlin looked back at the Saxons, who were trying to pass by his barrier. Swallowing hard, he dropped the barrier and let them charge at him. As they grew closer, he raised both his hands and screamed, “Ic þé wiþdrífe!” The Saxons at the front of the crowd were hit with the spell and flew backwards, crashing into their fellow soldiers. Then Merlin was casting stunning spell after stunning spell. “Ástríce! Folge min bebod! Awendaþ eft wansæliga neat!” One by one, the Saxons flew backwards. Next, he yelled, “Cume her fyrbryne!” A line of fire flared up, latching onto some of the Saxons who screamed as they began to burn. More spells sprung from Merlin’s lips and slowly but surely, the Saxon army began to fall. Finally, Kilgharrah arrived. “I need your help!” Merlin yelled. His voice was growing hoarse from casting spell after spell and his body was beginning to exhaust itself “Please. There are more soldiers prepared to attack from the hidden path on the other side of the pass. I saw it in the crystals.” The dragon flew off and over to the other group of Saxons Merlin had seen in the crystal and began to attack. Merlin raised his hands and began casting again and again. “Gewican ge stanas!” He screamed and the rocks on either side of the Saxons came crashing down, crushing them. “Emrys!” Morgana screamed from where she still stood. Merlin took a shaky breath, fighting off the exhaustion and began to throw fire ball after fire ball at the few Saxons still standing. There was fire and smoke everywhere, flying from Merlin’s hands. Until, finally, there was nothing left but rubble, smoke and hundreds of dead soldiers. Merlin collapsed to his knees, exhausted. He closed his eyes and took several breathes, trying to steady himself. “Maybe you’re more powerful than I thought, Emrys,” a cold voice said. Merlin looked up and saw Morgana walking towards him. “But you have drained your magic. You will be unable to defeat me.” “Kilgharrah-“ Merlin started. But his words were cut off when he was thrown backwards by Morgana. He crashed into the rock wall and winced as his head smashed against the solid surface. He was tired and his vision was blurry and he felt like he was about to pass out. But this wasn’t over yet. Arthur wasn’t safe yet. He forced himself to stumble to his feet. “I’m so sorry, Morgana,” he said, his voice gravelly. “I blame myself for what you’ve become.” “Why?” she snarled. “Because you poisoned me? Betrayed me? You’ll go to the ends of the earth for Arthur, you’re friend. But what about me? I was your friend and you tried to kill me.” She laughed bitterly. “I was so scared and so alone and it turns out you had magic, just like me. I told you of my powers and you did nothing to help me. Nothing!” She stretched out a hand and her magic shoved him against the wall and slowly began to choke him. Then, out the corner of his eye, he saw movement. A second later, through his watering eyes, he saw Arthur. The king had his sword out – Excalibur – and within the next second he had run Morgana through from behind. The magic dropped and Merlin fell to the floor, gasping. “No mortal blade can kill me,” Morgana sneered, even as the sword impaled her. “That is no mortal blade,” Merlin coughed out. “I had it forged under dragons breath for Arthur years ago. Goodbye, Morgana.” Merlin watched as the High Priestess, who was once upon a time his friend, collapsed to the floor, her eyes unseeing. He stared at her body for a moment, before raising his eyes to meet Arthur’s. “Arthur,” he murmured, before his eyes rolled back in his head and he fell into the land of darkness. *** It took three days for Merlin to wake up. Arthur barely left his bedside. He sat, staring at his manservant turned friend turned best friend turned sorcerer. Merlin had been right, of course. He did manage to save them all. Not a single knight of Camelot was harmed. The Saxons that Merlin hadn’t killed, that blasted dragon had. Arthur didn’t know how he felt about all of it. He was relieved, yes, that his men and himself were alive and well. He was stunned that Morgana was finally dead, and guilty that his sister had died at his hand. But mostly, his thoughts were on Merlin. Gwaine and himself had seen everything. They had hidden behind a rock and watched as Merlin had unleashed a godlike display of magic, managing single handily to kill hundreds, if not thousands, of soldiers. The warrior he had seen didn’t fit with the imagine of his friend he had in his head. And yet… and yet it had happened. He had seen it. And suddenly, so many things began to make sense. How they always seemed to make it out of situations where they ought to have died. How Merlin managed to survive the Dorochas touch. How Gaius always claimed Merlin was in the tavern, and yet when Arthur had gone to the tavern, Merlin had not been there and the barmaid had said Merlin was never there unless it was with him. All the luck Camelot had seemed to have over these past ten years suddenly made sense. Because it wasn’t luck. It was Merlin. Merlin, who had lied to Arthur for years – and that hurt and he was angry, yes. But Merlin had lived in the shadows all these years, never once seeking any credit. He had saved Arthur and Camelot and the knights again and again, there was no doubt in Arthur’s mind. And the power Merlin had. Arthur had seen it first hand. And yet day in and day out for ten years, Merlin had slaved away as a servant, polishing Arthur’s armour, changing his bedding, dressing and bathing him, serving him. All these years… the most powerful man Arthur had ever seen – and according to Gaius, the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth – and he had been emptying Arthur’s chamber pot. And wasn’t that just so Merlin. Arthur stared at his friends still face, his hand still firmly holding Merlin’s. Gaius had said Merlin was just exhausted, but that he was physically okay, his body just needed the rest. Arthur just wished he would wake up. Then, as though he could hear Arthur’s thoughts, Merlin began to stir. His eye lashes flickered and then, slowly, those beautiful blue eyes Arthur loved fluttered open. “Arth’r?” he mumbled, blinking. Arthur squeezed Merlin’s hand. “Finally. Time for you to stop being lazy, Mer lin. Three days asleep. Honestly. Truly the laziest servant I have ever known.” Merlin blinked at him and then his eyes widened as he seemed to remember what was going on. “Arthur, I can explain,” he rushed out, trying to sit up. “No, no, stay lying down, you idiot. You’ll knock yourself out again,” Arthur said, pushing lightly on Merlin’s chest and making him lie back down. “And it’s okay. Well, no, I’m angry. But not about the magic. Why didn’t you tell me?” He tried not to sound to hurt. “You’d have chopped my head off,” Merlin grumbled. “I’m not sure what I would have done,” Arthur answered honestly. He knew he wouldn’t have killed Merlin, but other than that… banishment? He swallowed the guilt. “And I didn’t want to put you in that position,” Merlin said softly, staring up at him. Arthur shook his head at him fondly. “Only you, Merlin.” He reached out with his free hand and let his fingers graze over Merlin’s cheek, watching as his friends eyes fluttered shut for a moment and his breathing quickened. “You did it. Gwaine and I followed you and we saw you defeat the Saxons. You saved us all, Merlin. Thank you.” Merlin stared up at him and his lips twitched slightly. “Does this mean I finally get a day off?” Arthur rolled his eyes. “You’ve had three days off while you were sleeping, Mer lin.” Merlin snickered, then groaned slightly. “I’m hungry.” “Of course you are,” Arthur replied affectionately, his fingers still brushing against Merlin’s cheek. “I should go and get Gaius and let everyone else know you’re awake.” But he didn’t move from his seat. Instead, he leant down and pressed a chaste kiss to Merlin’s lips. “Don’t ever do that to me again,” he whispered once he had pulled back. “You’re my friend and I couldn’t bear to lose you.” “Nor I you,” Merlin replied, stretching up to kiss Arthur again. Arthur rested his forehead against Merlin’s. They had a lot to talk about and he was still hurt by the years of deceit, but he knew they would be okay. Because this was Merlin. And he and Arthur, well, they were like two sides of the same coin. Two halves of the same whole. And when they were working together, well… there was nothing on this earth that could stop them. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era, First Kiss, Canonical Character Death, it's Morgana, Arthur Pendragon Lives (Merlin), Canon Divergence - Episode: s05e13 The Diamond of the Day, Episode: s05e12-13 The Diamond of the Day, Merlin Saves Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Everybody Lives, except the saxons, and morgana - Freeform, Happy Ending
Published: 2020-12-31
Words: 2637

Merlin and Arthur’s New Year Adventure

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Arthur and Merlin plan to go to NYC for the ball drop, but Merlin gets sick. Arthur is being a sweet husband, Merlin finds a creative solution. Notes This is for a prompt by Mickey and the fanfic group. I had fun writing this! Thank you!’ Arthur and Merlin had been planning to attend the ball drop in NYC for 6 months. They would rent a hotel, eat dinner in the restaurant where they first met, and then go to Times Square to watch the fireworks and ring in the new year with a kiss. Unfortunately, Merlin got sick three days before they were set to leave their home in Baltimore to drive the hour and a half to NYC. Arthur decided to make Merlin some homemade soup while Merlin rested in their large bed upstairs surrounded by comfy pillows and blankets. He’d made sure that Merlin had tissues by his side of the bed, cough drops if he needed them, and some Vaseline in case his nose got raw from blowing it. He’d given him a dosage of NyQuil before heading to their kitchen to prepare a soup. Merlin was strange, he didn’t care for regular Chicken Noodle. So Arthur had grabbed the preparations for a copycat recipe of his favorite soup from Olive Garden, the zoupa toscana. It had potatoes, kale, and Italian sausage. Arthur made sure to get the spicy sausage to help clear out Merlin’s sinuses. It was also Merlin’s favorite sausage. As the soup cooked on the stove, Arthur browsed through his phone, looking at his social media accounts to see what their friends were up to on this New Years Eve. He knew Gwaine was out on a date with a new supermodel he’d met at work. Perks of being a photographer he supposed. He vaguely remembers Gwaine telling him her name was Sophia? Or Vivian? Something like that. Gwen and Lance would be tucking their kids into bed and spending the night drinking sparkling wine and cuddling until midnight just as they always did. Elyan and Percy were visiting Percy’s dad. They’d been there since Christmas Eve. He saw that his sister Morgana and her husband Leon were at NYC as they’d planned to be. Morgana was tagging him in videos of firework displays, saying how she wished they were their with him. She’d texted earlier to ask that he give Merlin her best wishes and to tell him that next time he thought about getting sick and missing out on a fun night with her, that she’d kick his ass. Nicely of course. He decided while the soup simmered he’d make Merlin a hot toddy. His mother’s recipe for a cure all- especially to a common cold. The NyQuil should be wearing off soon. So he prepared it and brought the drink up to his husband, gently waking him to have him drink the contents of the glass. Merlin mumbled his thanks as his sipped the drink in a bit of a daze. Merlin hated being sick, so Arthur tried making it the best experience he could for him. He desperately hated seeing his beautiful dark haired husband upset. He told Merlin he was going check on the soup, and then he’d put on the ball drop on TV and to join him downstairs when he was more awake. Merlin agreed and told Arthur he loved him as he quietly left the room. Arthur had just finished the last touches on the soup and got their bowls together on the coffee table in their living room. He was going to get them each a glass of water, and some bread. He had turned the television on before walking back into the kitchen when he heard movement from upstairs, he assumed Merlin coming down for dinner. As he placed the glasses and bread down on the table he’d heard Merlin call him from the stairwell. “Arthur! Baby come see!” Arthur hurried quickly to the stairwell, wondering if his husband was hurt or needed help down the stairs. However, when he reached the stairs he stopped in his tracks and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. “Merlin, sweetheart, what are you doing?” “I’m the ball on New Years Eve and I’m waiting to drop!” He announced cheerfully. Arthur sighed and shook his head affectionately, “You can’t be the ball drop.” “Why not?!” Merlin sounded offended “I’m pretty and shiny!” “You’re naked and covered in glitter!” Arthur wondered how he’d even gotten himself covered in glitter. Did he use the Vaseline Arthur had put on the night stand?? Where did he even find that much silver glitter to begin with? Merlin sniffed, crossing his arms and smirking at his husband, “My point still stands.” Arthur chuckled before climbing the stairs until he reached his husband. “Baby, let’s get you showered and then we’ll come downstairs to eat and watch the firework show on tv. I promise I’ll still give you a New Years kiss to remember,” he told him. Merlin smiled and nodded his acceptance, grabbing Arthur’s hand and leading him towards their bathroom. Arthur smiled fondly and followed the love of his life to the bathroom. It was indeed a Happy New Year. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mentions of Gwen, Mentions of Lance, mentions of Gwaine and the other knights, mentions of Morgana - Character
Additional Tags: Fluff, New Years, Married Couple, Sick! Merlin, no magic, merlin doesn’t have magic, no beta we die like men, based on a challenge prompt
Published: 2021-01-01
Words: 827

Whatever may come your heart I will choose, forever I'm yours, forever I do.

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Arthur and Merlin are excited to spend their first Christmas together as a couple, but when a beast descends upon Camelot, Arthur and Merlin must race to save Camelot and each other before its too late. Notes Merry Christmas everyone (I know its the 2nd but let's ignore that) This is my lil Christmas present to my dear iconic queen of a friend Ashley! I adore you sm thank you for making 2020 brighter and bring so much joy to my life, our conversations make my day and I'm so glad I get to call you a friend! ✨ Thank you for putting up with my fic ramblings and for supporting my venture into writing merthur, none of these fics would be possible without you!  I wish you all the best for 2021 and I hope you get all you want and deserve, hope you like this queen!  See the end of the work for more notes Arthur tapped his foot on the stone floor, listening as a villager explained her predicament, Arthur listened sympathetically instructing one of his knights to help assist the woman in any way, she beamed at Arthur thanking him as she hurried out of the room with Percival. Arthur sighed, rolling his neck, "What is left on the docket?" He asked. A court worker read the docket and Arthur slumped further back into the chair the longer the list went on. Once the worker finished, Arthur stared at the ceiling, "Don't say it," He said, turning to look at Merlin who was stood next to him. Merlin held his hands up, shaking his head, "I didn't say anything," He grinned. One corner of Arthur's lip flicked up, "You were thinking it," He said. "And what was I thinking sire?" Merlin asked, his eyebrows raised. Arthur groaned, "That we should be thankful for what we have and those coming to us on Christmas need our help and we cannot turn them away," Arthur knew that being king meant he couldn't just take the day off, but gosh how he wanted to. They had worked the night before into the morning hours, Arthur not even sure what time he fell into bed. Merlin nodded, cocking his head to the side, "Actually I was thinking how good you look in that crown," He smirked. Arthur tried to suppress the smile that grew on his face, shaking his head as Merlin laughed next to him, "We agreed to keep it professional at work," Arthur said under his breath. "Then you shouldn't of worn that crown," Merlin teased, earning a playful frown from Arthur. "You two, enough flirting," Gwaine said as he entered the room, his voice teasing. He approached Arthurs chair, bowing before speaking, "You have an audience with another king," Gwaine said, before nodding towards Merlin, "and Gaius needs you, Merlin," He said. Arthur nodded, standing up in his chair, "First we were not flirting," He said, convincing no one in the room, not even himself. "Second, let's move to the round table for our reception," Arthur announced, his hand on his sword as he walked down the steps. He turned to Merlin who was by his side, "Once I'm finished I'll come find you," Arthur said. "Who says I want to spend Christmas with you," Merlin jested, his arms crossed over his chest. Arthur looked skyward, then back down, "You did," he said, narrowing his eye at Merlin. Merlin playfully sighed, "Ah I did didn't I," He said, "What a mistake that was," He joked. Arthur could see the Knights gathering by the door preparing for their audience with the neighbouring king, "Be careful with whatever Gaius needs," He said to Merlin, "We don't need you dying on Christmas," He halfheartedly joked. Merlin, as always, saw through his use of humour to cover his actual worries, cocking his head to the side, "Worried about me are you?" He asked, stepping closer to Arthur. Arthur raised his brows, a small pout on his face. "Well, you do have a history of being an idiot," He joked, walking towards the large oak doors of the court. "A history ?" Merlin exclaimed, "So I'm not anymore?" He asked. The pair walked through the large doors, "History can repeat itself," Arthur joked. Merlin laughed as he was about to exit down the corridor, "Merlin," Arthur called, grabbing Merlin's hand to stop him walking, "Be careful," He said, his voice serious this time. What went on the Gaius chamber was normally kept on a need to know basis, Arthur knew that Merlin downplayed the danger he put himself in some time. Arthur told himself that he wanted to know what happened as he was the King and Merlin was the court sorcerer, yet even Arthur didn't completely believe that. Even though they had agreed to keep their working relationship professional Arthur couldn't help but let the personal seep through every now and then. Merlin didn't laugh this time, just gave a slow nod, "I always am," He smiled, squeezing Arthurs hand, "You be careful too," He said before heading off down the hall to Gaius. Arthur frowned, "I'm having a meeting, how could I get into trouble," He asked. "Oh, I'm sure you could find a way," Merlin called over his shoulder, smirking as he disappeared around the corner. Arthur laughed to himself, turning back round to head down towards the hall. Arthur was acutely aware that for however long Merlin was with Gaius, Arthur's brain would be preoccupied with that. "So what your plans after you finish court today," Gwaine said as they walked towards the grand hall. "If we ever finish," Arthur sighed, "I have some business to attend to once I'm done," Arthur said, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade. Gwaine raised his eyebrow, a smirk growing on his face, "You mean Merlin," He teased. Arthur seemingly tripped over his own feet, earing a laugh from Gwaine. It seems Arthur and Merlin were the only ones intent on keeping their relationship separate from work. Arthur cased his eyes over to Gwaine who was still smirking, " That is not how you should speak to your king," He mumbled. "Can't help notice how you didn't deny it, my king," Gwaine continued. Arthur contained the smile that was beginning to form. Merlin and Arthur didn't exactly hide their relationship from those close to them, on the rare occasions that they had free time they'd spend it together and the others knew but Arthur didn't like to announce it, knowing his enemies could use that information against him, "So what did you get Merlin for Christmas," Gwaine asked. Arthur rolled his eyes as they strolled down the hallways, "Oh come on," Gwaine said, bumping his shoulder into Arthurs. Arthur shook his head, ducking it as spoke, "It's nothing that concerns you," he said. Arthur tried not to think about how that technically wasn't true. "Something special then?" Gwaine teased. "Go announce our revival before I have your head," Arthur grinned, nodding towards the large doors ahead. Gawain grinned back "Of course my King," he gave a bow and headed towards the door at the end of the hallway. Arthur paused outside, taking a large breath as the nerves began to settle in his stomach, not at the meeting before him, but as he thought about his gift to Merlin. "Merry Christmas Gaius!" Merlin announced practically skipping into the room. Gaius looked up over his glasses which perched on his nose. "And you too Merlin," He smiled, "You seem in a very good mood," He asked, flicking the page of the book in front of him. "Why wouldn't I be, its Christmas," Merlin said, coming to sit in the chair opposite the older man. Gaius nodded, keeping his eyes on the book as he spoke, "And this has nothing to do with you spending it with Arthur?" Merlin was glad Gaius wasn't looking at him, sure his cheeks had gone a crimson colour. Gaius knew about Arthur and him, as did the guards but they had promised each other that when working they'd keep things professional, or at least as much as they could. Merlin and Gaius gave each other a knowing look before the older man flashed a smile and got up from the table, walking across the room. It was true. Merlin's heart beat faster this Christmas, his smile a little wider. After defeating Morgana a few months ago, Camelot had drastically changed. After Merlin had found Arthur bleeding on the battlefield, he had used his magic to heal Arthur, finally revealing his secret to him. Merlin stood outside Arthur's door, his hand wrapped around the handle, his knuckles white. Arthur had been healing from his wound for a week now and was finally awake. Since healing him and bringing him back to Camelot, neither had spoken about Merlin's revel. For a moment it had felt like a weight had been listed from Merlin's shoulder, but as they entered Camelot that weight had come crashing back down. No one but Arthur and Merlin knew what had happened that day. Merlin took in a deep breath pushing the door open and stepping inside. Arthur was sat up in the bed, still looking pale, "Hey," Merlin quietly said, hanging around the door, his nerves stopping him from going any further, "How are you feeling?" He asked, his hands held behind his back. "Alive," Arthur said, his voice clipped, "I'll be fine," he said, looking off to the side. "Good, that's good," Merlin said, forcing a smile on his lips, but Arthur didn't return it. "You haven't said anything," Merlin finally choked out, the weight becoming all too much. "I just spoke," Arthur snapped. Merlin swallowed, stepping further into the room, "I mean about..." He paused, waiting for Arthur to look at him but Arthur never did, "about what I told you," Merlin finished. After a moment Arthur finally looked over at Merlin, and for the first time ever Merlin was unable to read his eyes, "About you being a sorcerer?" He said, his voice monotone. Merlin nodded, quickly walking over to Arthur's bed, sitting on the edge, "I never wanted to lie to you, Arthur," He said, his voice already trembling, his hands clasped in his lap. "I just...I know the position I would put you in if I told you," He said. It was true, he had told himself it was too protect Arthur, if Uther ever found out Arthur needed to be able to say he didn't know and mean it. But Merlin also couldn't bear to see that look of hatred in Arthur's eyes, eyes that were always so kind to Merlin. Uther sending Merlin to the gallows was less of a punishment than having Arthur hate him. "You mean having to decide whether to tell my father," Arthur said, his eyes narrowed. After a moment he took in a deep breath, resting his head back against the pillows, "I told you that day, that I wouldn't have known what I would have done," Merlin nodded. He understood, Uther was his father, was his king and had raised Arthur to hate magic, he could see why the boy would be conflicted. "That was a lie," Arthur admitted. The weight on Merlin's shoulders and chest pushed down harder, "Whether you had told me weeks, months or even years ago, whether it was before or after my father had passed," Arthur sighed, "I would have done the same thing," Arthur paused, pursing his lips for a moment before he spoke, "I wouldn't have done a thing," he finally said. Merlin furrowed his brows, shaking his head, "Magic is forbidden?" He asked. "Because my father was vindictive," Arthur said, his face and eyes softening, "Not because magic is evil," he said. Merlin couldn't believe what he was hearing, he felt a smile tug on his lips, "You-you believe magic is good," Merlin stuttered. "I've seen magic do horrendous thing, twisted people into..." He trailed off, looking away from Merlin, his jaw clenching. Arthur finally looked back at Merlin, "But you," He said, "Your not evil, you're the furthest thing from that," he softly said. "You don't know what I've done," Merlin said, thinking about all the people that had been hurt because of him, because of his magic. "I know that whatever mistakes you've made, whatever choices, you did it to protect people," Arthur said. Merlin looked down, "You don't hate me?" he asked, unsure he wanted to see the look in Arthur's face, right now he could live in the perfect bubble where Arthur didn't hate him, where Arthur still wanted him by his side. A small smile came on Arthur's lips and Merlin felt the weight lift, "I could never hate you, Merlin, I don't think it's possible," He finished, the smile still on his face. Merlin gave a small laugh, the anxiety and stress of the week finally coming to the surface. Merlin sighed, reaching up to run his hand down his face, "So, what do we do know?" Merlin asked. Arthur leaned back on his bed, pursing his lips again as he thought for a moment. Merlin just sat there with a smile on his face, like an invisible barrier had been removed between the two for the first time since they had met, "Well, first of all, you're fired," Arthur said. The smile fell from Merlin's lips, "What," he gasped. "Well you can't possibly handle two jobs," Arthur said, "You can barely handle the one," Arthur said, giving a playful frown. Merlin waved his hands out in front of him, "Wait two jobs," Merlin asked, thoroughly confused. "Magic is a part of this world, this kingdom," He said, moving in the bed and swinging his legs over the edge, "And I want someone in this court that understands that, that can help use magic for good," Arthur said, looking up at Merlin, "A court sorcerer if you will," He finished. Merlin's mouth fell open, his eyes wide, "You-your going to allow magic back into the kingdom," he stuttered, each word tripping over the other. "I am," Arthur said, his voice strong. He held his arm out to Merlin, "And I hope you'll be by my side when I do," He smiled. Merlin reached his arm out, clasping it around Arthur's forearm and pulling the king up so they were standing in front of one another, arms still clasped, "Always Arthur," Merlin beamed. After that, Arthur and Merlin had started to rebuild the kingdom together, side by side. It had only taken a few months for their relationship to move into something less than platonic. Merlin wasn't sure when it happened or how, but after Merlin's secret was revealed it was like everything else had been revealed too. "I hope you don't spend all your time working thinking about the King," Gaius said, pulling Merlin out of his thoughts. "I wasn't-" Merlin went to protest when he saw the older man raise his brow and Merlin just sighed in defeat. Gaius gave a victorious smile, "Did you finish making your gift to him?" He asked, coming to sit down at the small wooden table. Merlin nodded, "Yes I did," He smiled. It had taken weeks and lots of magic to prepare Arthurs present but Merlin was confident that it was now complete, Merlin tried to ignore the worry about whether Arthur would actually like the present seep into his mind. "Now what did you need help with, the sooner we finish the soon I get the rest of the night off," Merlin sighed, coming to stand next to Gaius chair. "Ohh do you now," Gaius inquired, raising a brow. "Kings orders" Merlin smirked. "Of course," Gaius said with a smile. "What do you need my help with," Merlin asked, gazing down at Gaius work. Gaius looked over the brim of his glass, picking up a feather and showing it to Merlin, "Well, I found this outside the walls of the castle, along with this," He said, nodding to a drawing of tracks from some kind of animal, nothing Merlin had seen before. "What is that from," Merlin asked, leaning down to look at the drawing. "I have no idea," Gaius said, holding out a book for Merlin to search. A sinking feeling came over Merlin that told him this wasn't going to be a quick task. Both men sat down, flicking through book after book. After an hour or so Merlin; who had lost track of time and on the verge of sleep, flicked the page over and paused. Frowning as he looked over at the feather and tracks then back at the book, repeating a few times until he was sure they were the same. He put the book on the table and stood up. The sense of dread only growing, "Oh no," he said. Gaius stood and walked over, peering down. He frowned, picking the book up and studying for a moment, "We better call Arthur," He said, looking over at Merlin. Arthur was now stood in Gaius chambers, looking down at the book, his brows knitted together, his mouth slightly open, "It's a what," he asked again. "A Cockatrice," Gaius said. "What on earth is that," Arthur asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Merlin looked over at Gaius the pair thinking for a moment before Merlin looked over at Arthur, "It's a two-legged dragon or serpent-like creature with a rooster's head" Merlin said, watching as Arthur's face got more confused with every word he said. After a moment Arthur nodded, taking in the information, "Right," he said, "Is it dangerous?" He asked. Both Merlin and Gaius looked down at the picture of the creature then back up at Arthur who sighed, "I'll take that as a yes," He said. Gaius stepped forward, "It has the reputed ability to kill people by either looking at them—" Arthur held his hand up, "Wait we can't even look at this thing?" Merlin shook his head, earning another sigh from Arthur, "How on earth are we meant to stop it?" He asked, but neither men had an answer. "There's not much scripture on it, we're still looking for ways to kill it," Merlin said. Arthur leaned forward, his hands bracing on the edge of the table, "What are you going to do?" Merlin asked. Arthur flicked his eyes to Gaius, "We can't look at this beast?" He asked again. "I'm not sure," Gaius said, the only answer they had. Arthur nodded, standing up straight, "Guess I'm going to have to find out," He said, nodding to the men before heading out of the room. Merlin followed him out of the room into the hallway, "Wait, wait Arthur how are you going to find out?" he asked. Arthur kept his face forward, his eyes glancing down at the floor. A sickening feeling came over Merlin, he reached out and grabbed Arthur's arm to stop him for walking, "No," he yelled. Arthur finally looked at Merlin, "It's the only choice Merlin," he said, but Merlin could see from his eyes even Arthur wasn't sure. Merlin threw his hands out to the side, "So what you're just going to go out there and what? Look at it and hope it doesn't kill you," He said. "Hopefully I can kill it before it looks at me," Arthur said, his face strong and calm. "That is suicide Arthur," Merlin said, his hand still on Arthur's arm, clutching harder. "I have to protect Camelot," Arthur declared. Merlin shook his head, the people of the kingdom saw Arthur's unwavering loyalty and devotion to Camelot as a blessing, Merlin was starting to see the curse in it. As a member of the court and citizen of Camelot Merlin wanted to protect Camelot by any cost, but as Arthur's partner, there were just some costs he wasn't willing to pay. Merlin pulled Arthur closer, " We have to protect Camelot," He urged, "I can use my magic," he said. Arthur tilted his head to the side, "How are you going to do that without looking at it?" Merlin groaned, Arthur was right and Merlin hated it. "Sire!" Leon called, coming around the corner, "A witness said they saw a beast circling Camolte," Both men looked at each other before heading down the hall towards the courtroom. Arthur and Merlin entered the courtroom where a woman stood in the centre, her body trembling, "What kind of beast did you see?" Arthur asked. "It-it was horrid sire, it was like a dragon but but-" She shook her head, a sob escaping her lips, "The head was a rooster," She said, clearly confused by what she had seen. "Did you look it in the eyes?" Arthur asked, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "Yes, dead eyes," She nodded. Arthur thanked the woman, instructing Leon to take care of her and make sure she is safe. Leon led her from the court and once the doors closed Arthur turned to Merlin. "Well, that solves one problem," Arthur sighed. They could look at it, they had no idea how to kill it but at least they could look at the damned thing when it killed them, "Lancolte! Gather the knights," Arthur said as he started to walk out of the court. The knights nodded and headed towards the courtyard. "Merlin, return to Gaius figure out how to kill this thing," He ordered. "I'm coming with you," Merlin said, reaching out to grab his arm. "No, you're not," Arthur ordered, "We don't know how to kill this thing-" "I have magic," Merlin interrupted. "Which we don't know will work," Arthur corrected. He tried to tell himself this was a logical decision, they didn't know if magic would work and he needed Merlin to work out what would work. But Arthur knew if it had been any other sorcerer and not his boyfriend, he would have instructed them to come with him. But Merlin wasn't any other sorcerer, he was his and Arthur wasn't going to risk his life, regardless what was at stake, "You said it yourself the answer is in one of those books," He said as the alarm bells sounded above them, "Find out what kills this creature then find me!" Arthur called, starting to run down the hallway when Merlin called his name. Arthur stopped and turned around as Merlin crashed his lips against Arthur's, his hands coming up to cup his face. Arthur stumbled for a moment before his hands came to wrap around Merlin's waist. After a moment they pulled back, Merlin still holding his face in his hands, "Please be careful," he begged "We don't need you dying on Christmas," He joked, but Arthur could see the fear on his face. Arthur smiled, squeezing Merlin's hips "Neither of us is dying today, I promise," He said, planting another quick kiss on his lips, remembering how it felt, how Merlin looked as he raced off down the hall, praying with everything he had that he could keep his promise. Arthur came out into the courtyard, his knights stood in position. Arthur withdrew his sword, walking through the middle of the knights. A loud screeching beckoned from above and all the knights threw their heads to the sky. "SHIELDS UP," Arthur yelled, his knights following his order. The beast appeared and Arthur tightened his grip around his sword, watching as it circled the men below like they were pray. Arthur closed his eyes for a second, Merlin would come thought, he always did. The beast dived and Arthur took in a deep breath, he and the knights charged forward, their swords swiping and stabbing at the beast. It's longs claws swiped at knights, Arthur ducked watching as a row of knights were thrown back onto the stairs. Arthur stood straight as the monster turned around quickly, before he could duck again the lengthy tail crashed into Arthur's chest, sending him flying back into the concrete wall. Arthur crashed into the ground, his head spinning and aching. Arthur tried to push himself up but his arms gave way, a surge of sickness and dizziness coming over him. Arthur saw through blurred vision his knights fighting the beast, he needed to help them. Arthur tried to clear his vision and stand but his legs still felt weak. Arthur took a deep breath. Camelot needed him. If he failed the beast would destroy the kingdom and kill everyone in it. Kill Merlin. Arthur pushed himself to his feet, Merlin wouldn't fail, he'd find the answer, Arthur held onto that as he charged towards the beast, sword ready. Merlin would get the answer, and they would save this Kingdom together, like always. Merlin charged down the hall, almost tripping over as he barged into Gaius chambers, "We need to find a way to kill this thing," He yelled, going back to the book where they had found out about the monster. "Where's Arthur," Gaius asked. Merlin paused for a second, before flicking open the book, "We need to work, and fast!" He said. Gaius just nodded grabbing his own book as the men began to hurriedly read. They were going to find something Merlin told himself, they would slay the creature and everything would be fine. Merlin wasn't sure how much time had passed, but he was sure it was far too long. He slammed the book down on the table, "Why can't we find anything," he yelled. Gaius looked up from his own book, "It takes time-" "We don't have time," Merlin barked, "Arthur doesn't have time he's out there with that beast and-" The words got caught in his through, unable to think about what was happening out there. Merlin squeezed his eyes together, shaking his head as his voice wavered, "If something happens to him-" Merlin clenched his hands hard, his knuckles going white. "Worrying isn't going to save him," Gaius said, holding out a fresh book for Merlin. He was right, worrying wasn't going to do anything, he had to find an answer, use his magic to saved Arthur and Camelot, Merlin reached out and took the book. More time passed and Merlin was about to throw the book when he saw something, staggering up from his chair. "Wait, wait here's something," Merlin said, scanning his finger across the page at a line of ancient text buried in some old legend. "According to legend, having a cockatrice look at itself in a mirror is one of the few sure-fire ways to kill it" Merlin dropped the book looking around the room, no freaking mirro,r. Merlin racked his brain trying to think of a spell that could conjure a mirror, trying a few in quick succession but nothing worked. Merlin just shouted, starting to run for the door when Gaius called, "Merlin wait you don't even know if this will work!" "I've got to try," Merlin yelled as he left. Merlin sprinted down the hall, checking the rooms as he did, no mirrors, the only ones he found were far too small for the monster. Merlin threw open the courtyard doors, knights were scattered across the floor, some moving some not. Merlin's heart nearly stopped as he searched for Arthur, his hands clasping hard by his side. He spotted Arthur crouched on the ground next to a hay bale, his shield held above him as the beast circled. Merlin started sprinting towards Arthur, running as fast as his legs would go, ignoring the pain in his chest as his lung struggled. The beast began to dive fast towards Arthur. Merlin pushed harder as the beast screeched and dived faster, Merlin and the beast in a competition to Arthur and right now Merlin couldn't tell who would get there first. Merlin threw out his hand towards Arthur's shield, the magic inside of him flickering to life, the golden embers glowing in the night. "Speculum faciunt!" Merlin roared. The front of Arthur's shield shifted and twisted, the beast growing closer and closer as the red metal of the shield trickled off to reveal a mirror underneath. The beast cried out, twisting in the air as it collided into Arthur's shield and turning into dust covering the ground. Merlin stood there breathing hard, licking his lips, they did it. He ran over to Arthur sinking to his knee's in front of him. Merlin reached out and cupped Arthur's cheek, he ran his eyes over his face and body, Merlin let out a deep breath as he saw no blood, "Are you okay?" Merlin panted. Arthur nodded, still breathing hard "I'm fine," He smiled, but Merlin could see how Arthur winced when he moved, "Nothing a hot bath won't fix," Arthur smiled, clearly noticing Merlin's watchful eye. Merlin smiled back, standing from the ground and pulling Arthur up with him. Arthur looked down at his shield before looking back up at Merlin. "What did you do," He asked. "We found a passage that said the beast reflection would might kill it," Merlin panted, giving a shrug, "I remembered a spell that was supposed to turn metal into mirrors. thought I'd try," He smiled. Arthur stood there, his mouth hanging open, " Might kill it?" Arthur said, his brows pulled up, " Thought I'd try, " He said, his brows getting higher. "You guessed?" He asked, but Merlin could tell it wasn't exactly a question. Merlin opened and closed his mouth a few times, giving a small pout before answering, "I mean it was that or let it eat you," He said. "I had it handled," Arthur said, putting his sword back into his belt. Merlin looked around at the scene, knights had gotten to their feet and were starting to head back inside, before looking back at Arthur, "That was you having it handled?" Merlin said, nodding towards the hay bale where Arthur had been. Arthur scoffed, his eyes narrowed, "And what were you doing Mer lin? What took you so long" Arthur asked, "What did you do have a nap?" Merlin just shook his head, a small smile on his lips, "You know, normally when someone saves your life, you say thank you," Merlin teased, his head tilted to the side. Arthur gave a small laugh, slowly walking forward and gently grabbing the lapels of Merlin's jacket. Merlin shuffled forward, as Arthur placed a gentle kiss on Merlin's lips, pulling back before Merlin had a chance to deepen it. "Thank you Merlin," He whispered. "I thought we were going to try and keep it professional at work?" Merlin asked, although he himself didn't care all that much for professionalism. Arthur gave a chuckle, letting go of Merlin's jacket, much to Merlin's disappointment. "I think it's a little late for that," Arthur said. Merlin laughed, it was true anyone in Camelot that didn't know what was going on had surely been living under a rock. Arthur nodded towards the large door, "I should see to my knights," He smiled. He started to walk when he paused next to Merlin, "Met in my chambers afterwards?" He asked to which Merlin nodded. Arthur went to walk when Merlin grabbed his hand, his finger wrapping around the leather. "I'm glad you're okay," He breathed, the air still sparse in his lungs. Arthur brought their hands up to Arthur's lips, giving Merlin's hand a small kiss, "I promised I would be," He grinned. He dropped there hands and started to walked away. "Oh Arthur one more thing," Merlin said as the lights flickered in his eyes, a small round snowball forming in his hand. Arthur turned around and the snowball landed in the middle of his face, exploding and sending snowflakes across his knight's gear. Merlin threw a hand to cover his mouth to suppress the laugh that was aching to escape. "Did you just throw a snowball at your King?" Arthur said, the snow melting and dripping down his cheek, how was it possible he looked even better? " No," Merlin laughed, his hands held behind his back, "I did throw one at my arrogant boyfriend though," The mock-serious look fell from Arthur's face and a shy smile appeared. Merlin cocked his head to the side, "What?" He asked. Arthur kept his eyes to the ground before a moment, peeling them up to look at Merlin, the smile still on his lips, "Nothing I just..." He shook his head, letting out a deep breath, "I just never tire of hearing you say that," He quietly said. "That you're arrogant?" Merlin joked, Arthur gave breathy laugh. Merlin walked forward meeting Arthur where he stood, "I'm glad you never tire of me calling you my boyfriend," Merlin hummed, looking up at Arthur, "Because I have no intentions of ever stopping." He smiled. He couldn't tell if it was because of the cold but Merlin could have sworn he saw Arthur's cheeks go red. "Lucky me," Arthur quipped. There was shouting from inside the castle and Arthur nodded at Merlin as he ran up the stairs, speaking to one of the knights that were at the door. Merlin sighed, looking around the Courtyard, dust that was once the beast covering the floor like snow. Merlin shook his head, giving a small scoff what a Christmas. Arthur walked into the hospital, approaching Gwen who was tending to one of the knights, "How are they?" Arthur asked, looking around the room. She kept her eyes on the wound she was cleaning, "They'll be okay, need some rest, but they'll live" She smiled. Gwen put the blood-soaked cloth down turning to Arthur, "How are you?" She asked. "Fine," Arthur said, ignoring the ache that was starting to form in his back, sure there was a bruise there. "Gwaine said you got thrown against a wall," Percival said, sat on a table next to the pair being seen to by another nurse. Arthur heard someone cough loudly and turned to see Gwaine giving Percival dagger eyes, stopping when he noticed Arthur, "Gwaine needs to stop talking," Arthur said, cocking his head to the side, "I'm fine Guinevere," Arthur assured. "He's got Merlin to heal him," Gwaine quietly said. Arthur snapped his head around to look at his friend who was already slipping off the table, backing away, "I'm going to go check on Lanc," He said, giving Arthur a wink. Arthur looked back at Gwen, "Do you need any help," He asked. "No, I'm nearly finished," She sighed, her hands on her hips, "Go enjoy your night off," She smiled, giving one of his arms a small squeeze before heading off into the room. "Thank you, Guinevere," Arthur called. People always said Camelot was great because of Arthur, but it was because of the people that surrounded Arthur, people like his knights, Gwen and Gaius and of course Merlin. Arthur went back to his room, running a bath and soaking for a while. He could feel his muscles slowing untensing, Arthur rolled his neck as the steam filled the room. After an hour Arthur willed himself to leave the warm water and got changed into black pants and a white tunic. There was a light knocking on the door and Arthur turned around to see Merlin walking in, himself having changed into another red tunic and black pants. "You look better," Merlin smiled, closing the door behind him. "Like I said nothing bath couldn't fix," Arthur smiled, his body already feeling better. Merlin's eyebrow raised, "You drew your own bath?" He asked, a smirk on his face. "I have been for a whole year thank you!" Arthur said, walking past Merlin. "Makes me wonder why I had to do it in the first place," Merlin asked, cocking his head to the side, "And get you dressed, and cook your food, starting to think you made me do it just to annoy me" Merlin continued. Arthur walked and sat down on the large oak table, his hands folded on the table, "Do you want to continue talking about this or enjoy Christmas?" Arthur sighed. Merlin thought for a moment, "I can multitask," He smiled, coming to sit across the table from Merlin. "You're an idiot," Arthur scoffed, smiling as he shook his head. "An idiot you love," Merlin smirked, raising one of his brows. Arthur smiled down at the table, hiding a smile that said I do. Arthur looked up at Merlin to see him looking down at his hands, playing with his sleeves, Arthur furrowed his brows, Merlin looked notice. Merlin seemed to notice Arthur's glances and looked up, "I have something for you," He quickly said, "A Christmas present, I know we said we weren't going to do them but you know," Merlin held his hands over the table, speaking something in another language as a long package appeared, a velvet blanket draped over it. Merlin pushed it towards Arthur who reached over, running his hands over the red velvet. Arthur peeled it back, undoing the ribbon around the package. On the table was a long gold sword, there was a silver stripe down the middle with writing in an ancient text that Arthur didn't understand. Arthur ran his hand up to the hilt of the sword, the body of the hilt was Opel, at the top was a large round red emerald. Where the hilt ended and joined the sword, two golden dragons sat either side, their wings spread out, "After what happened to Excalibur I thought you could use a new sword," Merlin quietly said from across the table. After the great battle and what Excalibur was used for, the lives it had to take, Arthur couldn't bare to wield it again, returning it to the lake. Arthur picked up the sword, holding it with one hand and flipping it; perfect balance. "Do you like it?" Merlin asked. Arthur swung the sword, reaching out and carefully running his finger over the writing on it. "What does it say?" Arthur asked, noticing how breathless he sounded. "For the love of Camelot," Merlin spoke from his chair. "It's beautiful Merlin I-" Arthur chocked on the emotion that rose in his throat, he cleared his throat, carefully placing the sword on the table. Arthur sat down on his chair, reaching out to take Merlin's hand, squeezing it, "Thank you," He smiled. Merlin relaxed back into his chair. Arthur sat back in his chair, biting his lip. Arthur tapped his hand on the edge of the chair, there had been several points over the week where Arthur had nearly given Merlin his present but every time he backed out, his nerves getting the better of him. Arthur glanced up at Merlin who was light by the candle's on the table, a smile on his face. Now or never. Arthur pushed himself up from his chair, "I have something for you too," He said. Arthur walked over to his desk, pulling the draw open and pulling out the package. He stared down at it before walking over to Merlin. His hands were wrapped tightly around it, right now felt like a before and once he handed the package over it would be the after and Arthur wasn't sure things would be the same. "You going to keep it?" Merlin joked. Arthur looked at him, he was smiling up at Arthur, the corners of his eyes crinkled; beautiful . Arthur took in a large breath, walking over to the table, perching on it next to Merlin. He held the box out and Merlin took it, pulling the ribbon and undoing the wrapping. Arthur felt his breath quicking as each layer fell away. Merlin pulled the lid of the box off, a puzzled look on his face as he stared down at it. Merling reached in and pulled the golden crown out. "It's a crown?" Merlin said, staring up at Arthur, "I'm the court sorcerer why would I have a crown," He said, his brows pulled together. Arthur ran his tongue across his lips. He had never gotten this far, he felt an invisible rope around his lungs tighten as the words were on the tip of his tongue, so close to being spoken. "To match mine," Arthur finally said. Merlin just stared up at him, clearly not joining the dots and Arthur wasn't sure if he was glad or not. Arthur reached out and took the crown placing it on the table, and taking Merlin's hand in his, running his thumb over the back of Merlin's hand. "I know you said you never wanted to stop calling me your boyfriend but..." Arthur slide of the table, moving to kneel in front of Merlin, who's eyes were currently growing wider. "I was hoping you might change it to husband," There it was, he had said. Merlin just looked at Arthur, his eyes wide and his mouth hanging open slightly. Merlin's eyes grew watery and Arthur couldn't tell if it was from emotion or the fact that he hadn't blinked in what felt like minutes. "Are you-are you asking me to-" "Marry me?" Arthur interrupted, his own smile growing as he knew in his heart and mind that this was what he wanted, "Yes I am," Arthur breathed, grinning. Merlin finally blinked, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards, "Are you sure?" He gasped Arthur wanted to laugh at that, "Merlin I have never been more sure of anything," Arthur said, his own vision blurring with tears. Merlin laughed, pressing the back of his hand to his mouth, tears escaped down his cheek. "Yes, of course, yes!" Merlin laughed. The air returned to Arthur's lungs as Merlin reached forward, pressing a kiss to Arthur's lips, both men smiling as they kissed. Arthur reached up and brushed the tear from Merlin's cheek. Arthur stood up, Merlin standing with him, their hands clasped between them. "So does this mean you have to call me king now?" Merlin asked, his head tilting to the side, "Or Sire I'm happy with both," He teased. Arthur reached out, taking the crown and placing it onto of Merlin's head, smiling at the sight. He let his hand travel down to coming to rest on his shoulder, "Merry Christmas King Merlin ," Arthur smiled. Looking at his boyfriend wearing the crown he deserved. He had done more for Camelot that anyone, had saved it more than anyone, there was no one else Arthur wanted by his side, no one else who held his heart as Merlin did. "Merry Christmas King Arthur," Merlin grinned. It had been a long road here, one thwart with pain and loss. Arthur knew there were by many more days like today, days where they had to be separated, where one of them would be in danger. Arthur wasn't a fool, he knew there was still work to be done in Camelot, bigotries about magic that still lingered. But known of that scared Arthur, not when he thought about Merlin sitting next to him on the throne with a crown he deserved. Arthur leaned forward, and kissed his husband to be, wrapping his hand around his neck and deepening it. Arthur pulled back his forehead resting on Merlin's. Right now Arthur wasn't worried about the future. Right now the only thing he cared about was the man he loved before him, and the life and kingdom they were going to build together. End Notes THANK YOU FOR READING! I hope you enjoyed and Merry Christmas  Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Protective Merlin, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Canon Era, Christmas Fluff, Established Relationship, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Battle Couple, Engagement
Language: English
Published: 2021-01-02
Words: 7079

Merlin Teaches Arthur How To Drive: what could possibly go wrong?

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“Merlin?” Arthur asked, his hands gripping the door in terror. “Yes, Arthur?” Merlin answered, distractedly. “Do you even know how to drive?” Notes This was written cause I passed my drivers test. Special thanks to Surya and Athena for beta reading :D Arthur sat in what Merlin had termed the ‘driver’s seat’ and absentmindedly pressed the pedals and buttons in confusion. He’d only been resurrected for a few weeks—most of which had been spent learning the local language and customs; apparently one of those customs was learning how to make the metal contraption known as a ‘car’ move. That was what brought him to this. This being sitting in the driver’s seat and being taught how to drive by an immortal sorcerer. Merlin told him which pedal was ‘go’ and which was ‘stop’, and pointed him in the right direction. The rest, as it happened, was up to Arthur to figure out. Personally, Arthur thought, he wasn’t all too opposed to Merlin giving him more information. In fact, he’d welcome it! All he knew was that this metal death-trap was called a car and that it was moved by pedals at horrifying speeds. “Turn the key,” Merlin said and pointed at the keys hanging in the dash. Arthur did as Merlin told him to, and sat there, petrified, as the car roared to life. It was louder then he’d expected, and wilder too. “What kind of sorcery is this?” “Not sorcery,” Merlin told him, seriously, “mechanics and engineering. Completely mundane.” Arthur levelled a glare at his friend, “I understood none of that.” “It’s non-magical sorcery.” Arthur turned his attention back to the car. Merlin had called the thing in front of him a ‘steering wheel’ and told him it controlled where the car went. How it did that, Arthur had no clue, but it had to have something to do with the way it twisted. Slowly, cautiously, Arthur pressed down on the go pedal—accelerator, he recalled vaguely—and the car roared. It did not move. “Merlin!” Arthur yelled, “Merlin! The go pedal didn’t make it move!” “Arthur!” Merlin yelled back, “I’m sitting right next to you, prat, no need to yell. You’ve got the park brake on.” “Oh,” Arthur fiddled with the buttons and levers until Merlin took pity on him and pointed it out. The red light on one of the Untouchable Dials in front of him went out. Cautiously, but somehow less so than before, Arthur pressed the accelerator down; the car shot off like a rocket, and both Arthur and Merlin screamed their heads off. Arthur wrenched the wheel to one side and watched in horror as the scenery blurred as they spun in circles. He felt sick, he was moving faster than he’d ever moved before, and yet somehow, simultaneously, he had more and less control over his own movement than he’d ever had. The way Merlin had told it, it was entirely up to Arthur how fast the car went, and where it went, but it certainly didn’t seem like it now. Arthur pushed his foot down harder and the car moved faster, the speedo in front of him going way past the 110km/hr mark. He and Merlin both jolted forwards when the car stopped abruptly and Arthur’s hands shook with the remnants of adrenaline and terror. It was over before it had really begun, and Arthur just sat there, in the aftermath of the crash, and stared at the wreckage that had been caused. “Right,” said Merlin, “let’s fix this then, and try again.” Again, Arthur sat in the car—this time a newly repaired and slightly more durable car—and forced himself not to run. If he looked at this as though it was a challenge he needed to master, then he could probably do it. Probably . Hopefully, anyway. He pushed down on the accelerator, gently, and the car began to move forward. Slowly, ever so slowly, Arthur let himself press down harder. The car moved faster. “Merlin,” he asked, “how do I slow down?” “Press the brake.” Arthur nodded to himself and slammed his foot on the brake. The car lurched and Arthur hit the steering wheel. It beeped. Loudly. The noise startled Arthur so much that he let out a long stream of expletives. With every word, Merlin’s eyebrow crept higher—in a manner not dissimilar to Gaius’ famous look. Finally, Arthur groaned, and Merlin—ever so hypocritically—swore, and the two of them both glared at the car. “It’s lucky for us,” Merlin told Arthur while he healed the bruises along Arthur’s chest, “that the seatbelt was invented—saved loads of lives it did; even if at first people thought it was stupid. Without it, you’d probably be dead again. Thankfully you just hit the horn.” “Go on,” he urged, then, “try again.” And Arthur did. After all, he had never been good at refusing Merlin’s orders. Arthur practised, and practised, and practised until he could control the speed the car moved. As it turned out, Arthur preferred the calmer speeds and safer driving—it was far easier, and he didn’t want to crash again . Once was enough, thank you very much. Eventually, he deemed himself ready and merged onto the road. There were lines painted on this road, and Arthur had no clue what they meant. He stuck to the middle, one half of the car in each lane, and drove to a speed he was more comfortable with. Several cars beeped their horns at him, and when he looked over, they were glaring through their windows. Arthur watched them go, each one staying in their own lane so he moved the car over, sticking to one side. Unfortunately, it seemed that he’d never quite figured out how to stay in one lane, and as such wove across the road in increasingly dangerous moves. Merlin pointed to a flat gravel expanse on the side of the road and Arthur pulled off. His hands were shaking, and he found himself happy enough to just sit there. “Let’s go home now,” Merlin said, “I’ll drive us back—it’ll be far quicker.” Merlin slid into the driver’s seat and Arthur into the passenger’s. Merlin, it seemed, had had some practice in being the fastest possible driver around. He wove through traffic at 110km/hr, both on the footpath and the wrong side of the road, weaving through the cars and people with too many near misses. “Merlin?” Arthur asked, his hands gripping the door in terror. “Yes, Arthur?” Merlin answered, distractedly. “Do you even know how to drive?” “Of course! I learnt nearly a century ago!” Oh , well that explained everything. “I think,” Arthur said sagely as they pulled up outside Merlin’s house, having gotten there in barely a quarter of the time it had taken Arthur to get them away, “We should hire someone to drive from now on.” Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Driving, Immortality is one hell of a buffer, Arthur learns how to drive, Post-Canon, Merlin (Merlin) drives like Crowley (Good Omens), Australian Road Rules, Cause im australian and i only just got my licence and im not confusing myself any more, Neither Merlin nor Arthur can actually drive, Attempt at Humor, Humor, Humour and Hijinks, Hijinks & Shenanigans, vague driving instructions, Don't Try This At Home
Published: 2021-01-06
Words: 1109

Don't leave me, please

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Not me taking that little bit in whatever episode it is when Arthur jumps when Merlin drops something and r u n n i n g with it Notes *ahem* I haven't seen Merlin in absolutely ages so I don't know if I got everything entirely accurate Please let me know if there is any mistakes and I shall fix them See the end of the work for more notes “Yeah, that’s because you’re a clumsy oaf, now pick that lot up.” Merlin looked at Arthur for a second before bending down to pick the cups. No matter if Arthur denied it or not, Merlin knew what he saw. ------ Merlin had told him. They were outside and it was dark and cold and Merlin had told him . He had explained it was only for Arthur, that he never used it unless he needed to. And Merlin was still, miraculously, alive. He honestly hadn’t expected that to happen. Merlin had prepared himself for death, what with Camelot being… well Camelot. But Arthur hadn’t killed him yet. He also didn’t look like he would either. “Show me some?” The request was so quiet, Merlin nearly missed it. “I’m sorry?” Arthur looked at him, and Merlin picked up a genuine sincerity in his eyes. “Show me some.” Arthur repeated, sounding more confident. Merlin hesitated. He’d never actually done magic in front of anyone like this. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and uttered something Arthur was far from understanding. Arthur noticed Merlin’s eyes turned gold, and suddenly, a small flower sprouted from Merlin’s palm. Arthur looked at it in a genuine awe. “Wow…” “Uh, yeah.” Arthur looked at Merlin again, some form of calculating look in his eyes. “That the best you’ve got?” Merlin smiled, hiding his surprise that Arthur was so ok with this. “I’m glad you asked.” Merlin readjusted his position, held his hand out, and uttered yet another word Arthur didn’t understand. Before he knew what was happening, fireworks were going off around them. Arthur jumped, eyes widening like a deer in the headlights. He went ridgid, trying his best to block out the noises and also look unbothered. It took him a minute to notice the banging of the fireworks had stopped, and Merlin was looking at him, apparent concern in his eyes. “Arthur? Are you ok?” Arthur mentally shook himself and turned to Merlin. “Perfectly fine, Merlin.” “Were you afraid?” “Afraid?” Arthur sputtered. “I don’t get scared, Merlin, I’m a knight. And the king of Camelot.” “You know there’s no shame in being scared.” Merlin countered, his lips quirking upwards. “Shut up Merlin.” ------ “It’s really raining outside.” Merlin commented, glancing out of Arthur’s window before pulling the curtains closed. Arthur stopped writing mid-sentence and looked up at Merlin from his seat at the desk. “Honestly Merlin, your observation skills are that to be reckoned with.” Merlin glared at Arthur before turning to the bed. The wind howled outside, making the rain spatter harder against the glass. “Gaius says there’s going to be a thunderstorm.” Arthur stopped, gripping the quill tighter in his hand. Not a thunderstorm, anything but a thunderstorm. He shook his head slightly. He would be fine, he’d gotten through enough by himself, what was one more? But there was this small part of his brain telling him to tell someone, have someone help him through this. There was an even smaller part of his brain telling him that someone should be Merlin. Arthur couldn’t explain it, but there was something about Merlin. The way he smiled, the way he went out of his way to help people. Everything about Merlin made Arthur want to confide in him. But that small part was overpowered by the rest of his brain telling him that being afraid of such a childish thing like thunderstorms was a weakness, a humiliating weakness he should be able to get over. “Well then, you should be getting back to Gaius before the rain picks up too much.” As if on cue, the rain picked up, and the faint rumble of thunder loomed in the background. “You’re even more of an idiot if you think I’m going out in that weather.” Merlin said, sorting out Arthur’s bed covers. Arthur sighed, rising from his desk and crossing over to Merlin. “Well then, you’d best stay in the antechamber then, hadn’t you?” “Oh don’t sound too excited.” Merlin said sarcastically. Arthur glared at him. o Arthur had no idea what time it was. All he knew is that it was late (or early, depending on how you looked at it) and he hadn’t slept in any sense of the word. He was sat in the middle of his bed, knees drawn up to his chest, desperately trying to block out the ever growing noise of the thunder, which, as he inevitably discovered, was a fruitless task. Another crash of thunder caught him off guard, and Arthur yelped, drawing more into himself, if that was even possible. He tried regulating his breathing, only for it to hitch again when another clap of thunder filled the room. Arthur didn’t know if it was just him in his panicked state, but that one seemed louder than the others. Suddenly, the door connecting Arthur’s room to the antechamber opened, and Merlin now stood in the doorway, eyes darting around the room. “Sire?” Arthur looked over to Merlin, eyes wide, and opened his mouth to speak. He suddenly became aware that someone had walked in on him in this state. And to make matters worse, it was Merlin. His manservant, his friend, his… oh to hell with it, his love. Any words he had been planning to say died in his throat, and he let out a noise that could only be compared to a pathetic whimper and dropped his head back on his knees. Merlin gently shut the door and looked at Arthur. Gods, he looked like a drowned kitten. He walked over to the bed, and sat tentatively on the edge, giving Arthur some space. “So you are afraid?” Merlin meant to sound almost accusatory, but it came out concerned. Arthur didn’t respond. Something about seeing Arthur like this unsettled Merlin. Arthur was… well Arthur. He was brave, fearless, caring. He never let anyone see things got to him. Seeing the king, the person he considered his closest friend, the person he loved, in a state like this- well it scared Merlin. Another bout of thunder filled the room, and Merlin saw Arthur flinch again. “Arthur? Arthur, look at me.” Merlin coaxed. Arthur picked his head up off his knees and looked at Merlin, eyes wet. “There we go. Now, I need you to breathe with me, ok? Just breathe.” Arthur, after a few tries, followed Merlin and took a breath. “There we go, well done. Think you can do another?” Merlin asked softly. Arthur nodded, and tried again. Merlin had lost track of time, but after a while, Arthur’s breathing had slowed, and he was less shaky, although he still looked terrified. “You doing any better?” Merlin asked, breaking the silence. “Yeah… I am. Uh, thank you.” Arthur responded, not looking Merlin in the eyes. “Are you sure? You just thanked me.” joked Merlin, hoping it would get a smile out of Arthur. It didn’t. Merlin frowned. “Are you sure you’re ok?” “I’m fine.” Merlin didn’t do anything for a minute. Then, he said, “If that’s all Sire,” and got up to go back to the antechamber. “Wait!” Merlin spun on his heels as Arthur cursed his mouth for betraying him. “Sire?” “Don’t leave me, please.” Arthur was aware that he sounded weak and pathetic, but at this point he found that he didn’t care. He just wanted comfort. He knew it was a stupid request- Merlin would probably laugh at him, or just ignore him and go back to sleep. He wasn’t expecting to feel his mattress dip and hear Merlin say “Shove over.” He was also not expecting for Merlin to start hugging him . Despite Merlin’s strong embrace, Arthur couldn’t find himself relaxing; the storm was still raging outside. “You know there’s nothing to be afraid of right? It’s just a storm, I thought you loved rain.” “I do, I do…” “But?” Arthur hesitated. He had never been this vulnerable in front of anyone. “But… storms, thunder especially, unsettle me. As do most loud noises.” Merlin simply nodded. He had never seen Arthur talk about any emotions in his life, and didn’t want to risk saying anything that would make Arthur stop. “M-My father… when I was younger, he- he would bang his fist… or throw things… when he was angry… and it… well it scared me, and I guess, I’ve always associated loud noises with…” Arthur cut himself off with a strangled sob, but Merlin didn’t need him to finish. “Oh, Arthur, I’m so sorry.” Merlin started, but Arthur shook his head. He didn't want pity. “Don’t.” Arthur mumbled, sinking further into Merlin's embrace. For once in what felt like forever, Arthur felt safe. ------ When Arthur woke the next morning, the sun was already in the sky. He was about to curse Merlin for not waking him up before he realised Merlin was sitting up in bed next to him, playing with the hem of his tunic. “Aha. You’re awake. I thought I’d let you sleep a bit. Will you be wanting breakfast?” Arthur was slightly taken aback at the chipper attitude Merlin had. “Oh, uh, yes, please.” “Wonderful, I'll go get some now.” With that, Merlin flung the covers off himself and headed towards the door. “Merlin?” Arthur called out, propping himself up on his elbows. Merlin turned to him. “I just… I just wanted to thank you for last night. You… you didn’t have to.” Merlin smiled softly. “You’re welcome. And of course I had to, Arthur, I love you I couldn’t let you go through that alone.” Merlin’s smile dropped when he realised what he said. Now it was Arthur’s turn to smile at Merlin. “What was that Merlin?” “Uh, what? I didn’t say anything, did you say anything, I didn’t-” “Merlin.” Arthur interrupted, now having made his way over to Merlin, standing across from him. “Shut up?” Merlin tried, dropping his head slightly. Arthur rolled his eyes. He took Merlin’s chin and gently kissed his lips. At first Merlin protested slightly, before melting into it. After a while, they broke apart, for breath rather than anything else. They both looked at each other, smiling wildly. “So…” Merlin started. Arthur smiled. “Yes, Merlin. I feel the same.” He confirmed. “Now, fetch us some breakfast.” End Notes I have no idea if this is good or not but feel free to leave comments or kudos. If you want. You can do what you want Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Getting Together, Thunder and Lightning, Panic Attacks, kind of, Idiots in Love, Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, but its very brief, How Do I Tag, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), i guess, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era
Published: 2021-01-10
Words: 1705

A Reveal of Epic Proportions

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Merlin doesn't use a disguise at the battle of camlann and reveals himself in a blaze of glory Notes Prompt: Merlin Battle of Camlann canon AU — We all know the scene, were Merlin appears as dragoon and fights the Saxons, right? But in my opinion, the scene would have been so much more powerful if it was not dragoon that appears, but Merlin as himself! That’s what this fic is gonna be about. Merlin saving everyone from the Saxons with his magic, as himself. And to make it even more powerful, he’s not gonna do it alone. He’s not going to appear out of the blue with just a magic staff, no, he appears as Merlin, the dragon lord. On the back of Kilgarrah, Merlin arrives on the battle field. Everyone is wondering why the dragon is helping them, but then they see a man riding the dragon and fighting with them. One moment, Arthur is about to get attacked, but doesn’t notice. But Merlin appears right in front of him, on the back of Kilgarrah and shows just how powerful he really is. Arthur is shocked. Merlin then gets down from Kilgarrahs back and fights next to Arthur and everyone. With his magic. In the heat of the battle, Arthur doesn’t care. Of course, they win. But it’s not Arthur who gets wounded, but Merlin, while he fights Morgana, and kills her with Arthur’s sword. (You can decide what happens to Mordered) Arthur is angry. Feeling betrayed. He sends Gaius to take care of Merlin, but shortly after he’s not in danger of dying anymore, sends him in the vaults. He doesn’t know what to do. He knows, that Merlin saved them all, but he’s so angry. In the mean time, Merlin refuses to eat, drink or do anything else. Arthur has no clue about that. Soon as Arthur finds out, he gets even more angry, bc Merlin is reacting this way. So he goes and talks to him, or rather shout at him. Merlin is devastated. And so on and on and on.... the rest is up to you! Also, it is kinda up to you in the end, but gimme hella long fanfictions please like, 46000 words and I’D KISS YOU if more .... ima merry you lmao! No jokes aside, I love love love, really loooooooooong fics. But if it happens to be not that long, it’s perfectly fine
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst with a Happy Ending, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Battle of Camlann (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Heavy Angst, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Queen Gwen (Merlin), Past Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Lives (Merlin)
Language: English Series: Part 1 of Merlin prompts , Part 18 of Merlin Collections: BBC Merlin prompts
Published: 2021-02-06 Completed: 2021-02-12
Words: 16,059
Chapters: 9/9

The magic realm

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To save Camelot and their destiny, Arthur and Merlin travel to the magical realm to learn how to use magic. But, they have to be careful. Weapon - and magicless - they have to not only learn magic. They have to find their way back home as well. And what awaits.... is Camlann. Notes A.N.:// So, I'm trying some world building for this one :) The art was made specifically for this fic. It's kinda how I imagine the setting of the first place they see in the magical realm :) If you zoom in, you may spot Merlin and Arthur there XD Also, I don't think this will contain romance. As I'm currently not planning on it. But it will explore Merlin's and Arthur's friendship and can probably be read as more. The story has yet to tell me what it wants to be. :3
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) & magical creatures, Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Original Characters, Original Non-Human Character(s), Elyan (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Will (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Magic Loss, Magical Dimension, Magic Realm, Merlin (TV) Season/Series 05, Episode: s05e12 The Diamond of the Day, Rewrite, Pre-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Learning Magic, Hurt/Comfort
Language: English Series: Part 48 of Merlin´s magic
Published: 2021-01-24 Completed: 2021-02-23
Words: 36,198
Chapters: 10/10

Snow Angel

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Merlin and Arthur take advantage of their snow day. After the sledging and the snowpeople and the snowball fight with Elena and Elyan and Percival in the park down the way, Arthur followed Merlin to his house at the edge of town. The walk was a bit long, longer because of their many layers, so Merlin yanked Arthur down into the snow in the front garden when they finally, huffing and puffing, got to his house. Arthur caught his breath as Merlin smiled squintily and waved his arms and legs about in the snow. "What're you doing, Merlin?" Arthur asked, resigned note in his tone. Merlin would flail about even if he had nowhere to fall. "Making a snow angel, Arthur, were you born yesterday? From a hole in the ground?" Merlin replied, frowning incredulously as he peered over his stripey scarf--the one that Arthur got a little cross-eyed with if he looked at it too long. Arthur ignored the jab at his apparent 'lack of culture,' considering Merlin couldn't tell the difference between gruyere and Laughing Cow. "A snow angel? It looks like you're having a seizure in slow-motion." Merlin snorted and stood up, having only a little trouble in his four layers of trousers, to look down at his work. Arthur sat up too, to see what did look sort of like an angel, if angels were triangles. But Merlin looked very pleased with a layer of snow comically sticking to the back of his body. Arthur couldn't help but smile as well. Merlin was like an incurable disease, spreading the happy everywhere, so there was no use in tamping down the warmth in Arthur's chest. "It's clearly a snow angel!" Merlin exclaimed, gesturing with his mittened hands. Arthur looked down at his own ski gloves and then flopped back in the snow, swiping his arms and legs for a moment before standing and assessing his own technique. "You'll get better," Merlin said, snickering. "Although I'm not sure how you can mess up a snow angel." Arthur laughed and elbowed Merlin lightly. "I don't get enough practice flailing about, I suppose." The angel did look a bit funny. Its wings were bent and it looked a bit droopy, but the silliest thing about it was that it shared wingspace with Merlin's own angel. It looked like the angels were holding hands. Or, hand-wings. "I think they're in love," Merlin joked. "It's a budding romance, for sure." "Looks a little emotionally unstable, that one," Merlin added, pointing to Arthur's angel. "Perhaps Gilbert should take caution entering into this new relationship." Arthur pouted. "Hey, don't judge based on looks!" "Sorry, Arthur. Didn't realize you were so sensitive." "Also, Gilbert?" "Whatever. It's not as bad a name as your Mabel." Arthur snickered, watching Merlin watch him through those very blue, very squint-happy eyes. "Wanna come in for hot cocoa?" Merlin asked after a moment. "Yeah," Arthur said, nodding. "Father's not back until Tuesday, so there's not much to do at home besides hearing Morgana's death metal." Merlin hooked an arm around Arthur's shoulders and led him to the front door. "You know, you can stay with me anytime. It's pretty lonely, so... and I know Mum adores you..." Merlin trailed off, face colouring when Arthur didn't respond immediately to fill up the awkward silence. Arthur looked down at his feet, said a quiet, "Thanks, Merlin." When Merlin let him into the house, showing uncharacteristic graciousness when he helped Arthur out of his tangled scarf, Arthur leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. Merlin's answering smile lit up the room, as always, but there was a quality to it that had Arthur letting out the shaky breath he'd been holding. When Arthur opened his mouth to explain, or--or something, Merlin just took his hand and led him into the kitchen. "So, would you like some cocoa with your marshmallows, Mabel?" he teased, and Arthur was laughing again, feeling light as air, like he'd like to kiss Merlin again. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Underage
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Character: Merlin (Arthurian), Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: First Love, Modern Era, Christmas Series: Part 17 of 25 Days of Fanfic (2011)
Published: 2011-12-21
Words: 660

"I can explain!"

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Stuck in a snowstorm, Arthur meets Aithusa while Merlin is asleep. He immediately loves her. Notes See the end of the work for notes It wasn’t often Arthur got time to himself. With his Kingly duties and demands, he barely got time to breathe. So occasionally, he would take a day off and spend his time in the forest. Hunting was the excuse he used when questioned by the old Lords in his council, but the truth was that he simply needed a day sometimes to be just Arthur and not King Arthur. So after a rather stressful meeting regarding the process of changing certain laws of Camelot, he stormed into his room, Merlin on his side, and told him to pack some food and his camping items. It went beyond saying that Merlin would accompany him. As they rode deep into the forest and reached snow-topped mountains, Arthur felt peace wash over him. Time away from his kingdom did do him a lot of good. The fact that Merlin was beside him added to that happiness. The journey had been pleasant, with Merlin’s mindless bickering softening his mood. Here, alone with Merlin, he did not hesitate to hold back his fondness as they cuddled (for warmth, he told himself) at nights, and had moments of friendly horseplay (it’s what friends do! Arthur did not need an excuse to touch his manservant, thank you very much) in the day. All in all, Arthur was happy. Nothing could ruin his good mood now. --- He was so wrong. A snowstorm had erupted out of nowhere, and the duo was forced to take shelter in a cave. They had enough food to last for 3 more days, and Arthur prayed that the storm would subside by then. Merlin somehow managed to get a fire going (Arthur swears it's like fire loves the man) and they huddled in the warmth, shoulders pressed together (for warmth!). Night had fallen and Arthur told Merlin he would take the first watch. Merlin nodded, his small frame shivering in the cold as he laid down in front of the fire, a measly blanket covering him. Looking at his servant shaking like a leaf, Arthur felt a tug at his heart. “Idiot,” he murmured as he covered Merlin up with his own thicker blanket. He settled down against the wall of the cave and watched the flames make shapes on the wall, pulling his cloak over him. It was somewhere close to dawn when the fire began to die slowly. It was around then that a small figure approached the cave. Arthur looked warily at the shadow right outside the cave, covered by the storm. His hand hovered above his sword as he prayed for it to be a harmless animal seeking shelter. He was so wrong. Arthur nearly jumped out of his skin as a small, white dragon pattered in, looking at him curiously. He thought there were no more dragons left. He gripped the hilt of his sword, uncertain of attacking a mere baby, and yet afraid of a dragon. Arthur’s heart pounded in his chest as the dragon walked closer to him. A moment passed. Then another. The white lizard regarded him with glowing golden eyes. Or that could just be the reflection of the dwindling flames in her eyes, Arthur wondered. But for whatever reason, the dragon made no move of scorching him with fire or attacking him with her sharp talons. As though she sensed the hesitation in him, the dragon made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a squeal and ran towards him. Arthur startled when the dragon landed on his lap and pawed the red cloak blanketing him. She circled in his lap, like a cat making her bed, and settled down right there. Snuggling . Arthur would’ve snorted in amusement if he wasn’t afraid of waking Merlin up. Clearly, the white dragon was no threat to him, but he did not want his servant panicking and hurting himself or the innocent creature by mistake. Hesitantly, Arthur placed a hand on her back, feeling the scales ripple in tension. “Good dragon,” Arthur whispered. “Don’t chomp my hand off, okay? You’re safe.” His own words surprised him. He may not harm her, she was after all a baby, but it was still a bloody dragon. To assure a creature of magic that it was safe was treason. Even if he was wishing it was not so at the moment. The dragon however seemed to relax at those words and purred in contentment when he patted her, stroking her back softly. A knot formed in Arthur’s throat at the sight of the dragon relaxing under him. He continued to pat her for a long time until the fire had died, and the dragon began to snore puffs of smoke from her nostrils. Her body seemed warm under his hand, and somehow, he knew that she was still awake. Feeling a sense of loneliness fade away, he decided to talk to her. Even if she may not understand him. “I’m Arthur, by the way. I don’t suppose you have a name?” He peered at her curiously, as she lifted her head to stare at him with those golden eyes again, as though she was trying to convey something. “No, I figure not. I’m going to call you something, though,” he mused. “I can’t keep calling you ‘dragon’ now, can I?” He mulled it over, racking his brain for good names for the adorable creature. A name sprung to his mind as his gaze flickered to the snow-covered land outside the cave. He looked at her again as she waited for a response. “What about Eira?” The corner of her jaws lifted, as though she was smiling. This got a chuckle out of Arthur. A dragon, smiling. That was definitely something. “Okay. Eira it is. It means snow, you know. Don’t look at me like that! It was all I could think of right now. Merlin is usually the one with creative nicknames.” At the mention of Merlin, she picked her head up once more, looking interested. Of course. Everybody seemed to be interested in Merlin. Arthur saw the appeal though. With kind eyes and a face as beautiful as a fae, Merlin could charm the pants off anyone if he wanted. But Arthur had never seen him show any interest in anyone over the years. He wondered why. “You like Merlin, then?” He asked Eira, who smiled again, thumping her tail over his leg in excitement. Arthur sighed and laid his head against the wall. After a beat, he decided to let his emotions show. It wasn’t like Merlin could listen to him anyway. He was blissfully asleep, warm, and safe. And Eira, being a dragon, couldn’t talk and thus wouldn’t tell him. “He is… my friend. Don’t tell him I said that though. He would never let me live it down. He’s the bravest man I know. I’m lucky to have him if I’m being honest. God knows I torment him enough. How he puts up with me, I don’t know. It’s a miracle he hasn’t left. I think that’s what I’m afraid of most, you know?” Eira said nothing, just continued to look at him with knowing eyes. He resumed his patting and spoke. “I know a King shouldn’t have weaknesses. But I do. And it’s Merlin. He’s my weakness and my strength. I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s a right idiot, don’t get me wrong. He’s an absolute bumpkin, with the self-preservation of a fly and clumsiness that could rival all the Five Kingdoms. But I wouldn’t want him any other way.” Arthur got lost in thoughts of Merlin as the realization dawned on him. His hands stilled on Eira’s back, who got up on his lap to get his attention. He looked at her in shock. “I think I’m in love with Merlin,” he whispered, the weight of his words settling deep within him, making a storm grow in his chest which rivaled the one raging outside the cave. Eira squealed, in agreement Arthur wanted to think, and got off his lap. Before Arthur could grasp what she was doing, she pattered towards Merlin. With a start, he got up and stumbled over his cloak trying to get to her. “Eira! Stop!” he whispered harshly, running after her. He caught her just in time, as she stepped on Merlin’s blanket, and picked her up. She flapped her wings in his arms as her mouth opened and closed. “You can’t fly yet, Eira. You’re a baby. Stop it!” Arthur scolded her, holding her an arm’s length away from her flailing wings. “-Lin!” she squawked, and Arthur almost dropped her in shock. He turned her around to have her face him. “You can talk?!” Eira simply flapped her wings harder and cried louder, “Lin! Mrlin! Merlin!” Arthur’s jaw dropped, and he would have fainted in shock if the bundle of blankets in front of him hadn’t moved. The movement caught Eira’s eyes as she swung her neck around. “Merlin! Merlin!” Merlin shifted in his blanket once again. Arthur brought Eira close to him and glared at him. “Stop it! He can’t see you! What if he hurts you!” Arthur whispered angrily at her. It seemed to have no effect as she resumed calling out Merlin’s name. The next thing he knew, Merlin was sitting up straight, looking around like he heard someone call for him. Arthur quickly stuffed Aithusa under his tunic and covered that area by wrapping a tunic around him. “-rthr?” Merlin mumbled, his hair sticking out in all directions as he turned around to find Arthur standing behind him, arms crossed. “Did you just call me?” “No!” Arthur said a little too quickly. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him. He got up, shaking off the blankets which pooled at his waist, and stalked towards Arthur. Arthur gulped at the scene before him. Merlin, flushed from the cold, hair and clothes messed up in his sleep, looking at him like that . He had pink coating his cheeks, and the laces of his tunic had come a bit undone. His darned neckerchief was nowhere in sight, giving Arthur full view of Merlin’s sharp collarbones and milky skin which was usually hidden by it. Arthur wanted to sink his teeth into his neck and pepper him with kisses until Merlin moaned his name. He wanted to be the reason for Merlin’s undone state. His treacherous thoughts were interrupted when Eira squirmed under his tunic, her sharp talons grazing his stomach slightly. Merlin came to stand in front of him, looking him up and down with a frown on his face. Eira squealed once again, and Arthur coughed. Merlin gaped at him. “Did you-did you just squeal ?!” Arthur’s cheeks were flaming with embarrassment now. “I don’t squeal , Mer lin. I’m not a girl, unlike you.” “Uh-huh.” Merlin’s raised eyebrow was an eerie imitation of Gaius’s. There was an awkwardness in the air as Arthur struggled to keep Eira out of sight and Merlin watched his king suspiciously. Arthur brushed past Merlin, moving towards the cave entrance as Merlin startled by the sudden movement and tripped over his feet. “Where are you going?!” He called out. Arthur did not turn around. He placed a hand on Eira over his cloak, hoping she would not make a sound. Merlin came and stood in front of him once more, eyeing him with doubt. “I’m getting more wood! The fire has died.” “It’s a nightmare out there or are you blind?!” “ Mer lin,” Arthur emphasized, praying Merlin would take a hint and stop talking. Saying his servant's name was clearly a mistake because Eira parroted him not a moment later. “Merlin!” Merlin’s jaw had dropped, and now was openly gaping at him. Arthur winced. This was not going well at all. “Who said that?” Merlin demanded, placing his hands on his hips. Arthur tried to get out of it. “Me, obviously.” “No, that wasn’t you. It was definitely something more… shriller,” Merlin said, frowning at him again. His eyes were narrowed as they searched the cave behind him like he was expecting someone or something to pop out and attack them. Arthur snorted, hoping it would cover his nerves, “Don’t be daft, Mer lin. There’s no-” No sooner had those words left his lips, Eira scrambled out of his tunic and Arthur made a grab for her, holding her tightly as she flapped her wings towards Merlin. “Merlin!” She cried out once more. Merlin, due to this commotion, had fallen backward on his butt, and looking at Eira with shock etched on his face. He looked at Eira, who was trying to fly to him and then at Arthur, who was holding her gently, preventing her from taking a stumble towards the ground, and then back at Eira, and again at Arthur, trying to connect the dots. Arthur had the audacity to look sheepish as he pulled Eira close to his chest, as he held her with one arm. His other hand scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment. “I can explain?” He said, hoping Merlin wouldn’t do anything rash. “You-you-dragon-you?” Merlin stuttered, scrambling to his feet. His eyes were blown wide as he took in the scene before him. Arthur knew it looked ridiculous. Arthur Pendragon, son of the man who loathed magic, who killed the supposed last dragon in Albion, was holding and petting a baby dragon. Talk about irony. Arthur snorted, shaking himself out of his thoughts. “Yes, Merlin. Try to keep up, will you?” Eira squealed Merlin’s name again as his servant whipped his head towards her so fast, Arthur was scared he’d break his neck. “She can talk?!” Merlin gasped, sounding more surprised than scared. It made sense, Arthur thought. Merlin was more attuned to nature and animals than he, so he probably wouldn’t be that scared of Eira. Despite the fact that she was a dragon . Arthur nodded, lips turning up in betrayal of the frown he tried to hold. Not that Merlin would’ve noticed. No, his servant’s attention was entirely focused on Eira, as if he had forgotten that Arthur was still there. Merlin gazed at Eira with a fondness that Arthur couldn’t figure out where it had come from. Eira flapped her wings harder in Arthur’s arms, and they now hit his face. “Gods, Eira, stop it!” He scolded her. “Aithusa.” Arthur now gaped at Merlin, who was still holding one of the softest looks he’d ever seen. “What?” Merlin now looked at Arthur, a smile on his beautiful features. He said, “Her name is Aithusa.” Arthur nodded, still not understanding what Merlin was saying. “And you know that because…?” He prodded. Merlin chuckled softly, bringing his hands forward and taking Eira, no, Aithusa from him. He cradled the dragon in his arms, as Aithusa snuggled in them, looking peaceful. “I hatched her. Months ago.” Eh? “You what?!” Arthur gaped at his servant. Merlin looked up, and for the first time that day, a look of uncertainty shadowed his face. Merlin looked scared. “I-I need to tell you something, Arthur,” he said, chewing on his lip. Absentmindedly, Arthur’s hand shot up and he gripped Merlin’s chin softly. Merlin looked at him in surprise as Arthur’s thumb gently pulled down Merlin’s lip from where his teeth held it. “Arthur?” Merlin whispered, his expressions flickering between doubt, love, and fear. Merlin’s eyes searched his, and Arthur realized his mistake and stepped back, his heart thudding away in his chest. “No! I mean, I want to! Just, not yet. You deserve the truth.” Merlin yelped, one hand fiddling with his tunic’s edge, the other holding Aithusa close. “The whole truth.” Arthur nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He had no doubt that what Merlin would say would probably hurt him. But he also knew that whatever it was, they could deal with it. Nothing could make him hate his Merlin. Certainly not Aithusa, who snuggled into Merlin’s arms contently. They sat down and stared at where the flames once were. And all was explained when Merlin’s eyes glowed like Aithusa’s and the fire blazed warm and bright again. Merlin looked at Arthur hesitantly, and Arthur nodded, getting over his initial shock. He placed Aithusa next to the fire, where she curled into herself, pleased. Merlin spoke to him of his magic, how he was born with it. And how he was magic himself. He spoke of all the times he saved Arthur’s life, and then he spoke of Balinor, and dragons, and magic, and Morgana. He spoke of Freya, and Lancelot, and Will, and his disguise of Dragoon. He spoke of Nimueh, and Agravaine, and Mordred. Arthur sat there, listening, taking everything in. His betrayal, his loyalty, his lies, his love. He took it all in and held it close. When Merlin was done and looking at him with fear in those ocean eyes, Arthur searched his heart. He found hurt, and he found love. He found acceptance and guilt. In that split second, he made his decision. He opened his mouth, to tell Merlin that he didn’t care. That he was forgiven. That he was sorry that he had to hide. That he was planning on lifting the ban. But all that came out was, “I love you.” His eyes opened in shock, at how his own mouth had betrayed him, and saw Merlin’s drop open, not expecting that response either. He began to say about how he understood if Merlin didn’t feel the same way when the man threw himself on Arthur, toppling them both to the ground. They were nose to nose now, Merlin’s breath on his face, as his heart mirrored the thudding in Arthur’s chest. “Say that again,” Merlin demanded, searching his eyes like before. “I love you,” Arthur whispered, his gaze not leaving Merlin’s. The next thing he knew, Merlin’s lips were on his, kissing him hard. Arthur got over his shock quickly and returned the kiss, pouring his love into it. Their hearts beat as one, as their breaths became one, as their souls became one. Next to them, Aithusa gave a snort of approval and walked out of the cave. Her job was done here. Two days later, the storm had subsided, thanks to Merlin’s effort at coaxing the sun out. The pair returned to the kingdom, a weight lifted off both their shoulders, looking happier than ever before. And if anyone noticed the white, baby Dragon trotting beside them happily, well, who were they to question their King and his unofficial consort? End Notes Just assume that Gwen and Arthur don't get together, because she still loves Lancelot. And she knows Arthur loves Merlin. Also, I love Aithusa! I might write more fics with her in them. Let me know what you think! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Merlin (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin)
Additional Tags: POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s04e04 Aithusa, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Attempt at Humor, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Merlin (Merlin), Aithusa is a baby, She needs to be protected, Awesome Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English Series: Part 16 of 30 DAYS DIALOGUE PROMPTS Collections: Numerous OTPS Infinite Fandoms , Merlin
Published: 2021-02-20
Words: 3085

The worst timeline

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After years of waiting for Arthur's return and magic finally being legal, Merlin gets the chance to see his king again. In another timeline. Where Arthur lived. And Merlin died to save him. The problem: This Arthur doesn't know about Merlin's magic. It gets worse. Notes This is angsty af. Just as a warning. No, I don't know where this came from. You're welcome :)
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Post-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), Post-Canon, It Gets Worse, fixing things by making them worse, Angst, Heavy Angst, Parallel Universes, alternate time line, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, the worst, Angst and Feels, Angst and Tragedy, Grief/Mourning, Hatred, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Confused Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Dark Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Major Character Injury, Canonical Character Death, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Past Character Death
Language: English Series: Part 51 of Merlin´s magic
Published: 2021-03-04 Completed: 2021-03-10
Words: 8,884
Chapters: 2/2

Secrets & Lies

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Arthur had finally put his finger on it. The thing that had made Merlin stand out, the thing that had intrigued him about the boy ever since the first time he’d met him. The thing that was going to get him killed… Merlin had magic. Not only had it, but used it freely all the bloody time. It was only a matter of time before someone saw him do it, and then they’d report him to the king and Merlin would be dragged out into the courtyard and executed. Well, not if Arthur had anything to do about it. Mid series one, Arthur, for once not being totally oblivious, discovers that Merlin has magic. The problem is, having magic gets people killed and Arthur very much prefers Merlin alive. It turns out making sure nobody sees Merlin do magic is rather a full-time job however... Notes Written for the 2021 Merthur Glompfest!! For lilacqueen - thank you for the fantastic prompt, I really hope you love what I've done with it!! A lot longer than I originally planned it to be and one of the longest fics I've ever written - and a chaptered fic!! I hardly ever do chaptered fics!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Post-Episode: s01e07 Gates of Avalon, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Merlin uses his magic incredibly unsubtly, for once Arthur gets sole use of the braincell, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Banter, Name-Calling, lovable idiots, Canon- Typical Violence, it's those damn bandits again, magical healing, They have a moment, Misunderstandings, Feelings Realization, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Arthur & Morgana sibling relationship (Merlin), Merlin is an idiot, Idiots in Love, Friends to Lovers, First Kiss, Fluffy Ending, prat and idiot, Merlin Gets a Hug (Merlin), Swearing, Canon Era Collections: Merthur Glompfest 2021
Published: 2021-04-18
Words: 13333
Chapters: 3/3

scorch marks and embers

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Everyone he trusted with his secret – Will, Freya, Balinor, Lancelot, and now Gaius – was gone. Arthur would never bring magic back to the land, and he would never let Merlin stand at his side the way Merlin had hoped he would. It was a cold awakening, years of baseless faith dashed against the fraying tapestry that destiny had made Merlin sew into his own skin, but an awakening nonetheless. Merlin is shaken out of his obsession with destiny and his blind faith in Arthur. Arthur just wishes he knew how to get his closest friend back. (For Merthur Angst Week 2021 Day 7: “No. You don’t get to talk.”) Notes Wow, hello! I watched Merlin for the first time in Oct 2020 and here we are I guess... Angsty tension is what keeps me going so when I saw this angst event u know i had to do it to em Warnings: • Death: somewhere between minor and major (please see the tags!), generally off-screen • Violence: somewhere between canon-typical and graphic I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Daegal (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Mystery, Drama, Tension, Violence, Action/Adventure, Character Death, Gaius Dies (Merlin), Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Merlin (TV) Season/Series 04, Episode: s04e07 The Secret Sharer, Magic Repressed, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Character Study, Angry Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Physician Merlin (Merlin), Smart Arthur (Merlin), Guilty Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Jaded Merlin (Merlin), Reconciliation, Minor Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Slow Burn, Grief/Mourning, Friendship, It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better, Yearning, Introspection, Fix-It, Fix-It of Sorts
Language: English Collections: Merthur Week 2021
Published: 2021-03-21 Completed: 2021-10-01
Words: 93813
Chapters: 6/6

The coaches son

"I know I saved your butt the other week but you don't have to stalk me now." Arthur joked."I'm waiting for someone.""Girlfriend? Boyfriend?" Arthur asked."I'm waiting for my father.""Your father?""Merlin Emrys," A manly voice boomed behind Arthur. Arthur recognised that voice. "I told you you don't have to wait for me when I have practice." Wait did he say Merlin Emrys?"Your father is Coach Emrys?" Arthur whispered."Yeah, I told you, you wouldn't want to date me."Arthur wants to date Merlin and spends his time trying to convince him it's a good idea. The only problem is that Merlin is the coaches son and he hates Pendragons. Unfortunately for Arthur, his father also hates Emrys'. What made the two truly hate each other? Guess they would have to find out and fix it so the two could date.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Pendragon and Emrys rivalry, story starts as fluff, turns into a mystery, Merlin is the coaches son, Arthur is the cocky jock, Fluff and Humor, Angst, Family Feels, Family Feud - Freeform, Balinor is salty, Uther is salty, the boys just want to date, Backstory, Idiots in Love, Someone is the bad guy, Cenred is a creep, Protective Arthur, Telling this story in two parts might add more taggs later
Language: English
Published: 2021-04-03
Words: 20,623
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 15
Kudos: 186
Bookmarks: 31
Hits: 4,502
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Mordred/Will (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-07-04

Let us take back the Castle now, and you can behead me later, Sire.

An AU of the season 4 finale, wherein Arthur refuses to abandon his castle during Morgana's seige, and Merlin refuses to use magic to take away Arthur's will, so they're at an impasse.Rather than break his moral code to bewitch Arthur, Merlin decides to break his secrecy. If Arthur doesn't want to leave his Castle... fine. They won't. Merlin will just have to take it back for him... and all that entails.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode: s04e12-13 The Sword in the Stone, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Merlin Saves the Day (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Redemption, Slow Burn, First Kiss, Marriage, King Merlin (Merlin), Past Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Happy Ending, Light Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fluff and Humor, Banter, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Court Sorceress Morgana (Merlin), Minor Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Fuck Uther All My Homies Hate Uther, Arthur is chill about Merlin's magic, Especially when he realizes that Merlin is like the king of the druids and they can get married, For "political reasons", Shut up arthur you just wanna tap that ass, Merlioske-friendly
Language: English
Published: 2021-04-06
Words: 39,790
Chapters: 12/12
Comments: 438
Kudos: 6,800
Bookmarks: 1,457
Hits: 122,147
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Other(s), Agravaine (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-04-26

We're Here To Stay

Five times in canon that Arthur was afraid of losing Merlin.... and one time the author said "fuck canon." :)All parts have been written and posted! Content & episode tags have been updated accordingly.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: 5+1 Things, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, POV Arthur, Canon Compliant, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Episode: s01e04 The Poisoned Chalice, Introspection, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Pre-Relationship, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Canon Era, Episode: s02e06 Beauty and the Beast, excessive use of metaphors, Foreshadowing, Em Dash My Beloved, Emotional Repression, Episode: s04e01-02 The Darkest Hour, Character Development, Episode: s04e06 A Servant of Two Masters, Minor Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arwen Friendly, Arthur Has Two Hands, that should be a tag???, Open Relationships, Polyamory, Episode: s05e09 With All My Heart, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Hopeful Ending, Angst with a Happy Ending, BAMF Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2021-05-02
Words: 10,058
Chapters: 6/6
Comments: 67
Kudos: 1,109
Bookmarks: 156
Hits: 14,251
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Agravaine (unfortunately), Mordred (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-05-26

Destiny and Chicken [The Show on Channel 5]

The story-within-a-story in my fic "Channel 5". This is the TV show, written in script format.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Modern Era, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Television, Screenplay/Script Format
Language: English
Published: 2015-01-08
Words: 2,142
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 2
Hits: 226
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin)

Interrupted

Morgana interrupts Arthur and Merlin's sweet morning, discovering their relationship in the process.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Morning Kisses, Sweet, Dirty Jokes, Fluff, Mentions of Sex, Blushy!Merlin, Silly!Arthur, Fluster!Morgana, nice!Morgana, Secrets must be kept, Secret Relationships
Language: English
Published: 2015-01-19
Words: 612
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 142
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 3,300
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon, Morgana Pendragon

I Wonder...

Merlin wonders. Arthur just wants to sleep, goddamnit.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, cute cute cute, (was Maura16)
Language: English
Published: 2015-01-20
Words: 561
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 52
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 766
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Rest, Now

The second he sees the walls of Camelot, Merlin slumps in the saddle. Cara nickers in warning and he just manages to right himself before Arthur looks over.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Post-Episode: s04e08 Lamia, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Magic Revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), all the poly, Because yes, Angst with a Happy Ending, Poor Merlin, someone make sure this bean doesn't blame himself for absolutely everything, Protective Gwen (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2021-06-28
Words: 2,096
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 41
Kudos: 2,365
Bookmarks: 327
Hits: 19,529
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)

Wish dragon *

*inspired by Netflix movie "wish dragon".When Arthur runs away from home, he has an encounter with an annoying dragon who is stuck inside a tea pot.Apparently, the dragon offers three wishes to whoever frees him.Naturally, Arthur is an idiot. So he wishes to be a king.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Wish Fulfillment, Wishes, Wishful Thinking, Be Careful What You Wish For, Jinn, magic dragon, Three Wishes, Bisexual Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2021-07-02
Words: 23,847
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 29
Kudos: 208
Bookmarks: 36
Hits: 3,846
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mithian & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Elena & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur & Magic (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Elena (Merlin)

Soldier, Peasant, King

Bereft of the emotions that should have come at the implications of the sentence, Uther's tone is stoic as if his own son is a common prisoner. “You are to leave Camelot by nightfall. If we find you have returned to the grounds of this kingdom we will have no choice but to carry out your original sentence in the highest order.”Exiledanddisinherited? Brilliant.An AU where Uther, under the influence of Troll!Catrina and Goblin!Gaius legitimately disinherits Arthur and he must deal with the consequences thereof in an attempt to reclaim Camelot.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Fix-It, Alternate Universe, Disinherited Arthur AU, Slow Burn, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Angst, Egregious Use of Italics, minor Gwen/Arthur that never goes anywhere, Bisexual Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Petty Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Cooking as an Extended Metaphor for the Intimacy Your Bi Crisis Can't Process Yet, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Slow Burn Character Development feat. Arthur Pendragon, Alternate Universe - Competent Writers, Technical "In Vino Veritas" Moment™, Arthur Pendragon's Cottagecore Depression, The One Where The Crack Episodes Are Serious And The Serious Ones Are Crack, Arthur is Dealing with Internalized Biphobia, The Party™ Faces Too Many Bandits And Patrols That Constantly Ruin Their Plans, Ygraine's sigil, The Cup of Life, Alcoves Are For Gay Shit, Angst with a Happy Ending, Eventual Happy Ending, Glacial Burn, Glacial Burn Resolved in the Sequel. We Promise., Now With More Gay Than Originally Planned., Unreliable Narrator, Beacause Arthur is Biased
Language: English
Published: 2021-05-08
Words: 159,773
Chapters: 35/35
Comments: 951
Kudos: 2,026
Bookmarks: 460
Hits: 71,191
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Catrina/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin), Balinor & Merlin (Merlin), Isolde/Tristan (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Troll Catrina (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Alice (Merlin), Iseldir (Merlin), Sefa (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Tristan (Merlin), Isolde (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Fisher King (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Grettir (Merlin), Cornelius Sigan, Kilgharrah (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-12-17

aim for my heart, go for blood

Arthur had been taught what to do with sorcerers. But if he had done what he was taught, Merlin would be dead in the clearing behind them.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Season/Series 02, Magic Revealed, POV Alternating
Language: English
Published: 2021-07-14
Words: 11,105
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 29
Kudos: 423
Bookmarks: 64
Hits: 3,522
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Castle Fyrien, Alternate ending

King Cenred recognizes Merlin. Instead of falling prey to Morgause's ploy, he sends the Camelotians off, keeping Merlin. He knows of Merlin's magic and uses the boy as his personal bodyguard and weapon. They assist Prince Arthur in taking Camelot back from Morgana after she deposes Uther with an immortal army.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Protective Merlin, Merlin is a Little Shit, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Arthur Isn't An Idiot, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Protective Gwen (Merlin), Episode: s03e07 The Castle of Fyrien, Post-Episode: s03e07 The Castle of Fyrien, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe, Cenred isn't terrible, Cenred recognizes Merlin, Cenred knows about Merlin's magic
Language: English
Published: 2021-07-08
Words: 1,970
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 438
Bookmarks: 49
Hits: 3,758
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Elyan & Gwen (Merlin), Morgana & Morgause (Merlin), Cenred/Morgause (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Gwen & Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)

Surprising Depth

Arthur loves his manservant, and thinks he knows him. But Merlin is a man of surprising depth. (Unbeknownst to Arthur, Merlin is Camelot's resident bad boy).OR5 times Arthur learned something new about Merlin +1 bonus.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: 5+1 Things, 5 Things, 5 Times, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Tattoos, Slut Merlin (Merlin), Amputation, Smoking, Arthur has a big massive crush on Merlin and everything new he learns makes him love Merlin more, Merlin is a manwhore, this is a fact
Language: English
Published: 2021-07-21
Words: 6,167
Chapters: 6/6
Comments: 112
Kudos: 1,708
Bookmarks: 248
Hits: 15,607
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-08-23

the king is dead (long live the queen)

Fifteen hundred years after the death of his king, Merlin is still alive, biding his time in the twenty-first century until Arthur reawakens. Against all odds, a spate of rogue magic heralds the day Merlin has been waiting over a millennium for...except it's not Arthur who rises reborn from Avalon, but Gwen. Suddenly, Merlin is left faltering, forced to face the fact that the one certainty around which his immortal life turned has now been proven false. Somehow he must figure out why Gwen was chosen to return, find Arthur and bring him back, and possibly save magic while they’re at it.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Post-Season/Series 05 Finale, Post-Canon, Modern Era, Resurrection, Queen Gwen (Merlin), Immortal Leon (Merlin), Magic, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Polyamory, Polyamory Negotiations, Isle of the Blessed (Merlin), Minor Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Found Family, Morgana Atonement, Canon-Typical Violence, Temporary Character Death, Angst with a Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2021-06-12
Words: 150,325
Chapters: 30/30
Comments: 457
Kudos: 350
Bookmarks: 103
Hits: 9,852
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Minor or Background Relationship(s), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Leon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Original Characters
Completed: 2022-05-14

When Arthur Returned

When Arthur pulls himself up out of the water near Merlin's house, Merlin couldn't be more delighted to have him home, but Arthur has lots of questions- particularly about the strange things he sees in Merlin's house.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Reincarnation AU, Back from the lake, and wtf is that thing?, Introducing Arthur to appliances
Language: English
Published: 2015-02-14
Words: 1,080
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 160
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,905
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin & Arthur's guide to making Valentine's day cake

Another adventure of mini!Merlin and mini!Arthur.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fanart, Photo Shoots, Action Figures, Fluff, Recipes, Image Heavy
Language: English
Published: 2015-02-14
Words: 89
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 64
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 1,365

The Drawbacks of Dragon Lord-ing

Kilgarrah has been cryptic at best and infuriating at worst. Merlin's not sure what he expected, but surely the great lizard could've given him a heads up that he'd start growing SCALES.That's not the least of it, and he can't exactly ask for a work leave to get his brand new claws in order. What's he gonna tell Arthur? And is it going to be even a little bit believable?
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), Parent Gaius (Merlin), Protective Gaius (Merlin), Gaius is So Done (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Mentioned) - Freeform, Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Gwen is a Good Friend, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Transformation, Dragon Merlin (Merlin), well partially, Secrets, Secret Identity, Scars, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Redeemed Morgana (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Denial, Misunderstandings, Crushes, Oblivious Arthur, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), Friendship, Digital Art, Gay Percival, Sexuality, Asexual Merlin (Merlin), kind of? basically he just only loves Arthur, Awesome Gwaine (Merlin), A(rthur)sexual merlin, demisexual merlin, Pining Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine being a fantastic fucking friend, Intelligent Gwaine, Jealousy, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mating Cycles/In Heat, weirdly non-sexual heat, Dragon Puberty, Gwaine’s boners, Awkward Flirting, Awkward Crush, Awkwardness, Awkward Conversations, Porn tropes in a SFW fic, yeah I don’t know either
Language: English
Published: 2021-08-06
Words: 33,050
Chapters: 15/?
Comments: 478
Kudos: 1,679
Bookmarks: 379
Hits: 27,022
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Original Female Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Kilgarrah, Balinor (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Updated: 2023-01-17

Who the Hell is Emrys?!

Merlin didn't expect the spell to go so absolutely, magnificently wrong. So of course it did. And now apparently every magical being in all of Albion could see the stamp of ownership - clear as day - on one Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot. And even worse, now there was a very pissy Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, searching far and wide for the sorcerer Emrys.Now, wading his way through fake Emryses, woodland elves, Gwaine's alcoholic tendencies, the stocks, a damned chicken suit and Arthur's bed, Merlin must find a way to remove that bleeding mark before it's too late, and the prophecy is forever lost.Or: the story where George's little heart goes out one too many times, and Gwaine loves the Camelot red a bit too much.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Humor, Bonding Spell, spell gone wrong, merlin fucks up, Magic Reveal, Merlin's Magic Revealed, arthur gets pissy, prat Arthur, Soul Bond, hunting emrys, emrys - Freeform, emrys reveal, Identity Reveal, king arthur - Freeform, its actually kinda decent, Funny, Fluff, Angst, Fluffy Angst, Drunkenness, Gwaine and Merlin visit taverns, Espionage, Canon Era, Hilarity Ensues, Elves, mild cross dressing, george gets scarred, Marking, Gwaine goes streaking, Taverns appear quite a bit, epic adventure, This is not a crack!fic, Adventure, Comedy, Merthur - Freeform, Oblivious Arthur, Misunderstanding, courting, Mutual Pining, Arthur writes poetry, bandits, pouty merlin, BAMF Merlin, Dungeons, Gwen and Lancelot come back from the honeymoon to a lovely surprise, Bottom Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2015-02-18
Words: 35,380
Chapters: 13/13
Comments: 311
Kudos: 4,116
Bookmarks: 675
Hits: 136,155
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merlin (BBC)
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), The Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Emrys (Merlin), George (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Original OCs in the background
Completed: 2015-11-18

Lavender and Gardenias

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Merlin is in love with Prince Arthur. The only problem is that Arthur is in love with Guinevere. Arthur is head over heels in love with Merlin but is convinced the warlock is in love with Morgana, so Arthur is dating Guinevere to make them jealous. Merlin and Morgana aren’t in love, they just tend to pretend to make out to hide that they’re practicing magic together in secret Basically a fake dating au where both Merlin and Arthur are idiots (hence the "the love is requited, they're just idiots" tag) Notes See the end of the work for notes There was a knock at the door of Arthur’s chambers. “Enter,” Arthur said, not looking up from his reading. Merlin glanced up at the door from where he was grabbing Arthur’s riding clothes. Gwen entered the room, head held high. “Your Highness,” Gwen said. “The Lady Morgana would like to coordinate outfits with you for the upcoming feast tomorrow.” Merlin looked up at Gwen, the blood draining from his face. He would undoubtedly have to help with all the last minute preparations of said feast. Gwen gave him a sympathetic smile. At least they would be working together. “What possessed Morgana to do that?” Arthur asked, putting down his scroll. “What color was she thinking?” “Emerald green, Your Highness,” Gwen said, curtseying. Arthur’s lip curled in disgust. “Of course she chose green,” he muttered. “Alright. Tell Morgana that that is acceptable. Have Merlin help you with the arrangements.” Merlin looked at Gwen, biting back a groan. “Yes, Your Highness,” Gwen replied with a curtsey before leaving the room. Merlin put down Arthur’s riding clothes and followed after her. If Arthur complained, he only had himself to blame. “So what does this all entail?” Merlin asked. “We find Arthur an outfit in emerald that matches Lady Morgana’s dress.” “That would be easier if Arthur wore anything that wasn’t red,” Merlin grumbled. Gwen laughed as they strode down the halls. “Luckily the tailors already know Arthur’s measurements, it won’t be hard to have something made quickly.” “Is anything quick and easy when it comes to Arthur?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow. Gwen laughed again, inclining her head towards Merlin. “Good point. He does have some charming features to him, though.” Merlin’s stomach twisted. A sudden annoyance toward Gwen arose in his chest but he quashed it down. He didn’t want to feel ill will towards her, but it still sat there like a curled dragon, waiting to catch him off guard again. Likely that night when sleep eluded him. “Right,” Merlin muttered under his breath, quiet enough that he thought Gwen wouldn’t hear. Gwen tilted her head and studied him before deciding to pretend she hadn’t heard. Gwen and Merlin passed hurried servants with arms full of decorations and cleaning supplies. “We might also have to help prepare for the feast itself. I will, at least, since Morgana already has a dress.” “I can help. It’ll get me away from Arthur for a while and I’ll be of use for something other than target practice.” Gwen gave a small snort of laughter. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “It’s alright, everyone knows how much of a royal prat Arthur is. I would expect nothing less.” Gwen smiled and shook her head before knocking at the tailor’s door. Entering the room, she said, “Prince Arthur needs a formal outfit for the feast tomorrow.” The tailor nodded wearily. “The usual red?” “No, he’ll be coordinating with Lady Morgana. Emerald green.” “I’ll see what I can do,” the tailor said. “Sorry,” Merlin said. The tailor gave Merlin a weak smile, the bags under his eyes weighing down his entire frame with exhaustion. “Is there something wrong?” Gwen asked, resting a hand on the tailor’s arm. “You seem more exhausted and harried than usual.” “The Lady Morgana convinced King Uther to reinstate the servants’ ball, so I’m working overtime to make items for the servants as well.” “I’m sorry,” Gwen said. “What’s the servants’ ball?” Merlin asked. “It’s a celebration for the servants after the regular feasting activities. A ‘thank you’ of sorts for all the hard work the servants do,” Gwen explained. Merlin nodded. “Is it required?” “Not necessarily, but there will be better food than you get otherwise and I’m requiring you to come with me. We’ll coordinate outfits. I’m thinking a nice blue.” Merlin smiled. “Well then I guess you’re in luck because blue’s my favorite color.” “I’m glad, because I embroidered you a cloak, so there’s no backing out now.” Merlin blanched. “A cloak?” Gwen nodded. “It has stars on it, just wait until you see it.” “This feast was announced today, when did you have the time to make me a cloak?” Gwen shrugged. “A girl gets bored, you know. Besides, I thought it would make a nice Yule gift.” “How did you know my measurements?” Gwen smiled, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “A girl’s got to have her secrets, Merlin.” Merlin backed away slowly with wide eyes. Gwen laughed. “While you were out helping Arthur, I talked to Gaius. He let me into your room to get the measurements.” Merlin nodded despite his unease. What if she had seen his magic book? “Well, let’s leave the tailor to his work, there’s more to be done,” Gwen said. Merlin wordlessly followed her out and back into the bustling halls. “Do you have a dress for the servants’ ball?” Merlin asked. “I do. Lady Morgana gave it to me as a gift. It’s what inspired me to make your cloak.” “I’m flattered you made me a cloak,” Merlin said. “Of course,” Gwen said, hip checking Merlin. “We’re friends, that’s what friends do.” Merlin laughed. “Guess I better learn to sew, then,” he joked. “That’s unnecessary, but you could help me pick wildflowers to put around the castle,” Gwen said. Merlin nodded. “Sure.” “But for now, we have feast preparations and masters to tend to.” They strode down the halls quickly, Gwen rushing to a servant overburdened with boxes, grabbing the other side of the box. “Well, let’s get to work then,” Merlin said to himself, pushing up his sleeves. He lost Gwen in the commotion but he’d find her eventually. The feast, which was in full swing by then, was a boisterous affair. The bubbling anticipation of the servants’ ball was the only thing keeping all the servants awake as the party went on through the night. Morgana was certainly right, in emerald green, she and Arthur were a stunning picture of elegance and rivaled every other person at the party, even the dignitaries from the neighboring kingdom who had decided to descend upon Camelot so suddenly. But Arthur didn’t have eyes for Morgana. He kept looking over at where Merlin and Guinevere stood together, stunning visions in midnight blue, the lights of the candles catching on the gold and silver embroidered stars on their outfits. Merlin studied Arthur out of the corner of his eyes. Arthur’s gaze kept flitting to him and Gwen. He’s probably swooning over Gwen, Merlin thought bitterly as he filled goblets with wine. As the feasting ended, the band struck up a tune and the dancing began. Merlin watched the glittering nobles and their celebration, not able to do anything more than hold a wine pitcher and maybe shuffle his feet. Gwen bumped shoulders with him. “Cheer up, we’ll be dancing ourselves in a few hours.” “The food better be worth it,” Merlin grumbled. “It will be.” Eventually, the feast wound down and the nobles departed. Merlin helped Arthur undress and retire for the night, not bothering to take off his cloak. It was comfortable and smelled faintly of wildflowers. “Good night, Merlin,” Arthur said as Merlin snuffed out the candles. “Good night,” Merlin said, already on his way out the door. “That cloak suits you.” Merlin stopped, hand resting on the door handle. What was he supposed to say? “Thank you,” Merlin said before closing the door and walking away. He followed the groups of servants crackling with nervous excitement. They obviously knew the way. The less he had to think about where he was walking, the more he could ruminate on what Arthur had said. “Merlin,” Gwen said. He stopped walking, looking around. She popped up at his elbow, linking arms with him. “We have to make our grand entrance together.” Merlin nodded and let Gwen lead him through the castle. The servants’ ball wasn’t like the balls and feasts he was used to. It had the same food, cast offs and leftovers from the feast earlier in the evening, and everyone was dressed in their best, but there weren’t silver plates and a professional band, it was wooden trenchers and the cook had brought her harp. “We’re the best dressed here,” Merlin joked. “Of course we are, isn’t that the point?” Gwen and Merlin exchanged a grin. Gwen opened her hand to Merlin. “Shall we?” Merlin took her hand and let her lead him to the dance floor. They danced, Merlin letting Gwen lead, since she knew more about dancing than he did. They swirled through the dance floor much like Arthur and Morgana had earlier but a starry vision. End Notes This first chapter is short, but they'll get longer as they go on This was the inspiration for Merlin’s cloak and Gwen’s dress bc why not You can find us at pirates-and-candles and thehotasfuckgay on tumblr. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/F, F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, lavender marriage, Not Canon Compliant, Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), morgana isn't evil, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Angst, but not a whole lot (hopefully), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), arthur is slightly more observant than in canon, Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), they’re magic besties, arthur doesn’t know about morgana’s magic, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, The Love Is Requited They’re Just Idiots, this is a balinor lives only household, Period-Typical Homophobia, arthur finds out about morgana's magic, no beta we die like knights, Rating May Change
Published: 2021-11-03
Words: 1434
Chapters: 1/

Modern Legend

In the year 2082, thirty Sorcerers who called themselves “The Pure” took over England in a violent coup, established a magical supremacy, and ruled until Uther Pendragon and his underground forces defeated them. Uther became dictator, taking charge of the country in its State of Emergency. All sorcerers tied to The Pure were publicly executed. Sorcery was declared illegal. Uther's peacekeeping Patronus force crushes rebellions. All who are suspected of practicing magic disappear or are executed. England grows increasingly restless under Uther Pendragon. Laws on sorcery have begun to change in other countries, and civil unrest stirs again in England herself.In this changing political landscape, Uther Pendragon’s son Arthur finds himself at University, caught between his father’s expectations and his own growing unease about his father’s policies and persecution of magic. His friend and classmate from childhood, Merlin Astur, has kept his secret as long as he's been alive. In the face of a changing world, threats to his closest friends, and an ancient Druid legend, he struggles to keep his magic hidden while protecting those dear to him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin is a Little Shit, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), Protective Gwen (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Morgana (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), Morgana's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), Eventual Magic Reveal, Freya Lives (Merlin), Minor Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Awesome Freya (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), lots of action, Fix-It of Sorts, Modern Era, Modern AU, Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur is an idiot sometimes, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Magic Revealed, Magic-Users, Magical Artifacts, Dragons, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Merlin Can't Catch a Break, Friendship, Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), Aithusa - Freeform, Sassy Merlin (Merlin), Merlin - Freeform, Arthur - Freeform, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2021-08-11
Words: 168,188
Chapters: 28/28
Comments: 254
Kudos: 167
Bookmarks: 64
Hits: 7,239
Categories: F/M, Gen, Other
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Guinevere/Arthur Pendragon, Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Freya/Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Freya (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Nimueh (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Alvarr (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin)
Completed: 2022-03-16

Everything I do, ( I do it for you)

“Well, I was thinking -”, Arthur began, but Merlin interrupted him. As always.“YOU- thinking? Now I'm getting worried.”“My plans are always well thought through. Just so you know.”“I think we both know who of us does the thinking and what happens, when you leave me out of your plans.”Alternatively:Arthur makes a plan to get Percival and Gwaine together. His plan involved a fake relationship with none other than Merlin Emrys himself. His best friend.And crush, obviously. Yes, Arthur's plans are very well thought through.... as one can imagine
Rating: Not Rated
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Alternate Universe - Modern: No Powers, Friendship, Friendship/Love, Best Friends, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Friends, Childhood Friends, Fake/Pretend Relationship, Merlin's Neckerchief (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), First Kiss, First Love, Love at First Sight, Romance, Fluff, Coming Out, LGBTQ Themes, LGBTQ Character, LGBTQ Character of Color, LGBTQ Female Character, LGBTQ Female Character of Color, Gay Merlin (Merlin), Nonbinary Character, Nonbinary Elyan (Merlin), Aro/Ace Leon (Merlin), Pansexual Gwaine (Merlin), Aromantic Gwaine (Merlin), Panromantic Elena (Merlin), Asexual Elena (Merlin), Lesbian Morgana (Merlin), Bisexual Gwen (Merlin), Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Implied Childhood Sexual Abuse, read with caution, Experimentation, Non-Explicit, suppressed memories
Language: English
Published: 2021-10-06
Words: 79,634
Chapters: 10/10
Comments: 107
Kudos: 287
Bookmarks: 55
Hits: 7,593
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Sex
Categories: F/F, F/M, Gen, M/M, Multi, Other
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Elena/OC, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Percival & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin & Morgana & Arthur Pendragon, Gwen & Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine & Percival (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Cendred (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-12-10

Six Falls and a Confession

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Arthur figures out that he's in love with Merlin when he's 1 1. It takes him more than a decade to finally tell him. Or: Five times Arthur wants to tell Merlin and one time he does. Notes This fic really fought me at every turn; first I couldn't come up with an idea, and then I wasn't in the mood, and then when I actually sat down and to write it would only come out by heavy force. But I’ve written and posted an autumn inspired fic every year since 2017 and I wasn’ t about to stop now . You couldn’ t best me, fic. (I’m actually pretty happy with how it turned out, all struggles considered!) For those of you who aren’ t familiar with the English school system, students are 1 1/12 years old in year 7 and 16/17 in sixth form! Also big thanks to the best Joji-san for sensitivity beta-ing Merlin for me!<3 See the end of the work for more notes I. It’s early September and the days are not quite as warm as they’ve been. Arthur usually resents the coming of the cold, but this year he can’t help but grin when he pulls on his jacket over his school uniform. It’s not that he particularly likes the cold, but frigid and foggy mornings mean that the autumn term is finally starting and Arthur has looked forward to it since last semester ended. He loves the summer holidays and usually hates for them to end, but this year he hasn’ t been able to stop himself from wishing they would just be over already; he likes school well enough — he really likes learning about histor y and the sciences — but that’s not why he’s been almost bursting with excitement about going back. What’ s really been keeping him restless and eager the past few weeks has been the knowledge that with the start of the school term, comes meeting Merlin again. Arthur hasn’ t seen his best friend since the start of the summer , since Merlin has been away visiting family , and the summer has been dreadfully boring without him. Arthur is so excited to see him again he’s certain he’s been getting on his fathe r and sister ’s nerves with it — not that it stopped him from bouncing around the house this morning in his haste to get ready . And now, finally , he’s on his way to the first day of school for year seven. He’d be running if Morgana wasn’ t walking — like a snail because she’ s evil — with him. Arthur jumps up and down in his place on a pile of green leaves as he waits for her to catch up — she might as well crawl with how slowly she’ s walking. “Stop grinning like that,” she says with a roll of her eyes. “One would think you have a crush on him,” she adds and smirks. Arthur stops and scrunches his nose up. “I don’ t have a crush. Crushes are gross.” Morgana grins at him. “Sure, whatever . Just let me know if you need any help asking him to be your boyfriend,” she says as she walks past him. “I don’t want him to be my boyfrien d,” Arthur says with a frown as he falls into step with her. “I want him to be my friend.” “He can be both, you dummy ,” Mor gana tells him. “That’ s why it’ s called boy friend .” That makes Arthur pause in his steps, before he shakes his head and runs up to walk beside her again. “It’s a girl thing to have crushes,” he says. He knows Elena talked about having crushes on some of the boys in year seven when they were still in year six, but he’s never heard any of his boy friends say anything about crushes. “And I’m not a girl.” Morgana snorts. “Then why did Father marry your mother?” she retorts. Arthur frowns in thought. He supposes that’s true, but he’s never had a crush before! Why would he have one on Merlin ? Aren’ t boys supposed to have crushes on girls, anyway? “But Merlin’ s not a girl either ,” he says, and Morgana pats him patronising ly on the shoulder because she thinks she knows so much more than he does just because she’ s two years older . “Doesn’ t mean you can’t like him,” she says, and then she shoves him in old evil-sister - fashion, because apparently Arthur got so lost in his thoughts that he didn’ t notice they’d already reached the school. “See you later, brother!” she says, and then skips up the steps to meet her friends and leaves Arthur with a bunch of unanswered questions. Arthur frowns at her . Stupid Mor gana and her stupid friends. “Arthur!” He turns around at the sound of his name, grins widely when he spots Merlin — who is wrapped up in an oversized jacket and wears a neckerchief around his neck, even if it’ s barely below fifteen degrees outside, because he gets cold even when it’s not really all that chilly — and for gets all about crushes and Mor gana. He forgets it for a few hours, until lunch, when Merlin laughs loudly at Gwaine’ s stupid joke and Arthur ’s stomach flutters as if there are falling leaves or butterflies inside it. His eyes widen and he stops with his fork midway to his mouth. Maybe Morgana was right. Maybe he does want Merlin to be his boyfriend. For the rest of the day, Arthur can’t stop thinking about it, about how Merlin is kind of cute with his rosy cheeks and oversized jacket and clumsy boots, about how maybe Arthur wouldn’ t be so opposed to holding his hand, about how he would quite like to introduce Merlin as his ‘best friend and boyfriend’. Which means it’s become a thing that Arthur actually thinks might be true, which means that he has to tell Merlin about it, because they tell each other everything and Arthur isn’t about to start keeping secrets now. Only , he isn’t sure how to tell him. He’s not going to ask Morgana for help because she’s a witch who wants nothing but for Arthur to suffer, but who better to ask than his father , who is wise and smart and knows how everything works? So instead of going back to his room after dinner like he usually does, he follows his father to his office and stops outside it, rocking back and forth on his heels. His father’s office is dark mahogany and warm leather , and Arthur has always felt both intimidated and awed by it. “What is it, Arthur?” his father asks from his old leather chair , the evening paper in his hands. “Did everything go well at school today?” Arthur stops rocking on his feet and nods. “Y es, Father , it was fine,” he says. “I was, uhm..” “Hesitation is not a desirable or respectable trait, Arthur . You should know better ,” his father says, not looking up from the paper . Arthur swallows, and then squares his shoulders. “You know Merlin,” he says, and his father arches an eyebrow in acknowledgement. “W ell, I, uh- think I like him.” He means to go on, but his father looks up at him with a disapproving frow n that has Arthur snapping his mouth shut. “That’ s nonsense. Where did you get that idea?” he asks, and Arthur ’s shoulders hitch up just the slightest at the same time his stomach drops. “Uh- well, Mor gana said-“ His father scoffs. “Don’ t listen to your sister , she’s just trying to rile you up. You don’t like Merlin. Get that ridiculous notion out of your head. He’s a boy and so are you,” he states, returning his focus to the paper . “Now , was there anything else?” “Erm, no, uh, thank you,” Arthur says in a small voice. There’ s a lump in his throat and an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. His father dismisses him with a wave of his hand and Arthur quickly hurries to his room to bury himself under his duvet. Rain patters against his window . He suddenly feels very certain that he does have a crush on Merlin, and that he absolutely cannot tell him. II. The night air is chilly and wet, the late September rain filling the potholes in the road and leaving puddles on the pavement. The street lights flicker and the headlights of a passing car reflect in the pools of water , before the car drives through them and ruins it. There’ s a gale coming, the winds pulling at their clothes and nipping at their cheeks, the gloomy clouds rolling above their heads. Arthur blinks the wetness from his eyes and wipes the raindrop from his cheek and thinks that even the weather is miserable. He huddles into his worn hoodie in an attempt to stay warm, but even the heat from Merlin’ s leg pressed against his isn’t helping to stave off the early autumn chill. Arthur feels cold to the bone, and not just because of the wind that pushes cold air into the collar of his hoodie. They’ve started sixth form and it’s supposed to be exciting and fun and new, but all Arthur feels is lousy . “I don’t want you to leave,” he mutters into his collar . It’s quiet and petulant and just the slightest bit angry , and Arthur doesn’ t care. He is angry , angry at Merlin for just up and leaving him like this with next to no warning. Only a few weeks ago things were great and Arthur was excited to start this new part of his life, and then Merlin went and told him he’s moving and everything turned horrible. Merlin sighs next to him, wrapped up in his thick jacket and the wool scarf Arthur knows his mother knitted him for Christmas two years ago; Arthur has a matching one, red to Merlin’ s blue. His cheeks are rosy red from the cold and his eyes are sad, their blue almost black in the dark of the night. “Me neither ,” he mumbles, burying his chin further into his scarf. “But with Mum’ s health we need to be closer to family and we can’t exactly ask them all to come to London, now can we?” he says with a laugh, but it sounds hollow in the dim street. Arthur doesn’t answer, because there really isn’t anything he can say, is there? It’s not like Merlin has a choice and Arthur can’t exactly demand that he leave his mother while she’s sick, no matter how much he wants him to stay . Merlin sighs again, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “I’m going to miss it here,” he says. A smile pulls at his lips as he watches the wet street and the dark park on the other side of it. “Remember when we were ten and we climbed the big tree and I broke my arm?” he asks, the corners of his eyes scrunching up just the slightest. As if Arthur could forget; he’d gotten a right heart attack, seeing Merlin cry and clutch his arm to his chest in pain. “The scolding from Mum was almost worse than the pain,” Merlin contin ues with a laugh, and this one, at least, is real, if a little wet. He sniffles, grinning widely , and turns to Arthur . “But you were there the whole time — you wouldn’ t even leave the hospital. Told me stories about knights and sorcerers and drago ns to keep me distracted, and then you demanded that you got to write on my cast and you wrote your name so large no one else could fit theirs, like the self-entitled prat you are.” His smile softens into something a little sadder , and Arthur hates this so much. Hates saying goodbye. Doesn’ t even know if he knows how to. Merlin glances back at the clouds and the stars just starting to peek through them. “I’m going to miss you,” he says, quietly , and Arthur thinks about telling him, then. About the feelings he’s been pushing away since he was eleven and his father told him he wasn’ t allowed to have them. About the flutters and the want and the maybe-I’m-in-love-with-you. Because this is Merlin and if he can’t tell Merlin then who could he ever hope to tell? If he can’t share this secret with Merlin — this secret that’s overwhelming and large and scary — then he doesn’ t think he can share it with anyone, and he’s not sure he can live with that. And he doesn’ t know when — if — he’ll see Merlin again, so if not now , when? But the words are too heavy in his chest and too big to travel through his throat and Arthur is too afraid and swallows them back down. “I say good riddan ce,” he says instea d, knocking their shoulders together , because it’s easier than being vulnerable and he knows Merlin will get what he means anyway . Merlin grins at him, wet and sad and Arthur hates that he’s leaving. Hates that this is goodbye, even if neither of them actually says the word. “Prat.” III. Arthur and Merlin lose touch sometim e during the spring after Merlin leaves — because it’s difficult to keep in touch even when you really want to when you’re seventeen and everything around you is changing — and Arthur doesn’ t really expect for that to change. He certainly doesn’ t expect to find Merlin back in his life just a month into his first year at university , but here he is, sitting in the university library on a dark, wet Thursday evening in early October , when the leaves have just started to change colours into their bright yellows and vibra nt oranges and deep reds. And Merlin, dressed in a cozy, washe d out red sweater and taller and older than the Merlin that left, sits in front of him, typing away at his laptop. The librar y floor is silent besides the clacking of Merlin’ s keyboard and the occasional flip of a page from across the room where another group of students are sitting, their whispers quiet in the vast open space. It’s way too late to be studying, the world outside the windows dark save for the few streetlights strewn across campus. The rain patters agains t the glass and the occasional leaf falls past, illuminated by the lights from inside and the lamps outside. Arthur didn’t even know Merlin went to the same university as him until Gwen dragged Merlin along to their friend group’ s biweekly Sunday pub-quiz a few weeks ago and Merlin was promptly adopted into the group. Arthur didn’ t need the introduction Gwen gave, could have recognised Merlin anywhere, even when he was taller and older and just that much more pretty . And Merlin didn’ t seem to have any problem recognising him either , judging by the massive and heart-stopping grin he sent Arthur ’s way the moment their eyes met. Arthur thought he was over Merlin, he really did — not as a friend, because no number of years could ever remove how important Merlin has always been, but those nerve-wracking romantic feelings — and yet they’re there, right underneath his breastbone, humming and warm and as solid and real as they’d been the day he left Merlin on the steps to his building four years ago. And in the same way those feelings easily made their way back into Arthur ’s life, so did Merlin, and he’s made himself snug and comfortable as a constant presence that Arthur isn’t sure how he lived without for so long. Lance stretches beside Arthur , his bones cracking satisfyingly , and it reminds Arthur of just how long they’ve been sat here. “I think it’s time for me to head home,” he says, closing his laptop and tucking it into his bag. “I’m pretty sure I’ll do better on the midterms if I actually get some sleep in between study sessions.” Arthur huffs out a laugh and leans back in his chair . He still has an assignment that needs to be submitted by midnight, but he really would love to go back to his own crappy dorm bed. “Sleep is for the weak,” Merlin says, never taking his eyes of f his screen. Arthur and Lance share a look. Arthur shakes his head with a sigh. “I’ll follow you to the cafeteria,” he says and stands up. “I’m going to need cof fee if I want to survive another two hours of this.” “Oh, get me one, will you?” Merlin asks. He’ s still not looking up from his laptop. Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “I’d tell you to get one yourself but I don’t think even a natural disaster could get you to move,” he says. That, at least, gets Merlin to finally look up to grin at him. Lance chuckles, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder . “See you tomorrow , Merlin.” “See you tomorrow , Lance. Enjoy your sleep,” Merlin says and turns to grin at him. “I will,” Lance says. “Enjoy your studying.” “I won’ t.” “I’ll make sure he doesn’ t die,” Arthur says, clasping Lance on the shoulder as he walks past him towards the stairs. He doesn’ t miss Merlin poking his tongue out at him, but Arthur is clearly the more mature person here because he stops himself from poking his tongue out right back at him. Lance laughs as he follows him, the sound loud in the quiet space. “And who’ s going to make sure you don’ t?” Arthur grins. “Merlin, of course.” Lance chuckles. “It’ll be a pleasant surprise if I see either of you alive and awake in the morning, then,” he says and squeezes Arthur ’s shoulder . “Try to get some sleep at least.” “We will,” Arthur says as they stop by the small cof fee hub. “T ell Gwen I said hi.” “Will do. Goodnight, Arthur ,” Lance says with a smile. “Night,” Arthur says, waving him off as he leaves the library , and then steps up to the tired- looking student manning the cof fee. It’s only when he orders that he realises he doesn’ t know how Merlin likes his coffee. 16- year-old Merlin didn’ t drink coffee, and Arthur has only known 20-year -old Merlin for a few weeks. So he gets a vegan pumpkin spice latte for himself because he’s a basic bitch and it tastes good, and orders a large black coffee with just a bit of dairy-free-milk for Merlin and hopes it’ll do. That’ s how the Merlin he knew liked his tea. “One large dose of caffeine,” he says as he places the takeaway mug next to Merlin’ s scattered notes. “Oh my god, thank you,” Merlin says, moving the mug to his lips and taking a large gulp without so much as a wince. How he can drink it when it’s still scalding hot Arthur doesn’ t know , but he used to do that with hot chocolate and tea before too. “Oh, this is perfect. Thank you, Arthur ,” he says, grinning at Arthur with a brightness that rivals the bloody sun. Arthur hasn’ t seen Merlin in four years, and somehow it’s like no time has passed at all. He knows he doesn’ t really know this Merlin, this older version of him that has lived a life without Arthur , but he finds that he desperately wants to. Wants to know him in any way Merlin will let him, actually , and for a moment he wonders if this is the moment he should tell him. If it’s time to spill the secrets that are no longer held tightly against his chest but are still held close and only shared with a very select few. Maybe now, almost entirely alone on the third floor of the university library on a wet, dark evening in October , when they’re starting over and continuing on, is when he should let Merlin know how he feels. “Gosh I’m so happy to have you back in my life. I really missed you,” Merlin says, grin soft around the edges, hair tousled just so and looking warm and cozy and like everything Arthur thinks he could ever want. Arthur ’s lips twitch into a smile hidden behind his mug, the steam curling warm around his nose. “No one managed to take my place, then?” he says, and Merlin laughs. “No, you prat. No one’s ego is large enough,” he says. “But no, I’ve only ever had one best friend,” he adds, smile wide and happy and warm, and Arthur doesn’ t want to risk ruining that, or the second chance they’ve been given. So he smiles back and tucks the feelings into the pocket he kept them in for so long before, and says, “Me too.” IV. “Merlin, do you really think this is a good idea? You don’t think it’s a little too.. on the nose?” Arthur asks as he twists and turns in front of the body-length mirror in Merlin’ s flat. It’s not that he doesn’t think he looks good — the costume is very high quality and Arthur is going to have to wear it for every single costume party for the rest of his life with how much it cost — but it feels a little too ridiculous. They’ve been teased about this since they became friends in primary; is it really necessary to add fuel to the flame? “That’ s why it’ s so good!” Merlin calls from the bathroom. Arthur sighs. The things he does for him. “Are you nearly finished or are we going to be three hours late again?” “Yeah yeah, done in a second! This bloody beard doesn’ t want to stick,” Merlin says. “Need any help?” Arthur asks as he tightens the belt around his waist and pulls on his red cape. He grabs the small pink, purpl e, and blue dragon pin from Merlin’ s desk and fiddles with it. It’s his favourite pride pin, given to him by Merlin after he finally gathered up the courage to tell him that he likes people romantically and no one sexua lly, regardless of gender . It still scares him to wear it, despite the pride he feels. He wonders how long it’ll take before it stops making his stomach swoop anxiously , if it ever will stop. “No, all good!” Merlin says, and then he’s bouncing out from the bathroom and Arthur can’t help the loud laugh that escapes him. “You look absolutely ridiculous,” he says. “Remind me to never let you grow a beard.” Merlin pouts at him, and it makes him look even more bizarre in his red robes and long white fake beard and scraggly wig. He’ s even added wrinkles. “Who said Merlin the Wizard had to be old?” Arthur asks, still fiddling with the pin in his hands. “Maybe he was a fit young sorcerer .” Merlin rolls his eyes and steps forward, hands reaching to grab the pin from Arthur ’s hands. He hums as he removes the pin lock. “King Arthur ’s young lover , perhaps?” he says, glancing up briefly at Arthur before he returns his attention to fastening the pin to Arthur ’s cape. Arthur swallows. “W ell, history always did have a way of being pretty gay .” Merlin snorts. “You can say that again.” He finishes fastening the pin, runs his hands over the fabric of the cape, and then steps back. He grins at Arthur . “Now we match,” he says, tugging at his red robes and the bi-coloured butterfly and the non-binary he/him pins fastened on the left side of his chest. Arthur huf fs out a laugh, heart thudding in his chest. “You look great,” Merlin adds, giving him a once-over . “The Great King of Camelot.” “Thanks,” Arthur says, voice hoarse. He clears his throat. “Y ou look old.” Merlin rolls his eyes at him again, and really it fits his costume perfectly . “Prat.” “That’ s Your Royal Prat to you, Sorce rer,” Arthur says as he makes sure he has all his things and picks up Merli n’s phone before grabbing hold of Merlin’ s arm. “Now come on, the court awaits us.” Gwaine has really gone all out. His house is decked out with skeletons and ghosts and spider - web, a row of pumpkins that Arthur recognises from their annual pumpkin-carving competition litters his front porch, and the music blasting from the living room is nothing if not the Ghostbusters soundtrack. Gwaine himself is dressed in a leather costume that shows more skin than perhaps is socially acceptable but is entirely expected from him and a winged eyeliner that even Arthur is jealous of even if he very rarely wears makeup. No way the Playboy bunnies are getting all the fun, as Gwai ne said a few years ago when he wore a literal Playboy bunny outfit for Halloween. He’ s only outdone himself since. “Friends! You made it,” he calls when they walk through the door. “I’m loving the couple’ s costume,” he says with a wide grin. Arthur rolls his eyes at him and lets himself be pulled into a mostly naked hug. “Thanks. It was all Merlin’ s idea,” he says when Gwaine pulls Merlin into a similar hug. Gwaine grins at Merlin, slapping him on the shoulder . “Of course it was.” Merlin grins back at him proudly . His fake beard is already starting to peel, so Arthur pushes it back in place. “You want anything to drink?” Gwaine asks, motioning towards the kitchen that is only a little less crowded than the living room and the hall. Arthur shrugs. “Why not.” “I’m alright, thanks. I’m going to find Gwen! I promised her I’d show her my outfit as soon as I came,” Merlin says, waving them off and disappearing into the throng of people and further into the house. “Alright then, what can I offer you, Princess?” Gwaine asks as he leads Arthur into the kitchen. There are orange streamers hanging from the ceiling and the kitchen table is littered with an array of drinks and bottles. Arthur rolls his eyes again. “Honestly , anything’ s fine so long as it’s not deadly . I do have to attend lunch with my father and sister tomorrow , and as much as I think Morgana would love to see me hungover I don’t think Father would be too impressed,” he says, scowling when Gwaine grins at him. “Your daddy’s always been a stick in the mud,” he says, and Arthur scrunc hes his nose up at the choice of word , but can’t disagr ee with the rest. “I’m going to make you a potion of courage so you can finally get around to telling Merlin how you feel. You’ll only feel it a little in the morning , I promise,” he says with a smile that tells Arthur he’s definitely going to feel it more than a little. Arthur purses his lips and gives him an unimpressed glare, but doesn’ t stop him when Gwaine grabs a few of the bottles strewn across the table and starts pouring liquids of different colours into a glass. “Oh, come on, mate. You’ve been pining for him since primary school. Don’ t you think it’s about time?” Honestly Arthur doesn’ t know why he ever told Gwaine about his feelings for Merlin, but then he probably wasn’ t very sober when he did and it was definitely Gwaine and his scarily- tasty, very-alcoholic drinks’ fault. He raises an eyebrow when Gwaine drops a small, round item into his drink and holds it out to him. “And I’m perfectly fine pining until I die,” he says, taking the glass and watching the fake eye bob up and down in the colourful drink. He gives Gwaine a skeptical look before taking a sip. “Oh my god,” he says, making a face. It’ s way too strong and tastes way too good. “What the hell did you put in this?” Gwaine just grins at him and slaps him on the shoulder . “Just think about it,” he says, before slipping out of the kitchen. Arthur doesn’ t tell him that he has thought about it, multiple times. He takes another sip from the drink and grimaces again. God he’s not having any more to drink after this one. Arthur has thought about it, more times than he can count, really , has been close to telling Merlin a handful of times too. And yet, Gwaine’ s words make him think about it again, because honestly he isn’t sure he really is fine pining until the day he dies. He loves being friends with Merlin more than anything and if that’ s what they’re always going to be then that is more than fine with him, but he’s not sure he could go his entire life not knowing if that’s what Merlin wants or if their relationship could be something else. It’s probably the ridiculous amount of alcohol in the drink Gwaine made, but he’s feeling a little daring tonight. He won’ t ever know what Merlin feels if he never asks, right? So he spends almost half an hour walking through Gwaine’ s house trying to find Merlin somewhere in the crowd of witches and superheroes and pirates and ghosts, with little success. But he’ s made up his mind now , and like hell he’ s going to chicken out. It’s only when he goes outside into the cold night air that he spots him in the corner of the garden, face softly illuminated by the string of yellow lights hanging in the red and orange trees. He’s sitting, rather close, too, and laughing with a girl — Freya, Arthur thinks, from one of Merlin’ s nerdy societies. They’re turned towards each other , knees touching and smiles on their faces, caught in conve rsation. They look like they’ve forgotten the rest of the world exists, as if there’ s only the two of them, and Arthur ’s stomach drops. He guesses he wasn’ t meant to tell Merlin today either . He’s just about to turn around and go back inside when Merlin spots him. Merlin turns and grins at him, and Arthur , in turn, just gives him an awkward wave. Merlin turns back to Freya, saying something that has her smiling widely and nodding, and then he ducks in to leave a lingering kiss on her cheek before standing up and making his way towards Arthur . He doesn’ t take his eyes off her until he’s reached him, and Arthur supposes there’ s no need to ask. It’ s plenty obvious what Merlin feels. So, instead, he forces a grin and wiggles his eyebrows when Merlin finally looks at him. Merlin just laughs, cheeks dusted red, and punches him in the arm. V. The tube is crowded, with people packed shoulder to shoulder in the aisles and groups of friends squeezed too many into a row of seats. Arthur is tucked — more like wedged, really — between Merlin and Percival, the rest of their friends crammed in around them. There’ s really no use in trying to follow any of the conversations happening around him with the loud noise of the train and the laughter and chatter filling the car from all directions, and it’s much too tight to get a hold of his phone, so Arthur settles with staring off into the space in front of him. Which happens to hold a glum looking Merlin. It’s not very cold on the tube — the body temperature of all eight hundre d or so people are doing wonders against the early November cold — but Merlin is wrapped up in his usual blue scarf, chin tucked into it, and huddled into a thick rust red jacket. The dark grey wool beanie he’s wear ing has a small cat with a red neckerchief on the brim, his dark hair curling around it. He’s clearly trying to follow whatev er conversation Morgana, Leon, Lance, and Gwen are having on the other side of Percival, but Arthur can barely hear them so he figures Merlin isn’t much better off. He knows why he’s trying though, knows why there’s a small frown pulling at his brow and why there’ s a tired set to his shoulders and bags under his eyes. Arthur wishes he could help, wishes he could cheer him up, get him out of his own head and forget about Freya for a moment, but he’s shit at these things. What do you tell someone who’ s just been broken up with by their year-long girlfriend? Merlin really liked Freya, probably even loved her; what do you say to someone who’ s gotten their heart broken? Arthur isn’t sure he’d want anyone to say anything reassuring to him at all, honestly . It’s all empty words, anyway . So he doesn’ t say anything reassuring. Instead, he says, “Your face is going to get stuck if you keep frowning like that,” because he’ s an idiot. Merlin rolls his eyes at him, but the frown loosens up just the slightest, so Arthur takes it as a win. “You’re one to speak, with how you brood half the time. You’re going to get wrinkles,” Merlin retorts. Arthur gapes at him, af fronted. “I don’ t brood!” Merlin snorts. He squeezes his hand up between them and runs his thumb over Arthur ’s forehead. “Then what’ s this, Mr. Sunshine?” he says, and Arthur immediately tries to relax the scowl he’d barely noticed. “I’m a delight, thank you very much.” Merlin huffs out a laugh, and it’s a little happier , at least. Instead of trying to pull his arm down to his side again, he simply lets it rest against Arthur ’s chest, hand steady on his shoulder . Arthur wonders if Merlin can feel his heart beating loudly in his chest. “You’re about as delightful as the flu,” Merlin tells him. Arthur can’t help himself, and smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “What, getting you all hot and bothered?” he asks, and Merlin lets out a loud, startled laugh. Warmth fills Arthur ’s chest at the look Merlin gives him, his eyes twinkling with mirth. He hasn’ t seen Merlin smile so widely in weeks. He grins crookedly back at him. “You wish,” Merlin says, and becaus e their proximity means he can’t punch Arthur in the arm like he usually would, he resorts to pinching his neck lightly . Arthur complains out loud, and wonders silently if he should admit that yes, he kind of does. “This station is W ood Gr een,” the announcement sounds over the intercom, and as soon as the tube stops almost the entire car fills out into the station. And from there it’s a rush of bodies and excitement and street food and drinks, watching the large bonfire get lit and its fire grow , yelling more than speaking the rhyme, and cheering over the morbid tradition of watching a man made of straw be set on fire. It’s fun and pleasant and the drinks are warm where the night is cold, and they’re all bundled together as close to the fire as they can get. Arthur stands next to Merlin, a cup of hot apple cider in his hands, watchin g from the corner of his eye as Merlin stares absentmindedly into the fire. The light of the bonfire casts shadows and a yellow glow across his face that makes him look ethereal. The quiet content in his eyes has Arthu r’s heart aching in his chest, because Merlin deserves this always, to feel content and happy and cherished. Merlin deserves to know that someone loves him, now more than ever , when he feels broken and unloveable. It’s their final year, and while Arthur doesn’ t think he could let go of Merl in again so easily , they’re graduating soon and life takes turns you don’t expect it to. He might not get another chance, might not gather up the courage again before it’ s too late. “Merlin,” he starts, and Merlin turns to him with a hum, eyes softly crinkled at the corners. His cheeks are a little rosy from the nipping wind, but he looks warm and comfortable and Arthur is so ridiculously in love. Arthur opens his mouth to continue — to tell him, finally — but that’s when the first firework goes off and the world is lit with a wonderful array of colours. Merlin turns his head with a surprised laugh to watch the display in the night sky, but Arthur pays more attention to the way the colours illuminate Merlin’ s face and how they reflect in his wide, awestruck eyes. Merlin’ s face is lit up in delight by the time the colours fade. He turns to Arthur with a blinding smile, and Arthur swallows. Because he can’t risk taking this away from him, not now, not for such selfish reasons as his own. “What were you going to say?” Merlin asks, and Arthur shakes his head. There’ll be another time, a time when Merlin isn’t heart broken and his eyes don’t reflect the night sky, when Arthur can form the words instead of just wanting to stare at him in awe. “Nothing,” he says. “Just… glad you’re here.” Merlin beams at him and bumps their shoulders. He doesn’ t pull away afterwards. “Me too.” + I. It’s a cold, wet Saturday in late Novem ber. The air is cold and the trees are bare, and the day has been lovely , the air crisp and the sky blue — up until about an hour ago. Then lunchtime came around and so did the dark clouds hanging heavy over Arthur ’s head, and of course it would start pouring down the mome nt he stepped out from the safety of the under ground station. As he rushes through the streets in the rain he’s eternally grateful that he had the foresight to bring a raincoat and that Merlin decided on meeting for a coffee rather than the walk he first suggested. A bell jingles as he pushes the door to The Round Table open and steps inside, coat dripping water onto the floor despite the short trip from the station to the café. He pulls the hood down and unzips the coat as he glances around the small and cozy space. It’s of little surprise that Merlin is nowhere to be seen; he does have a penchant for being late. Arthur decides to order while he waits, and scans over the menus above the bar. They’re all changed from their autumn and Halloween specials to limited winter and Christmas drinks, and the shelves are lined with yule logs, Christmas puddings, and fruity mince pies amongst their usual pastries and cakes. The only thing that’s missing, really , is the Christmas decoration and All I Want For Christmas Is You playing from the speakers, but Arthur figures it’s probably only a matter of days. He doesn ’t dislike Christmas per se, but he doesn’ t usually try to get himself into the Christmas spirit until December 1st, so he’s happy to see they still offer their autumn assortment. He orders a vegan caramel and hazelnut latte and a black coffee with a splash of dairy-free milk and a pinch of cinnam on. Just as he’s about to pay he throws in one of the gingerbread muffins too because he can’t help himself. It’s only a week until December , anyway . He’s just sat down with the drinks and the pastry when the bell above the door jingles again, a mop of wet, dark hair and dark blue eyes looking around until they spot him. Merlin grins widely and makes his way through the café. The corner of Arthur ’s mouth tugs up just the slightest. “Sorry I’m late!” Merlin says when he reaches him, and he does at least have the decency to look like he means it. “I forgot my umbrella at home and was hoping I could wait out the rain at the station,” he says as he shrugs off his wet coat and hangs it over the chair in front of Arthur . His hair is dripping water onto his dark green sweater and his cheeks are flushed a bright red from the cold. Arthur rolls his eyes good heartedly . “Only you, Merlin.” “That’ s not true!” Merlin exclaims, ruffling his hair and successfully splattering water droplets everywhere. “The forecast didn’ t say anything about a downpour!” “It did say it was going to rain,” Arthur points out. Merlin rolls his eyes as he steps aroun d the table. “It didn’ t say it was going to rain this much . Clotpole,” he says, and then he bends down and pulls Arthur into a tight, warm — if a little wet — hug. “I missed you.” Arthur wraps his arms around Merlin’ s back and hugs him back just as tightly . It’s only been a few months, and it’s not like they haven’ t talked, but between internships and work and Merlin being away as part of his graduate position, they’ve barely had any time to meet since graduation. And Arthur has missed him something fiercely . “We talked yesterday ,” he says, just to be an arse, and Merlin huffs out a laugh and hugs him just a little tighter . Arthur grins. “I missed you too.” Merlin squeezes him one more time and then he pulls back, plopping into his chair and pulling his waiting cup of coffee towards him. He takes a sip and hums satisfied, his lips pulling into a grin. The corners of it are soft and warm. “So, what ’s happened in your life? I want to know everything,” he says, leaning his elbows against the table. Arthur huffs out a laugh and takes a sip from his own warm drink. “You already know everything,” he says. “Nothing new has happened in the last eighteen hours, surprisingly enough.” Merlin just continues to grin at him. “How was the Halloween party?” “Good,” Arthur says. “Gwaine and Percy fell into the pool and Leon had to pull them out. They were both grounded and forced to spend the rest of the night sobering up in Gwaine’ s bathroom,” he tells him with a chuck le. “And Gwen looked so gorgeous in her costume we all thought Lance was going to get down and propose any second.” He grins. “Although I think he’ s probably got something a little more special planned.” Merlin chuckles. “Maybe not the most romantic situation when people are dressed up in outfits ranging from nothing to absolute absurdity and everyone is well beyond drunk. Good choice, Lance.” “I’m pretty sure Gwen would say yes if he proposed in a dumpster , to be fair .” Merlin laughs, warm and happy . “Yeah, she would.” “My costume wasn’ t nearly as good without my sorcerer , though,” Arthur says, and Merlin smiles widely . “I’m sure the mighty King Arthur is just as striking without him,” he says. Arthur shrugs. “Maybe,” he says, hiding his smile behind his cup. “But he definitely felt like something was missing.” Merlin’ s bright eyes crinkle at the corners. “I guess his sorcerer will have to make sure to show up next time, then,” he says. “I’m holding you to that,” Arthur says, giving him a pointed look. “So, how was Manchester? Seemed like you had a lot of fun.” Merlin’ s entire face lights up. “I did! It was so interesting to finally see everything I’ve learnt actually be used in practice, you know?” he says, and then he goes on a ramble about everything he saw in the three months he was away , everyone he met, all the things he got to do. Arthur has already heard more than half of this, but he has only heard it over the phone and through video calls with poor connection, and he’ll never mind hearing Merlin speak, no matter how many times he has to hear the same thing. A little distance and four months apart and the feelings in Arthur ’s chest haven’ t diminished in the slightest. At this point he figures they probably never will. “-and Sefa has promised to come here just before Christmas; we were thinking of heading up to Edinbur gh for the Christmas market. I’m just really excited to see her again, even if we saw each other a few weeks ago,” Merlin says with a laugh. He speaks about her a lot, Sefa, and it’ s clear he likes her . Arthur just isn’ t sure in which way . So he raises his eyebrow suggestively , and Merlin’ s quick to wave him of f. “No, it’s nothing like that,” he says with a chuckle. “We’re friends, and I’m pretty sure she and Daegal have something going on,” he adds and grins. Arthur nods in understanding, but frowns when Merlin gives him a funny look. “How about you?” Merlin asks, averting his eyes and grabbing one of the forks on the table. He pokes at the gingerbread muffin. “Mithian seems nice,” he says, and there’ s a strange tilt to his voice. And sure, Mithian is nice. Quite lovely , actually , and Arthur could see something happening between them, if he wasn’ t so damn gone on the person sitting in front of him. And so, this time, Arthur doesn’ t hesitate, doesn’ t stop himself or let himself back down. This time, he lets the words he’s wanted to say for so long roll off his tongue with an ease that really isn’ t all that surprising. “She is,” Merlin’ s lips tug up into something that is probably supposed to be a smile but looks more like a grimace, “but I’m far too busy pining over my best friend for the nth year in a row to really consider it.” It feels not so scary and very relievin g, to finally share the secret he never wanted to keep to begin with. Merlin snaps his head up to stare at him with wide eyes and Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “Oh come on, you can’ t be that oblivious.” Merlin huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “No. I just wasn’ t expecting you to actually admit it,” he says, and Arthur frowns at him. “I’ve been waiting for you to say something since we were fifteen.” Arthur balks. “Why did you wait for me to say something? If you knew , why didn’ t you say so?” Merlin shrugs, shoving a piece of muffin into his mouth. “I didn’ t want to force you to share something you weren’ t ready for, or feel like you were obligated to do anything about it. I know your dad isn’ t…” he grimaces, “the most approving.” Arthur snorts. “No shit. But seriously , since year ten?” he asks, and Merlin nods. Arthur huffs out a laugh, and leans back in his chair . “Guess all my anxiety about telling you was pretty unnecessary .” Merlin gives him a soft smile. “Y ou never needed to be anxious.” “I know ,” Arthur says with a sigh. “I’ve wanted you to know since I figured it out, but it always came up at bad times or something came in the way and ruined the moment,” he says. Merlin laughs. “But at a café on a random, miserable Saturday afternoon fit the bill?” he asks, mirth in his eyes. Arthur pushes down his own grin and shrugs. “Figured it was as good a day as any .” “Say it again,” Merlin says, leaning forward in his chair , his lips stretching wide as he smiles. Arthur rolls his eyes at him, but he feels his smile tug at his own cheeks. “I love you.” “I know that,” Merlin says with laughter in his voice. “Say the other thing,” he tells him. Arthur huf fs out a breath of a laugh and moves forwards so he’ s also leaning over the table. “I’m in love with you,” he says, holding Merlin’ s gaze. He doesn’ t bother fighting the smile anymore. “Have been since I was eleven.” Merlin grins, wide and bright and warm, and then he ducks forward and his lips catch Arthur ’s in a kiss that tastes like cinnamon and coffee and caramel. It is new and exciting just the same as it feels entirely natural, like something Arthur has done a hundred times before, something he’ll do hundreds and hundreds of times again. “Good,” Merlin says when he pulls away . “Because I’m in love with you too and I’d really like to add ‘boyfriend’ to the list of things I refer to you as in my head.” Arthur runs a thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone and raises an eyebrow . He probably shouldn’ t ask, but he can’ t help himself. “Oh? And what other names do you have on that list?” “Clotpoll. Prat. Best friend. Ass. Arthur . Cabbagehead. Love of my life. Dollophead.” He laughs and kisses Merlin again. “Wouldn’ t be a complete list without boyfriend on there, would it?” Merlin grins at him again, bright and warm enough to rival the sun. “No, no it wouldn’ t.” End Notes Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Find me on tumblr and twitter ! Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated! 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Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive W arning: No Archive W arnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Background & Cameo Characters, Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin) Additional T ags: Modern Era, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, 5+1 Things, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good Mor gana (Merlin), or well not if you ask 1 1y/o arthur, Light Angst, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, It's Uther, uther is the homophobe, no surprise there, Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Time Skips, Love Confessions, First Kiss, Getting Together, Alcohol, Food, both of those are just lightly mentioned, Autumn, Halloween, Halloween Costumes, Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfires, Fireworks, Minor Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Minor Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - College/University, kind of, Bisexual Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Bisexual Merlin (Merlin), Asexual Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Nonbinary Merlin (Merlin), he/him pronouns for merlin, both of these are only mentioned in passing but i want it known anyway, Minor Mor gana & Arthur, Minor Arthur & Merlin & Lancelot, Minor Arthur & Merlin & Gwaine, biromantic arthur pendragon, Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Language: English Stats: Published: 2021-1 1-18 Words: 7, 842 Chapters: 1/1 Six Falls and a Confession by a_written_dream Summary Arthur figures out that he's in love with Merlin when he's 1 1. It takes him more than a decade to finally tell him. Or: Five times Arthur wants to tell Merlin and one time he does. Notes This fic really fought me at every turn; first I couldn't come up with an idea, and then I wasn't in the mood, and then when I actually sat down and to write it would only come out by heavy force. But I’ve written and posted an autumn inspired fic every year since 2017 and I wasn’ t about to stop now . You couldn’ t best me, fic. (I’m actually pretty happy with how it turned out, all struggles considered!) For those of you who aren’ t familiar with the English school system, students are 1 1/12 years old in year 7 and 16/17 in sixth form! Also big thanks to the best Joji-san for sensitivity beta-ing Merlin for me!<3 See the end of the work for more notes I. It’s early September and the days are not quite as warm as they’ve been. Arthur usually resents the coming of the cold, but this year he can’t help but grin when he pulls on his jacket over his school uniform. It’s not that he particularly likes the cold, but frigid and foggy mornings mean that the autumn term is finally starting and Arthur has looked forward to it since last semester ended. He loves the summer holidays and usually hates for them to end, but this year he hasn’ t been able to stop himself from wishing they would just be over already; he likes school well enough — he really likes learning about histor y and the sciences — but that’s not why he’s been almost bursting with excitement about going back. What’ s really been keeping him restless and eager the past few weeks has been the knowledge that with the start of the school term, comes meeting Merlin again. Arthur hasn’ t seen his best friend since the start of the summer, since Merlin has been away visiting family, and the summer has been dreadfully boring without him. Arthur is so excited to see him again he’s certain he’s been getting on his fathe r and sister ’s nerves with it — not that it stopped him from bouncing around the house this morning in his haste to get ready . And now, finally, he’s on his way to the first day of school for year seven. He’d be running if Morgana wasn’ t walking — like a snail because she’ s evil — with him. Arthur jumps up and down in his place on a pile of green leaves as he waits for her to catch up — she might as well crawl with how slowly she’ s walking. “Stop grinning like that, ” she says with a roll of her eyes. “One would think you have a crush on him, ” she adds and smirks. Arthur stops and scrunches his nose up. “I don’ t have a crush. Crushes are gross.” Morgana grins at him. “Sure, whatever . Just let me know if you need any help asking him to be your boyfriend, ” she says as she walks past him. “I don’t want him to be my boyfrien d, ” Arthur says with a frown as he falls into step with her. “I want him to be my friend.” “He can be both, you dummy, ” Mor gana tells him. “That’ s why it’ s called boy friend .” That makes Arthur pause in his steps, before he shakes his head and runs up to walk beside her again. “It’s a girl thing to have crushes, ” he says. He knows Elena talked about having crushes on some of the boys in year seven when they were still in year six, but he’s never heard any of his boy friends say anything about crushes. “And I’m not a girl.” Morgana snorts. “Then why did Father marry your mother?” she retorts. Arthur frowns in thought. He supposes that’s true, but he’s never had a crush before! Why would he have one on Merlin ? Aren’ t boys supposed to have crushes on girls, anyway? “But Merlin’ s not a girl either, ” he says, and Morgana pats him patronising ly on the shoulder because she thinks she knows so much more than he does just because she’ s two years older . “Doesn’ t mean you can’t like him, ” she says, and then she shoves him in old evil-sister - fashion, because apparently Arthur got so lost in his thoughts that he didn’ t notice they’d already reached the school. “See you later, brother!” she says, and then skips up the steps to meet her friends and leaves Arthur with a bunch of unanswered questions. Arthur frowns at her . Stupid Mor gana and her stupid friends. “Arthur!” He turns around at the sound of his name, grins widely when he spots Merlin — who is wrapped up in an oversized jacket and wears a neckerchief around his neck, even if it’ s barely below fifteen degrees outside, because he gets cold even when it’s not really all that chilly — and for gets all about crushes and Mor gana. He forgets it for a few hours, until lunch, when Merlin laughs loudly at Gwaine’ s stupid joke and Arthur ’s stomach flutters as if there are falling leaves or butterflies inside it. His eyes widen and he stops with his fork midway to his mouth. Maybe Morgana was right. Maybe he does want Merlin to be his boyfriend. For the rest of the day, Arthur can’t stop thinking about it, about how Merlin is kind of cute with his rosy cheeks and oversized jacket and clumsy boots, about how maybe Arthur wouldn’ t be so opposed to holding his hand, about how he would quite like to introduce Merlin as his ‘best friend and boyfriend’. Which means it’s become a thing that Arthur actually thinks might be true, which means that he has to tell Merlin about it, because they tell each other everything and Arthur isn’t about to start keeping secrets now. Only, he isn’t sure how to tell him. He’s not going to ask Morgana for help because she’s a witch who wants nothing but for Arthur to suffer, but who better to ask than his father, who is wise and smart and knows how everything works? So instead of going back to his room after dinner like he usually does, he follows his father to his office and stops outside it, rocking back and forth on his heels. His father’s office is dark mahogany and warm leather, and Arthur has always felt both intimidated and awed by it. “What is it, Arthur?” his father asks from his old leather chair, the evening paper in his hands. “Did everything go well at school today?” Arthur stops rocking on his feet and nods. “Y es, Father, it was fine, ” he says. “I was, uhm..” “Hesitation is not a desirable or respectable trait, Arthur . You should know better, ” his father says, not looking up from the paper . Arthur swallows, and then squares his shoulders. “You know Merlin, ” he says, and his father arches an eyebrow in acknowledgement. “W ell, I, uh- think I like him.” He means to go on, but his father looks up at him with a disapproving frow n that has Arthur snapping his mouth shut. “That’ s nonsense. Where did you get that idea?” he asks, and Arthur ’s shoulders hitch up just the slightest at the same time his stomach drops. “Uh- well, Mor gana said-“ His father scoffs. “Don’ t listen to your sister, she’s just trying to rile you up. You don’t like Merlin. Get that ridiculous notion out of your head. He’s a boy and so are you, ” he states, returning his focus to the paper . “Now, was there anything else?” “Erm, no, uh, thank you, ” Arthur says in a small voice. There’ s a lump in his throat and an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. His father dismisses him with a wave of his hand and Arthur quickly hurries to his room to bury himself under his duvet. Rain patters against his window . He suddenly feels very certain that he does have a crush on Merlin, and that he absolutely cannot tell him. II. The night air is chilly and wet, the late September rain filling the potholes in the road and leaving puddles on the pavement. The street lights flicker and the headlights of a passing car reflect in the pools of water, before the car drives through them and ruins it. There’ s a gale coming, the winds pulling at their clothes and nipping at their cheeks, the gloomy clouds rolling above their heads. Arthur blinks the wetness from his eyes and wipes the raindrop from his cheek and thinks that even the weather is miserable. He huddles into his worn hoodie in an attempt to stay warm, but even the heat from Merlin’ s leg pressed against his isn’t helping to stave off the early autumn chill. Arthur feels cold to the bone, and not just because of the wind that pushes cold air into the collar of his hoodie. They’ve started sixth form and it’s supposed to be exciting and fun and new, but all Arthur feels is lousy . “I don’t want you to leave, ” he mutters into his collar . It’s quiet and petulant and just the slightest bit angry, and Arthur doesn’ t care. He is angry, angry at Merlin for just up and leaving him like this with next to no warning. Only a few weeks ago things were great and Arthur was excited to start this new part of his life, and then Merlin went and told him he’s moving and everything turned horrible. Merlin sighs next to him, wrapped up in his thick jacket and the wool scarf Arthur knows his mother knitted him for Christmas two years ago; Arthur has a matching one, red to Merlin’ s blue. His cheeks are rosy red from the cold and his eyes are sad, their blue almost black in the dark of the night. “Me neither, ” he mumbles, burying his chin further into his scarf. “But with Mum’ s health we need to be closer to family and we can’t exactly ask them all to come to London, now can we?” he says with a laugh, but it sounds hollow in the dim street. Arthur doesn’t answer, because there really isn’t anything he can say, is there? It’s not like Merlin has a choice and Arthur can’t exactly demand that he leave his mother while she’s sick, no matter how much he wants him to stay . Merlin sighs again, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “I’m going to miss it here, ” he says. A smile pulls at his lips as he watches the wet street and the dark park on the other side of it. “Remember when we were ten and we climbed the big tree and I broke my arm?” he asks, the corners of his eyes scrunching up just the slightest. As if Arthur could forget; he’d gotten a right heart attack, seeing Merlin cry and clutch his arm to his chest in pain. “The scolding from Mum was almost worse than the pain, ” Merlin contin ues with a laugh, and this one, at least, is real, if a little wet. He sniffles, grinning widely, and turns to Arthur . “But you were there the whole time — you wouldn’ t even leave the hospital. Told me stories about knights and sorcerers and drago ns to keep me distracted, and then you demanded that you got to write on my cast and you wrote your name so large no one else could fit theirs, like the self-entitled prat you are.” His smile softens into something a little sadder, and Arthur hates this so much. Hates saying goodbye. Doesn’ t even know if he knows how to. Merlin glances back at the clouds and the stars just starting to peek through them. “I’m going to miss you, ” he says, quietly, and Arthur thinks about telling him, then. About the feelings he’s been pushing away since he was eleven and his father told him he wasn’ t allowed to have them. About the flutters and the want and the maybe-I’m-in-love-with-you. Because this is Merlin and if he can’t tell Merlin then who could he ever hope to tell? If he can’t share this secret with Merlin — this secret that’s overwhelming and large and scary — then he doesn’ t think he can share it with anyone, and he’s not sure he can live with that. And he doesn’ t know when — if — he’ll see Merlin again, so if not now, when? But the words are too heavy in his chest and too big to travel through his throat and Arthur is too afraid and swallows them back down. “I say good riddan ce, ” he says instea d, knocking their shoulders together, because it’s easier than being vulnerable and he knows Merlin will get what he means anyway . Merlin grins at him, wet and sad and Arthur hates that he’s leaving. Hates that this is goodbye, even if neither of them actually says the word. “Prat.” III. Arthur and Merlin lose touch sometim e during the spring after Merlin leaves — because it’s difficult to keep in touch even when you really want to when you’re seventeen and everything around you is changing — and Arthur doesn’ t really expect for that to change. He certainly doesn’ t expect to find Merlin back in his life just a month into his first year at university, but here he is, sitting in the university library on a dark, wet Thursday evening in early October, when the leaves have just started to change colours into their bright yellows and vibra nt oranges and deep reds. And Merlin, dressed in a cozy, washe d out red sweater and taller and older than the Merlin that left, sits in front of him, typing away at his laptop. The librar y floor is silent besides the clacking of Merlin’ s keyboard and the occasional flip of a page from across the room where another group of students are sitting, their whispers quiet in the vast open space. It’s way too late to be studying, the world outside the windows dark save for the few streetlights strewn across campus. The rain patters agains t the glass and the occasional leaf falls past, illuminated by the lights from inside and the lamps outside. Arthur didn’t even know Merlin went to the same university as him until Gwen dragged Merlin along to their friend group’ s biweekly Sunday pub-quiz a few weeks ago and Merlin was promptly adopted into the group. Arthur didn’ t need the introduction Gwen gave, could have recognised Merlin anywhere, even when he was taller and older and just that much more pretty . And Merlin didn’ t seem to have any problem recognising him either, judging by the massive and heart-stopping grin he sent Arthur ’s way the moment their eyes met. Arthur thought he was over Merlin, he really did — not as a friend, because no number of years could ever remove how important Merlin has always been, but those nerve-wracking romantic feelings — and yet they’re there, right underneath his breastbone, humming and warm and as solid and real as they’d been the day he left Merlin on the steps to his building four years ago. And in the same way those feelings easily made their way back into Arthur ’s life, so did Merlin, and he’s made himself snug and comfortable as a constant presence that Arthur isn’t sure how he lived without for so long. Lance stretches beside Arthur, his bones cracking satisfyingly, and it reminds Arthur of just how long they’ve been sat here. “I think it’s time for me to head home, ” he says, closing his laptop and tucking it into his bag. “I’m pretty sure I’ll do better on the midterms if I actually get some sleep in between study sessions.” Arthur huffs out a laugh and leans back in his chair . He still has an assignment that needs to be submitted by midnight, but he really would love to go back to his own crappy dorm bed. “Sleep is for the weak, ” Merlin says, never taking his eyes of f his screen. Arthur and Lance share a look. Arthur shakes his head with a sigh. “I’ll follow you to the cafeteria, ” he says and stands up. “I’m going to need cof fee if I want to survive another two hours of this.” “Oh, get me one, will you?” Merlin asks. He’ s still not looking up from his laptop. Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “I’d tell you to get one yourself but I don’t think even a natural disaster could get you to move, ” he says. That, at least, gets Merlin to finally look up to grin at him. Lance chuckles, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder . “See you tomorrow, Merlin.” “See you tomorrow, Lance. Enjoy your sleep, ” Merlin says and turns to grin at him. “I will, ” Lance says. “Enjoy your studying.” “I won’ t.” “I’ll make sure he doesn’ t die, ” Arthur says, clasping Lance on the shoulder as he walks past him towards the stairs. He doesn’ t miss Merlin poking his tongue out at him, but Arthur is clearly the more mature person here because he stops himself from poking his tongue out right back at him. Lance laughs as he follows him, the sound loud in the quiet space. “And who’ s going to make sure you don’ t?” Arthur grins. “Merlin, of course.” Lance chuckles. “It’ll be a pleasant surprise if I see either of you alive and awake in the morning, then, ” he says and squeezes Arthur ’s shoulder . “Try to get some sleep at least.” “We will, ” Arthur says as they stop by the small cof fee hub. “T ell Gwen I said hi.” “Will do. Goodnight, Arthur, ” Lance says with a smile. “Night, ” Arthur says, waving him off as he leaves the library, and then steps up to the tired- looking student manning the cof fee. It’s only when he orders that he realises he doesn’ t know how Merlin likes his coffee. 16- year-old Merlin didn’ t drink coffee, and Arthur has only known 20-year -old Merlin for a few weeks. So he gets a vegan pumpkin spice latte for himself because he’s a basic bitch and it tastes good, and orders a large black coffee with just a bit of dairy-free-milk for Merlin and hopes it’ll do. That’ s how the Merlin he knew liked his tea. “One large dose of caffeine, ” he says as he places the takeaway mug next to Merlin’ s scattered notes. “Oh my god, thank you, ” Merlin says, moving the mug to his lips and taking a large gulp without so much as a wince. How he can drink it when it’s still scalding hot Arthur doesn’ t know, but he used to do that with hot chocolate and tea before too. “Oh, this is perfect. Thank you, Arthur, ” he says, grinning at Arthur with a brightness that rivals the bloody sun. Arthur hasn’ t seen Merlin in four years, and somehow it’s like no time has passed at all. He knows he doesn’ t really know this Merlin, this older version of him that has lived a life without Arthur, but he finds that he desperately wants to. Wants to know him in any way Merlin will let him, actually, and for a moment he wonders if this is the moment he should tell him. If it’s time to spill the secrets that are no longer held tightly against his chest but are still held close and only shared with a very select few. Maybe now, almost entirely alone on the third floor of the university library on a wet, dark evening in October, when they’re starting over and continuing on, is when he should let Merlin know how he feels. “Gosh I’m so happy to have you back in my life. I really missed you, ” Merlin says, grin soft around the edges, hair tousled just so and looking warm and cozy and like everything Arthur thinks he could ever want. Arthur ’s lips twitch into a smile hidden behind his mug, the steam curling warm around his nose. “No one managed to take my place, then?” he says, and Merlin laughs. “No, you prat. No one’s ego is large enough, ” he says. “But no, I’ve only ever had one best friend, ” he adds, smile wide and happy and warm, and Arthur doesn’ t want to risk ruining that, or the second chance they’ve been given. So he smiles back and tucks the feelings into the pocket he kept them in for so long before, and says, “Me too.” IV. “Merlin, do you really think this is a good idea? You don’t think it’s a little too.. on the nose?” Arthur asks as he twists and turns in front of the body-length mirror in Merlin’ s flat. It’s not that he doesn’t think he looks good — the costume is very high quality and Arthur is going to have to wear it for every single costume party for the rest of his life with how much it cost — but it feels a little too ridiculous. They’ve been teased about this since they became friends in primary; is it really necessary to add fuel to the flame? “That’ s why it’ s so good!” Merlin calls from the bathroom. Arthur sighs. The things he does for him. “Are you nearly finished or are we going to be three hours late again?” “Yeah yeah, done in a second! This bloody beard doesn’ t want to stick, ” Merlin says. “Need any help?” Arthur asks as he tightens the belt around his waist and pulls on his red cape. He grabs the small pink, purpl e, and blue dragon pin from Merlin’ s desk and fiddles with it. It’s his favourite pride pin, given to him by Merlin after he finally gathered up the courage to tell him that he likes people romantically and no one sexua lly, regardless of gender . It still scares him to wear it, despite the pride he feels. He wonders how long it’ll take before it stops making his stomach swoop anxiously, if it ever will stop. “No, all good!” Merlin says, and then he’s bouncing out from the bathroom and Arthur can’t help the loud laugh that escapes him. “You look absolutely ridiculous, ” he says. “Remind me to never let you grow a beard.” Merlin pouts at him, and it makes him look even more bizarre in his red robes and long white fake beard and scraggly wig. He’ s even added wrinkles. “Who said Merlin the Wizard had to be old?” Arthur asks, still fiddling with the pin in his hands. “Maybe he was a fit young sorcerer .” Merlin rolls his eyes and steps forward, hands reaching to grab the pin from Arthur ’s hands. He hums as he removes the pin lock. “King Arthur ’s young lover, perhaps?” he says, glancing up briefly at Arthur before he returns his attention to fastening the pin to Arthur ’s cape. Arthur swallows. “W ell, history always did have a way of being pretty gay .” Merlin snorts. “You can say that again.” He finishes fastening the pin, runs his hands over the fabric of the cape, and then steps back. He grins at Arthur . “Now we match, ” he says, tugging at his red robes and the bi-coloured butterfly and the non-binary he/him pins fastened on the left side of his chest. Arthur huf fs out a laugh, heart thudding in his chest. “You look great, ” Merlin adds, giving him a once-over . “The Great King of Camelot.” “Thanks, ” Arthur says, voice hoarse. He clears his throat. “Y ou look old.” Merlin rolls his eyes at him again, and really it fits his costume perfectly . “Prat.” “That’ s Your Royal Prat to you, Sorce rer, ” Arthur says as he makes sure he has all his things and picks up Merli n’s phone before grabbing hold of Merlin’ s arm. “Now come on, the court awaits us.” Gwaine has really gone all out. His house is decked out with skeletons and ghosts and spider - web, a row of pumpkins that Arthur recognises from their annual pumpkin-carving competition litters his front porch, and the music blasting from the living room is nothing if not the Ghostbusters soundtrack. Gwaine himself is dressed in a leather costume that shows more skin than perhaps is socially acceptable but is entirely expected from him and a winged eyeliner that even Arthur is jealous of even if he very rarely wears makeup. No way the Playboy bunnies are getting all the fun, as Gwai ne said a few years ago when he wore a literal Playboy bunny outfit for Halloween. He’ s only outdone himself since. “Friends! You made it, ” he calls when they walk through the door. “I’m loving the couple’ s costume, ” he says with a wide grin. Arthur rolls his eyes at him and lets himself be pulled into a mostly naked hug. “Thanks. It was all Merlin’ s idea, ” he says when Gwaine pulls Merlin into a similar hug. Gwaine grins at Merlin, slapping him on the shoulder . “Of course it was.” Merlin grins back at him proudly . His fake beard is already starting to peel, so Arthur pushes it back in place. “You want anything to drink?” Gwaine asks, motioning towards the kitchen that is only a little less crowded than the living room and the hall. Arthur shrugs. “Why not.” “I’m alright, thanks. I’m going to find Gwen! I promised her I’d show her my outfit as soon as I came, ” Merlin says, waving them off and disappearing into the throng of people and further into the house. “Alright then, what can I offer you, Princess?” Gwaine asks as he leads Arthur into the kitchen. There are orange streamers hanging from the ceiling and the kitchen table is littered with an array of drinks and bottles. Arthur rolls his eyes again. “Honestly, anything’ s fine so long as it’s not deadly . I do have to attend lunch with my father and sister tomorrow, and as much as I think Morgana would love to see me hungover I don’t think Father would be too impressed, ” he says, scowling when Gwaine grins at him. “Your daddy’s always been a stick in the mud, ” he says, and Arthur scrunc hes his nose up at the choice of word, but can’t disagr ee with the rest. “I’m going to make you a potion of courage so you can finally get around to telling Merlin how you feel. You’ll only feel it a little in the morning, I promise, ” he says with a smile that tells Arthur he’s definitely going to feel it more than a little. Arthur purses his lips and gives him an unimpressed glare, but doesn’ t stop him when Gwaine grabs a few of the bottles strewn across the table and starts pouring liquids of different colours into a glass. “Oh, come on, mate. You’ve been pining for him since primary school. Don’ t you think it’s about time?” Honestly Arthur doesn’ t know why he ever told Gwaine about his feelings for Merlin, but then he probably wasn’ t very sober when he did and it was definitely Gwaine and his scarily- tasty, very-alcoholic drinks’ fault. He raises an eyebrow when Gwaine drops a small, round item into his drink and holds it out to him. “And I’m perfectly fine pining until I die, ” he says, taking the glass and watching the fake eye bob up and down in the colourful drink. He gives Gwaine a skeptical look before taking a sip. “Oh my god, ” he says, making a face. It’ s way too strong and tastes way too good. “What the hell did you put in this?” Gwaine just grins at him and slaps him on the shoulder . “Just think about it, ” he says, before slipping out of the kitchen. Arthur doesn’ t tell him that he has thought about it, multiple times. He takes another sip from the drink and grimaces again. God he’s not having any more to drink after this one. Arthur has thought about it, more times than he can count, really, has been close to telling Merlin a handful of times too. And yet, Gwaine’ s words make him think about it again, because honestly he isn’t sure he really is fine pining until the day he dies. He loves being friends with Merlin more than anything and if that’ s what they’re always going to be then that is more than fine with him, but he’s not sure he could go his entire life not knowing if that’s what Merlin wants or if their relationship could be something else. It’s probably the ridiculous amount of alcohol in the drink Gwaine made, but he’s feeling a little daring tonight. He won’ t ever know what Merlin feels if he never asks, right? So he spends almost half an hour walking through Gwaine’ s house trying to find Merlin somewhere in the crowd of witches and superheroes and pirates and ghosts, with little success. But he’ s made up his mind now, and like hell he’ s going to chicken out. It’s only when he goes outside into the cold night air that he spots him in the corner of the garden, face softly illuminated by the string of yellow lights hanging in the red and orange trees. He’s sitting, rather close, too, and laughing with a girl — Freya, Arthur thinks, from one of Merlin’ s nerdy societies. They’re turned towards each other, knees touching and smiles on their faces, caught in conve rsation. They look like they’ve forgotten the rest of the world exists, as if there’ s only the two of them, and Arthur ’s stomach drops. He guesses he wasn’ t meant to tell Merlin today either . He’s just about to turn around and go back inside when Merlin spots him. Merlin turns and grins at him, and Arthur, in turn, just gives him an awkward wave. Merlin turns back to Freya, saying something that has her smiling widely and nodding, and then he ducks in to leave a lingering kiss on her cheek before standing up and making his way towards Arthur . He doesn’ t take his eyes off her until he’s reached him, and Arthur supposes there’ s no need to ask. It’ s plenty obvious what Merlin feels. So, instead, he forces a grin and wiggles his eyebrows when Merlin finally looks at him. Merlin just laughs, cheeks dusted red, and punches him in the arm. V. The tube is crowded, with people packed shoulder to shoulder in the aisles and groups of friends squeezed too many into a row of seats. Arthur is tucked — more like wedged, really — between Merlin and Percival, the rest of their friends crammed in around them. There’ s really no use in trying to follow any of the conversations happening around him with the loud noise of the train and the laughter and chatter filling the car from all directions, and it’s much too tight to get a hold of his phone, so Arthur settles with staring off into the space in front of him. Which happens to hold a glum looking Merlin. It’s not very cold on the tube — the body temperature of all eight hundre d or so people are doing wonders against the early November cold — but Merlin is wrapped up in his usual blue scarf, chin tucked into it, and huddled into a thick rust red jacket. The dark grey wool beanie he’s wear ing has a small cat with a red neckerchief on the brim, his dark hair curling around it. He’s clearly trying to follow whatev er conversation Morgana, Leon, Lance, and Gwen are having on the other side of Percival, but Arthur can barely hear them so he figures Merlin isn’t much better off. He knows why he’s trying though, knows why there’s a small frown pulling at his brow and why there’ s a tired set to his shoulders and bags under his eyes. Arthur wishes he could help, wishes he could cheer him up, get him out of his own head and forget about Freya for a moment, but he’s shit at these things. What do you tell someone who’ s just been broken up with by their year-long girlfriend? Merlin really liked Freya, probably even loved her; what do you say to someone who’ s gotten their heart broken? Arthur isn’t sure he’d want anyone to say anything reassuring to him at all, honestly . It’s all empty words, anyway . So he doesn’ t say anything reassuring. Instead, he says, “Your face is going to get stuck if you keep frowning like that, ” because he’ s an idiot. Merlin rolls his eyes at him, but the frown loosens up just the slightest, so Arthur takes it as a win. “You’re one to speak, with how you brood half the time. You’re going to get wrinkles, ” Merlin retorts. Arthur gapes at him, af fronted. “I don’ t brood!” Merlin snorts. He squeezes his hand up between them and runs his thumb over Arthur ’s forehead. “Then what’ s this, Mr. Sunshine?” he says, and Arthur immediately tries to relax the scowl he’d barely noticed. “I’m a delight, thank you very much.” Merlin huffs out a laugh, and it’s a little happier, at least. Instead of trying to pull his arm down to his side again, he simply lets it rest against Arthur ’s chest, hand steady on his shoulder . Arthur wonders if Merlin can feel his heart beating loudly in his chest. “You’re about as delightful as the flu, ” Merlin tells him. Arthur can’t help himself, and smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “What, getting you all hot and bothered?” he asks, and Merlin lets out a loud, startled laugh. Warmth fills Arthur ’s chest at the look Merlin gives him, his eyes twinkling with mirth. He hasn’ t seen Merlin smile so widely in weeks. He grins crookedly back at him. “You wish, ” Merlin says, and becaus e their proximity means he can’t punch Arthur in the arm like he usually would, he resorts to pinching his neck lightly . Arthur complains out loud, and wonders silently if he should admit that yes, he kind of does. “This station is W ood Gr een, ” the announcement sounds over the intercom, and as soon as the tube stops almost the entire car fills out into the station. And from there it’s a rush of bodies and excitement and street food and drinks, watching the large bonfire get lit and its fire grow, yelling more than speaking the rhyme, and cheering over the morbid tradition of watching a man made of straw be set on fire. It’s fun and pleasant and the drinks are warm where the night is cold, and they’re all bundled together as close to the fire as they can get. Arthur stands next to Merlin, a cup of hot apple cider in his hands, watchin g from the corner of his eye as Merlin stares absentmindedly into the fire. The light of the bonfire casts shadows and a yellow glow across his face that makes him look ethereal. The quiet content in his eyes has Arthu r’s heart aching in his chest, because Merlin deserves this always, to feel content and happy and cherished. Merlin deserves to know that someone loves him, now more than ever, when he feels broken and unloveable. It’s their final year, and while Arthur doesn’ t think he could let go of Merl in again so easily, they’re graduating soon and life takes turns you don’t expect it to. He might not get another chance, might not gather up the courage again before it’ s too late. “Merlin, ” he starts, and Merlin turns to him with a hum, eyes softly crinkled at the corners. His cheeks are a little rosy from the nipping wind, but he looks warm and comfortable and Arthur is so ridiculously in love. Arthur opens his mouth to continue — to tell him, finally — but that’s when the first firework goes off and the world is lit with a wonderful array of colours. Merlin turns his head with a surprised laugh to watch the display in the night sky, but Arthur pays more attention to the way the colours illuminate Merlin’ s face and how they reflect in his wide, awestruck eyes. Merlin’ s face is lit up in delight by the time the colours fade. He turns to Arthur with a blinding smile, and Arthur swallows. Because he can’t risk taking this away from him, not now, not for such selfish reasons as his own. “What were you going to say?” Merlin asks, and Arthur shakes his head. There’ll be another time, a time when Merlin isn’t heart broken and his eyes don’t reflect the night sky, when Arthur can form the words instead of just wanting to stare at him in awe. “Nothing, ” he says. “Just… glad you’re here.” Merlin beams at him and bumps their shoulders. He doesn’ t pull away afterwards. “Me too.” + I. It’s a cold, wet Saturday in late Novem ber. The air is cold and the trees are bare, and the day has been lovely, the air crisp and the sky blue — up until about an hour ago. Then lunchtime came around and so did the dark clouds hanging heavy over Arthur ’s head, and of course it would start pouring down the mome nt he stepped out from the safety of the under ground station. As he rushes through the streets in the rain he’s eternally grateful that he had the foresight to bring a raincoat and that Merlin decided on meeting for a coffee rather than the walk he first suggested. A bell jingles as he pushes the door to The Round Table open and steps inside, coat dripping water onto the floor despite the short trip from the station to the café. He pulls the hood down and unzips the coat as he glances around the small and cozy space. It’s of little surprise that Merlin is nowhere to be seen; he does have a penchant for being late. Arthur decides to order while he waits, and scans over the menus above the bar. They’re all changed from their autumn and Halloween specials to limited winter and Christmas drinks, and the shelves are lined with yule logs, Christmas puddings, and fruity mince pies amongst their usual pastries and cakes. The only thing that’s missing, really, is the Christmas decoration and All I Want For Christmas Is You playing from the speakers, but Arthur figures it’s probably only a matter of days. He doesn ’t dislike Christmas per se, but he doesn’ t usually try to get himself into the Christmas spirit until December 1st, so he’s happy to see they still offer their autumn assortment. He orders a vegan caramel and hazelnut latte and a black coffee with a splash of dairy-free milk and a pinch of cinnam on. Just as he’s about to pay he throws in one of the gingerbread muffins too because he can’t help himself. It’s only a week until December, anyway . He’s just sat down with the drinks and the pastry when the bell above the door jingles again, a mop of wet, dark hair and dark blue eyes looking around until they spot him. Merlin grins widely and makes his way through the café. The corner of Arthur ’s mouth tugs up just the slightest. “Sorry I’m late!” Merlin says when he reaches him, and he does at least have the decency to look like he means it. “I forgot my umbrella at home and was hoping I could wait out the rain at the station, ” he says as he shrugs off his wet coat and hangs it over the chair in front of Arthur . His hair is dripping water onto his dark green sweater and his cheeks are flushed a bright red from the cold. Arthur rolls his eyes good heartedly . “Only you, Merlin.” “That’ s not true!” Merlin exclaims, ruffling his hair and successfully splattering water droplets everywhere. “The forecast didn’ t say anything about a downpour!” “It did say it was going to rain, ” Arthur points out. Merlin rolls his eyes as he steps aroun d the table. “It didn’ t say it was going to rain this much . Clotpole, ” he says, and then he bends down and pulls Arthur into a tight, warm — if a little wet — hug. “I missed you.” Arthur wraps his arms around Merlin’ s back and hugs him back just as tightly . It’s only been a few months, and it’s not like they haven’ t talked, but between internships and work and Merlin being away as part of his graduate position, they’ve barely had any time to meet since graduation. And Arthur has missed him something fiercely . “We talked yesterday, ” he says, just to be an arse, and Merlin huffs out a laugh and hugs him just a little tighter . Arthur grins. “I missed you too.” Merlin squeezes him one more time and then he pulls back, plopping into his chair and pulling his waiting cup of coffee towards him. He takes a sip and hums satisfied, his lips pulling into a grin. The corners of it are soft and warm. “So, what ’s happened in your life? I want to know everything, ” he says, leaning his elbows against the table. Arthur huffs out a laugh and takes a sip from his own warm drink. “You already know everything, ” he says. “Nothing new has happened in the last eighteen hours, surprisingly enough.” Merlin just continues to grin at him. “How was the Halloween party?” “Good, ” Arthur says. “Gwaine and Percy fell into the pool and Leon had to pull them out. They were both grounded and forced to spend the rest of the night sobering up in Gwaine’ s bathroom, ” he tells him with a chuck le. “And Gwen looked so gorgeous in her costume we all thought Lance was going to get down and propose any second.” He grins. “Although I think he’ s probably got something a little more special planned.” Merlin chuckles. “Maybe not the most romantic situation when people are dressed up in outfits ranging from nothing to absolute absurdity and everyone is well beyond drunk. Good choice, Lance.” “I’m pretty sure Gwen would say yes if he proposed in a dumpster, to be fair .” Merlin laughs, warm and happy . “Yeah, she would.” “My costume wasn’ t nearly as good without my sorcerer, though, ” Arthur says, and Merlin smiles widely . “I’m sure the mighty King Arthur is just as striking without him, ” he says. Arthur shrugs. “Maybe, ” he says, hiding his smile behind his cup. “But he definitely felt like something was missing.” Merlin’ s bright eyes crinkle at the corners. “I guess his sorcerer will have to make sure to show up next time, then, ” he says. “I’m holding you to that, ” Arthur says, giving him a pointed look. “So, how was Manchester? Seemed like you had a lot of fun.” Merlin’ s entire face lights up. “I did! It was so interesting to finally see everything I’ve learnt actually be used in practice, you know?” he says, and then he goes on a ramble about everything he saw in the three months he was away, everyone he met, all the things he got to do. Arthur has already heard more than half of this, but he has only heard it over the phone and through video calls with poor connection, and he’ll never mind hearing Merlin speak, no matter how many times he has to hear the same thing. A little distance and four months apart and the feelings in Arthur ’s chest haven’ t diminished in the slightest. At this point he figures they probably never will. “-and Sefa has promised to come here just before Christmas; we were thinking of heading up to Edinbur gh for the Christmas market. I’m just really excited to see her again, even if we saw each other a few weeks ago, ” Merlin says with a laugh. He speaks about her a lot, Sefa, and it’ s clear he likes her . Arthur just isn’ t sure in which way . So he raises his eyebrow suggestively, and Merlin’ s quick to wave him of f. “No, it’s nothing like that, ” he says with a chuckle. “We’re friends, and I’m pretty sure she and Daegal have something going on, ” he adds and grins. Arthur nods in understanding, but frowns when Merlin gives him a funny look. “How about you?” Merlin asks, averting his eyes and grabbing one of the forks on the table. He pokes at the gingerbread muffin. “Mithian seems nice, ” he says, and there’ s a strange tilt to his voice. And sure, Mithian is nice. Quite lovely, actually, and Arthur could see something happening between them, if he wasn’ t so damn gone on the person sitting in front of him. And so, this time, Arthur doesn’ t hesitate, doesn’ t stop himself or let himself back down. This time, he lets the words he’s wanted to say for so long roll off his tongue with an ease that really isn’ t all that surprising. “She is, ” Merlin’ s lips tug up into something that is probably supposed to be a smile but looks more like a grimace, “but I’m far too busy pining over my best friend for the nth year in a row to really consider it.” It feels not so scary and very relievin g, to finally share the secret he never wanted to keep to begin with. Merlin snaps his head up to stare at him with wide eyes and Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “Oh come on, you can’ t be that oblivious.” Merlin huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “No. I just wasn’ t expecting you to actually admit it, ” he says, and Arthur frowns at him. “I’ve been waiting for you to say something since we were fifteen.” Arthur balks. “Why did you wait for me to say something? If you knew, why didn’ t you say so?” Merlin shrugs, shoving a piece of muffin into his mouth. “I didn’ t want to force you to share something you weren’ t ready for, or feel like you were obligated to do anything about it. I know your dad isn’ t…” he grimaces, “the most approving.” Arthur snorts. “No shit. But seriously, since year ten?” he asks, and Merlin nods. Arthur huffs out a laugh, and leans back in his chair . “Guess all my anxiety about telling you was pretty unnecessary .” Merlin gives him a soft smile. “Y ou never needed to be anxious.” “I know, ” Arthur says with a sigh. “I’ve wanted you to know since I figured it out, but it always came up at bad times or something came in the way and ruined the moment, ” he says. Merlin laughs. “But at a café on a random, miserable Saturday afternoon fit the bill?” he asks, mirth in his eyes. Arthur pushes down his own grin and shrugs. “Figured it was as good a day as any .” “Say it again, ” Merlin says, leaning forward in his chair, his lips stretching wide as he smiles. Arthur rolls his eyes at him, but he feels his smile tug at his own cheeks. “I love you.” “I know that, ” Merlin says with laughter in his voice. “Say the other thing, ” he tells him. Arthur huf fs out a breath of a laugh and moves forwards so he’ s also leaning over the table. “I’m in love with you, ” he says, holding Merlin’ s gaze. He doesn’ t bother fighting the smile anymore. “Have been since I was eleven.” Merlin grins, wide and bright and warm, and then he ducks forward and his lips catch Arthur ’s in a kiss that tastes like cinnamon and coffee and caramel. It is new and exciting just the same as it feels entirely natural, like something Arthur has done a hundred times before, something he’ll do hundreds and hundreds of times again. “Good, ” Merlin says when he pulls away . “Because I’m in love with you too and I’d really like to add ‘boyfriend’ to the list of things I refer to you as in my head.” Arthur runs a thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone and raises an eyebrow . He probably shouldn’ t ask, but he can’ t help himself. “Oh? And what other names do you have on that list?” “Clotpoll. Prat. Best friend. Ass. Arthur . Cabbagehead. Love of my life. Dollophead.” He laughs and kisses Merlin again. “Wouldn’ t be a complete list without boyfriend on there, would it?” Merlin grins at him again, bright and warm enough to rival the sun. “No, no it wouldn’ t.” End Notes Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Find me on tumblr and twitter ! Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated! 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Language: English
Published: 2021-1 1-18 Words: 7,842 Chapters: 1/1 Six Falls and a Confession by a_written_dream Summary Arthur figures out that he's in love with Merlin when he's 1 1. It takes him more than a decade to finally tell him. Or: Five times Arthur wants to tell Merlin and one time he does. Notes This fic really fought me at every turn; first I couldn't come up with an idea, and then I wasn't in the mood, and then when I actually sat down and to write it would only come out by heavy force. But I’ve written and posted an autumn inspired fic every year since 2017 and I wasn’ t about to stop now . You couldn’ t best me, fic. (I’m actually pretty happy with how it turned out, all struggles considered!) For those of you who aren’ t familiar with the English school system, students are 1 1/12 years old in year 7 and 16/17 in sixth form! Also big thanks to the best Joji-san for sensitivity beta-ing Merlin for me!<3 See the end of the work for more notes I. It’s early September and the days are not quite as warm as they’ve been. Arthur usually resents the coming of the cold, but this year he can’t help but grin when he pulls on his jacket over his school uniform. It’s not that he particularly likes the cold, but frigid and foggy mornings mean that the autumn term is finally starting and Arthur has looked forward to it since last semester ended. He loves the summer holidays and usually hates for them to end, but this year he hasn’ t been able to stop himself from wishing they would just be over already; he likes school well enough — he really likes learning about histor y and the sciences — but that’s not why he’s been almost bursting with excitement about going back. What’ s really been keeping him restless and eager the past few weeks has been the knowledge that with the start of the school term, comes meeting Merlin again. Arthur hasn’ t seen his best friend since the start of the summer , since Merlin has been away visiting family , and the summer has been dreadfully boring without him. Arthur is so excited to see him again he’s certain he’s been getting on his fathe r and sister ’s nerves with it — not that it stopped him from bouncing around the house this morning in his haste to get ready . And now, finally , he’s on his way to the first day of school for year seven. He’d be running if Morgana wasn’ t walking — like a snail because she’ s evil — with him. Arthur jumps up and down in his place on a pile of green leaves as he waits for her to catch up — she might as well crawl with how slowly she’ s walking. “Stop grinning like that,” she says with a roll of her eyes. “One would think you have a crush on him,” she adds and smirks. Arthur stops and scrunches his nose up. “I don’ t have a crush. Crushes are gross.” Morgana grins at him. “Sure, whatever . Just let me know if you need any help asking him to be your boyfriend,” she says as she walks past him. “I don’t want him to be my boyfrien d,” Arthur says with a frown as he falls into step with her. “I want him to be my friend.” “He can be both, you dummy ,” Mor gana tells him. “That’ s why it’ s called boy friend .” That makes Arthur pause in his steps, before he shakes his head and runs up to walk beside her again. “It’s a girl thing to have crushes,” he says. He knows Elena talked about having crushes on some of the boys in year seven when they were still in year six, but he’s never heard any of his boy friends say anything about crushes. “And I’m not a girl.” Morgana snorts. “Then why did Father marry your mother?” she retorts. Arthur frowns in thought. He supposes that’s true, but he’s never had a crush before! Why would he have one on Merlin ? Aren’ t boys supposed to have crushes on girls, anyway? “But Merlin’ s not a girl either ,” he says, and Morgana pats him patronising ly on the shoulder because she thinks she knows so much more than he does just because she’ s two years older . “Doesn’ t mean you can’t like him,” she says, and then she shoves him in old evil-sister - fashion, because apparently Arthur got so lost in his thoughts that he didn’ t notice they’d already reached the school. “See you later, brother!” she says, and then skips up the steps to meet her friends and leaves Arthur with a bunch of unanswered questions. Arthur frowns at her . Stupid Mor gana and her stupid friends. “Arthur!” He turns around at the sound of his name, grins widely when he spots Merlin — who is wrapped up in an oversized jacket and wears a neckerchief around his neck, even if it’ s barely below fifteen degrees outside, because he gets cold even when it’s not really all that chilly — and for gets all about crushes and Mor gana. He forgets it for a few hours, until lunch, when Merlin laughs loudly at Gwaine’ s stupid joke and Arthur ’s stomach flutters as if there are falling leaves or butterflies inside it. His eyes widen and he stops with his fork midway to his mouth. Maybe Morgana was right. Maybe he does want Merlin to be his boyfriend. For the rest of the day, Arthur can’t stop thinking about it, about how Merlin is kind of cute with his rosy cheeks and oversized jacket and clumsy boots, about how maybe Arthur wouldn’ t be so opposed to holding his hand, about how he would quite like to introduce Merlin as his ‘best friend and boyfriend’. Which means it’s become a thing that Arthur actually thinks might be true, which means that he has to tell Merlin about it, because they tell each other everything and Arthur isn’t about to start keeping secrets now. Only , he isn’t sure how to tell him. He’s not going to ask Morgana for help because she’s a witch who wants nothing but for Arthur to suffer, but who better to ask than his father , who is wise and smart and knows how everything works? So instead of going back to his room after dinner like he usually does, he follows his father to his office and stops outside it, rocking back and forth on his heels. His father’s office is dark mahogany and warm leather , and Arthur has always felt both intimidated and awed by it. “What is it, Arthur?” his father asks from his old leather chair , the evening paper in his hands. “Did everything go well at school today?” Arthur stops rocking on his feet and nods. “Y es, Father , it was fine,” he says. “I was, uhm..” “Hesitation is not a desirable or respectable trait, Arthur . You should know better ,” his father says, not looking up from the paper . Arthur swallows, and then squares his shoulders. “You know Merlin,” he says, and his father arches an eyebrow in acknowledgement. “W ell, I, uh- think I like him.” He means to go on, but his father looks up at him with a disapproving frow n that has Arthur snapping his mouth shut. “That’ s nonsense. Where did you get that idea?” he asks, and Arthur ’s shoulders hitch up just the slightest at the same time his stomach drops. “Uh- well, Mor gana said-“ His father scoffs. “Don’ t listen to your sister , she’s just trying to rile you up. You don’t like Merlin. Get that ridiculous notion out of your head. He’s a boy and so are you,” he states, returning his focus to the paper . “Now , was there anything else?” “Erm, no, uh, thank you,” Arthur says in a small voice. There’ s a lump in his throat and an uncomfortable feeling in his chest. His father dismisses him with a wave of his hand and Arthur quickly hurries to his room to bury himself under his duvet. Rain patters against his window . He suddenly feels very certain that he does have a crush on Merlin, and that he absolutely cannot tell him. II. The night air is chilly and wet, the late September rain filling the potholes in the road and leaving puddles on the pavement. The street lights flicker and the headlights of a passing car reflect in the pools of water , before the car drives through them and ruins it. There’ s a gale coming, the winds pulling at their clothes and nipping at their cheeks, the gloomy clouds rolling above their heads. Arthur blinks the wetness from his eyes and wipes the raindrop from his cheek and thinks that even the weather is miserable. He huddles into his worn hoodie in an attempt to stay warm, but even the heat from Merlin’ s leg pressed against his isn’t helping to stave off the early autumn chill. Arthur feels cold to the bone, and not just because of the wind that pushes cold air into the collar of his hoodie. They’ve started sixth form and it’s supposed to be exciting and fun and new, but all Arthur feels is lousy . “I don’t want you to leave,” he mutters into his collar . It’s quiet and petulant and just the slightest bit angry , and Arthur doesn’ t care. He is angry , angry at Merlin for just up and leaving him like this with next to no warning. Only a few weeks ago things were great and Arthur was excited to start this new part of his life, and then Merlin went and told him he’s moving and everything turned horrible. Merlin sighs next to him, wrapped up in his thick jacket and the wool scarf Arthur knows his mother knitted him for Christmas two years ago; Arthur has a matching one, red to Merlin’ s blue. His cheeks are rosy red from the cold and his eyes are sad, their blue almost black in the dark of the night. “Me neither ,” he mumbles, burying his chin further into his scarf. “But with Mum’ s health we need to be closer to family and we can’t exactly ask them all to come to London, now can we?” he says with a laugh, but it sounds hollow in the dim street. Arthur doesn’t answer, because there really isn’t anything he can say, is there? It’s not like Merlin has a choice and Arthur can’t exactly demand that he leave his mother while she’s sick, no matter how much he wants him to stay . Merlin sighs again, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. “I’m going to miss it here,” he says. A smile pulls at his lips as he watches the wet street and the dark park on the other side of it. “Remember when we were ten and we climbed the big tree and I broke my arm?” he asks, the corners of his eyes scrunching up just the slightest. As if Arthur could forget; he’d gotten a right heart attack, seeing Merlin cry and clutch his arm to his chest in pain. “The scolding from Mum was almost worse than the pain,” Merlin contin ues with a laugh, and this one, at least, is real, if a little wet. He sniffles, grinning widely , and turns to Arthur . “But you were there the whole time — you wouldn’ t even leave the hospital. Told me stories about knights and sorcerers and drago ns to keep me distracted, and then you demanded that you got to write on my cast and you wrote your name so large no one else could fit theirs, like the self-entitled prat you are.” His smile softens into something a little sadder , and Arthur hates this so much. Hates saying goodbye. Doesn’ t even know if he knows how to. Merlin glances back at the clouds and the stars just starting to peek through them. “I’m going to miss you,” he says, quietly , and Arthur thinks about telling him, then. About the feelings he’s been pushing away since he was eleven and his father told him he wasn’ t allowed to have them. About the flutters and the want and the maybe-I’m-in-love-with-you. Because this is Merlin and if he can’t tell Merlin then who could he ever hope to tell? If he can’t share this secret with Merlin — this secret that’s overwhelming and large and scary — then he doesn’ t think he can share it with anyone, and he’s not sure he can live with that. And he doesn’ t know when — if — he’ll see Merlin again, so if not now , when? But the words are too heavy in his chest and too big to travel through his throat and Arthur is too afraid and swallows them back down. “I say good riddan ce,” he says instea d, knocking their shoulders together , because it’s easier than being vulnerable and he knows Merlin will get what he means anyway . Merlin grins at him, wet and sad and Arthur hates that he’s leaving. Hates that this is goodbye, even if neither of them actually says the word. “Prat.” III. Arthur and Merlin lose touch sometim e during the spring after Merlin leaves — because it’s difficult to keep in touch even when you really want to when you’re seventeen and everything around you is changing — and Arthur doesn’ t really expect for that to change. He certainly doesn’ t expect to find Merlin back in his life just a month into his first year at university , but here he is, sitting in the university library on a dark, wet Thursday evening in early October , when the leaves have just started to change colours into their bright yellows and vibra nt oranges and deep reds. And Merlin, dressed in a cozy, washe d out red sweater and taller and older than the Merlin that left, sits in front of him, typing away at his laptop. The librar y floor is silent besides the clacking of Merlin’ s keyboard and the occasional flip of a page from across the room where another group of students are sitting, their whispers quiet in the vast open space. It’s way too late to be studying, the world outside the windows dark save for the few streetlights strewn across campus. The rain patters agains t the glass and the occasional leaf falls past, illuminated by the lights from inside and the lamps outside. Arthur didn’t even know Merlin went to the same university as him until Gwen dragged Merlin along to their friend group’ s biweekly Sunday pub-quiz a few weeks ago and Merlin was promptly adopted into the group. Arthur didn’ t need the introduction Gwen gave, could have recognised Merlin anywhere, even when he was taller and older and just that much more pretty . And Merlin didn’ t seem to have any problem recognising him either , judging by the massive and heart-stopping grin he sent Arthur ’s way the moment their eyes met. Arthur thought he was over Merlin, he really did — not as a friend, because no number of years could ever remove how important Merlin has always been, but those nerve-wracking romantic feelings — and yet they’re there, right underneath his breastbone, humming and warm and as solid and real as they’d been the day he left Merlin on the steps to his building four years ago. And in the same way those feelings easily made their way back into Arthur ’s life, so did Merlin, and he’s made himself snug and comfortable as a constant presence that Arthur isn’t sure how he lived without for so long. Lance stretches beside Arthur , his bones cracking satisfyingly , and it reminds Arthur of just how long they’ve been sat here. “I think it’s time for me to head home,” he says, closing his laptop and tucking it into his bag. “I’m pretty sure I’ll do better on the midterms if I actually get some sleep in between study sessions.” Arthur huffs out a laugh and leans back in his chair . He still has an assignment that needs to be submitted by midnight, but he really would love to go back to his own crappy dorm bed. “Sleep is for the weak,” Merlin says, never taking his eyes of f his screen. Arthur and Lance share a look. Arthur shakes his head with a sigh. “I’ll follow you to the cafeteria,” he says and stands up. “I’m going to need cof fee if I want to survive another two hours of this.” “Oh, get me one, will you?” Merlin asks. He’ s still not looking up from his laptop. Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “I’d tell you to get one yourself but I don’t think even a natural disaster could get you to move,” he says. That, at least, gets Merlin to finally look up to grin at him. Lance chuckles, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder . “See you tomorrow , Merlin.” “See you tomorrow , Lance. Enjoy your sleep,” Merlin says and turns to grin at him. “I will,” Lance says. “Enjoy your studying.” “I won’ t.” “I’ll make sure he doesn’ t die,” Arthur says, clasping Lance on the shoulder as he walks past him towards the stairs. He doesn’ t miss Merlin poking his tongue out at him, but Arthur is clearly the more mature person here because he stops himself from poking his tongue out right back at him. Lance laughs as he follows him, the sound loud in the quiet space. “And who’ s going to make sure you don’ t?” Arthur grins. “Merlin, of course.” Lance chuckles. “It’ll be a pleasant surprise if I see either of you alive and awake in the morning, then,” he says and squeezes Arthur ’s shoulder . “Try to get some sleep at least.” “We will,” Arthur says as they stop by the small cof fee hub. “T ell Gwen I said hi.” “Will do. Goodnight, Arthur ,” Lance says with a smile. “Night,” Arthur says, waving him off as he leaves the library , and then steps up to the tired- looking student manning the cof fee. It’s only when he orders that he realises he doesn’ t know how Merlin likes his coffee. 16- year-old Merlin didn’ t drink coffee, and Arthur has only known 20-year -old Merlin for a few weeks. So he gets a vegan pumpkin spice latte for himself because he’s a basic bitch and it tastes good, and orders a large black coffee with just a bit of dairy-free-milk for Merlin and hopes it’ll do. That’ s how the Merlin he knew liked his tea. “One large dose of caffeine,” he says as he places the takeaway mug next to Merlin’ s scattered notes. “Oh my god, thank you,” Merlin says, moving the mug to his lips and taking a large gulp without so much as a wince. How he can drink it when it’s still scalding hot Arthur doesn’ t know , but he used to do that with hot chocolate and tea before too. “Oh, this is perfect. Thank you, Arthur ,” he says, grinning at Arthur with a brightness that rivals the bloody sun. Arthur hasn’ t seen Merlin in four years, and somehow it’s like no time has passed at all. He knows he doesn’ t really know this Merlin, this older version of him that has lived a life without Arthur , but he finds that he desperately wants to. Wants to know him in any way Merlin will let him, actually , and for a moment he wonders if this is the moment he should tell him. If it’s time to spill the secrets that are no longer held tightly against his chest but are still held close and only shared with a very select few. Maybe now, almost entirely alone on the third floor of the university library on a wet, dark evening in October , when they’re starting over and continuing on, is when he should let Merlin know how he feels. “Gosh I’m so happy to have you back in my life. I really missed you,” Merlin says, grin soft around the edges, hair tousled just so and looking warm and cozy and like everything Arthur thinks he could ever want. Arthur ’s lips twitch into a smile hidden behind his mug, the steam curling warm around his nose. “No one managed to take my place, then?” he says, and Merlin laughs. “No, you prat. No one’s ego is large enough,” he says. “But no, I’ve only ever had one best friend,” he adds, smile wide and happy and warm, and Arthur doesn’ t want to risk ruining that, or the second chance they’ve been given. So he smiles back and tucks the feelings into the pocket he kept them in for so long before, and says, “Me too.” IV. “Merlin, do you really think this is a good idea? You don’t think it’s a little too.. on the nose?” Arthur asks as he twists and turns in front of the body-length mirror in Merlin’ s flat. It’s not that he doesn’t think he looks good — the costume is very high quality and Arthur is going to have to wear it for every single costume party for the rest of his life with how much it cost — but it feels a little too ridiculous. They’ve been teased about this since they became friends in primary; is it really necessary to add fuel to the flame? “That’ s why it’ s so good!” Merlin calls from the bathroom. Arthur sighs. The things he does for him. “Are you nearly finished or are we going to be three hours late again?” “Yeah yeah, done in a second! This bloody beard doesn’ t want to stick,” Merlin says. “Need any help?” Arthur asks as he tightens the belt around his waist and pulls on his red cape. He grabs the small pink, purpl e, and blue dragon pin from Merlin’ s desk and fiddles with it. It’s his favourite pride pin, given to him by Merlin after he finally gathered up the courage to tell him that he likes people romantically and no one sexua lly, regardless of gender . It still scares him to wear it, despite the pride he feels. He wonders how long it’ll take before it stops making his stomach swoop anxiously , if it ever will stop. “No, all good!” Merlin says, and then he’s bouncing out from the bathroom and Arthur can’t help the loud laugh that escapes him. “You look absolutely ridiculous,” he says. “Remind me to never let you grow a beard.” Merlin pouts at him, and it makes him look even more bizarre in his red robes and long white fake beard and scraggly wig. He’ s even added wrinkles. “Who said Merlin the Wizard had to be old?” Arthur asks, still fiddling with the pin in his hands. “Maybe he was a fit young sorcerer .” Merlin rolls his eyes and steps forward, hands reaching to grab the pin from Arthur ’s hands. He hums as he removes the pin lock. “King Arthur ’s young lover , perhaps?” he says, glancing up briefly at Arthur before he returns his attention to fastening the pin to Arthur ’s cape. Arthur swallows. “W ell, history always did have a way of being pretty gay .” Merlin snorts. “You can say that again.” He finishes fastening the pin, runs his hands over the fabric of the cape, and then steps back. He grins at Arthur . “Now we match,” he says, tugging at his red robes and the bi-coloured butterfly and the non-binary he/him pins fastened on the left side of his chest. Arthur huf fs out a laugh, heart thudding in his chest. “You look great,” Merlin adds, giving him a once-over . “The Great King of Camelot.” “Thanks,” Arthur says, voice hoarse. He clears his throat. “Y ou look old.” Merlin rolls his eyes at him again, and really it fits his costume perfectly . “Prat.” “That’ s Your Royal Prat to you, Sorce rer,” Arthur says as he makes sure he has all his things and picks up Merli n’s phone before grabbing hold of Merlin’ s arm. “Now come on, the court awaits us.” Gwaine has really gone all out. His house is decked out with skeletons and ghosts and spider - web, a row of pumpkins that Arthur recognises from their annual pumpkin-carving competition litters his front porch, and the music blasting from the living room is nothing if not the Ghostbusters soundtrack. Gwaine himself is dressed in a leather costume that shows more skin than perhaps is socially acceptable but is entirely expected from him and a winged eyeliner that even Arthur is jealous of even if he very rarely wears makeup. No way the Playboy bunnies are getting all the fun, as Gwai ne said a few years ago when he wore a literal Playboy bunny outfit for Halloween. He’ s only outdone himself since. “Friends! You made it,” he calls when they walk through the door. “I’m loving the couple’ s costume,” he says with a wide grin. Arthur rolls his eyes at him and lets himself be pulled into a mostly naked hug. “Thanks. It was all Merlin’ s idea,” he says when Gwaine pulls Merlin into a similar hug. Gwaine grins at Merlin, slapping him on the shoulder . “Of course it was.” Merlin grins back at him proudly . His fake beard is already starting to peel, so Arthur pushes it back in place. “You want anything to drink?” Gwaine asks, motioning towards the kitchen that is only a little less crowded than the living room and the hall. Arthur shrugs. “Why not.” “I’m alright, thanks. I’m going to find Gwen! I promised her I’d show her my outfit as soon as I came,” Merlin says, waving them off and disappearing into the throng of people and further into the house. “Alright then, what can I offer you, Princess?” Gwaine asks as he leads Arthur into the kitchen. There are orange streamers hanging from the ceiling and the kitchen table is littered with an array of drinks and bottles. Arthur rolls his eyes again. “Honestly , anything’ s fine so long as it’s not deadly . I do have to attend lunch with my father and sister tomorrow , and as much as I think Morgana would love to see me hungover I don’t think Father would be too impressed,” he says, scowling when Gwaine grins at him. “Your daddy’s always been a stick in the mud,” he says, and Arthur scrunc hes his nose up at the choice of word , but can’t disagr ee with the rest. “I’m going to make you a potion of courage so you can finally get around to telling Merlin how you feel. You’ll only feel it a little in the morning , I promise,” he says with a smile that tells Arthur he’s definitely going to feel it more than a little. Arthur purses his lips and gives him an unimpressed glare, but doesn’ t stop him when Gwaine grabs a few of the bottles strewn across the table and starts pouring liquids of different colours into a glass. “Oh, come on, mate. You’ve been pining for him since primary school. Don’ t you think it’s about time?” Honestly Arthur doesn’ t know why he ever told Gwaine about his feelings for Merlin, but then he probably wasn’ t very sober when he did and it was definitely Gwaine and his scarily- tasty, very-alcoholic drinks’ fault. He raises an eyebrow when Gwaine drops a small, round item into his drink and holds it out to him. “And I’m perfectly fine pining until I die,” he says, taking the glass and watching the fake eye bob up and down in the colourful drink. He gives Gwaine a skeptical look before taking a sip. “Oh my god,” he says, making a face. It’ s way too strong and tastes way too good. “What the hell did you put in this?” Gwaine just grins at him and slaps him on the shoulder . “Just think about it,” he says, before slipping out of the kitchen. Arthur doesn’ t tell him that he has thought about it, multiple times. He takes another sip from the drink and grimaces again. God he’s not having any more to drink after this one. Arthur has thought about it, more times than he can count, really , has been close to telling Merlin a handful of times too. And yet, Gwaine’ s words make him think about it again, because honestly he isn’t sure he really is fine pining until the day he dies. He loves being friends with Merlin more than anything and if that’ s what they’re always going to be then that is more than fine with him, but he’s not sure he could go his entire life not knowing if that’s what Merlin wants or if their relationship could be something else. It’s probably the ridiculous amount of alcohol in the drink Gwaine made, but he’s feeling a little daring tonight. He won’ t ever know what Merlin feels if he never asks, right? So he spends almost half an hour walking through Gwaine’ s house trying to find Merlin somewhere in the crowd of witches and superheroes and pirates and ghosts, with little success. But he’ s made up his mind now , and like hell he’ s going to chicken out. It’s only when he goes outside into the cold night air that he spots him in the corner of the garden, face softly illuminated by the string of yellow lights hanging in the red and orange trees. He’s sitting, rather close, too, and laughing with a girl — Freya, Arthur thinks, from one of Merlin’ s nerdy societies. They’re turned towards each other , knees touching and smiles on their faces, caught in conve rsation. They look like they’ve forgotten the rest of the world exists, as if there’ s only the two of them, and Arthur ’s stomach drops. He guesses he wasn’ t meant to tell Merlin today either . He’s just about to turn around and go back inside when Merlin spots him. Merlin turns and grins at him, and Arthur , in turn, just gives him an awkward wave. Merlin turns back to Freya, saying something that has her smiling widely and nodding, and then he ducks in to leave a lingering kiss on her cheek before standing up and making his way towards Arthur . He doesn’ t take his eyes off her until he’s reached him, and Arthur supposes there’ s no need to ask. It’ s plenty obvious what Merlin feels. So, instead, he forces a grin and wiggles his eyebrows when Merlin finally looks at him. Merlin just laughs, cheeks dusted red, and punches him in the arm. V. The tube is crowded, with people packed shoulder to shoulder in the aisles and groups of friends squeezed too many into a row of seats. Arthur is tucked — more like wedged, really — between Merlin and Percival, the rest of their friends crammed in around them. There’ s really no use in trying to follow any of the conversations happening around him with the loud noise of the train and the laughter and chatter filling the car from all directions, and it’s much too tight to get a hold of his phone, so Arthur settles with staring off into the space in front of him. Which happens to hold a glum looking Merlin. It’s not very cold on the tube — the body temperature of all eight hundre d or so people are doing wonders against the early November cold — but Merlin is wrapped up in his usual blue scarf, chin tucked into it, and huddled into a thick rust red jacket. The dark grey wool beanie he’s wear ing has a small cat with a red neckerchief on the brim, his dark hair curling around it. He’s clearly trying to follow whatev er conversation Morgana, Leon, Lance, and Gwen are having on the other side of Percival, but Arthur can barely hear them so he figures Merlin isn’t much better off. He knows why he’s trying though, knows why there’s a small frown pulling at his brow and why there’ s a tired set to his shoulders and bags under his eyes. Arthur wishes he could help, wishes he could cheer him up, get him out of his own head and forget about Freya for a moment, but he’s shit at these things. What do you tell someone who’ s just been broken up with by their year-long girlfriend? Merlin really liked Freya, probably even loved her; what do you say to someone who’ s gotten their heart broken? Arthur isn’t sure he’d want anyone to say anything reassuring to him at all, honestly . It’s all empty words, anyway . So he doesn’ t say anything reassuring. Instead, he says, “Your face is going to get stuck if you keep frowning like that,” because he’ s an idiot. Merlin rolls his eyes at him, but the frown loosens up just the slightest, so Arthur takes it as a win. “You’re one to speak, with how you brood half the time. You’re going to get wrinkles,” Merlin retorts. Arthur gapes at him, af fronted. “I don’ t brood!” Merlin snorts. He squeezes his hand up between them and runs his thumb over Arthur ’s forehead. “Then what’ s this, Mr. Sunshine?” he says, and Arthur immediately tries to relax the scowl he’d barely noticed. “I’m a delight, thank you very much.” Merlin huffs out a laugh, and it’s a little happier , at least. Instead of trying to pull his arm down to his side again, he simply lets it rest against Arthur ’s chest, hand steady on his shoulder . Arthur wonders if Merlin can feel his heart beating loudly in his chest. “You’re about as delightful as the flu,” Merlin tells him. Arthur can’t help himself, and smirks, wiggling his eyebrows. “What, getting you all hot and bothered?” he asks, and Merlin lets out a loud, startled laugh. Warmth fills Arthur ’s chest at the look Merlin gives him, his eyes twinkling with mirth. He hasn’ t seen Merlin smile so widely in weeks. He grins crookedly back at him. “You wish,” Merlin says, and becaus e their proximity means he can’t punch Arthur in the arm like he usually would, he resorts to pinching his neck lightly . Arthur complains out loud, and wonders silently if he should admit that yes, he kind of does. “This station is W ood Gr een,” the announcement sounds over the intercom, and as soon as the tube stops almost the entire car fills out into the station. And from there it’s a rush of bodies and excitement and street food and drinks, watching the large bonfire get lit and its fire grow , yelling more than speaking the rhyme, and cheering over the morbid tradition of watching a man made of straw be set on fire. It’s fun and pleasant and the drinks are warm where the night is cold, and they’re all bundled together as close to the fire as they can get. Arthur stands next to Merlin, a cup of hot apple cider in his hands, watchin g from the corner of his eye as Merlin stares absentmindedly into the fire. The light of the bonfire casts shadows and a yellow glow across his face that makes him look ethereal. The quiet content in his eyes has Arthu r’s heart aching in his chest, because Merlin deserves this always, to feel content and happy and cherished. Merlin deserves to know that someone loves him, now more than ever , when he feels broken and unloveable. It’s their final year, and while Arthur doesn’ t think he could let go of Merl in again so easily , they’re graduating soon and life takes turns you don’t expect it to. He might not get another chance, might not gather up the courage again before it’ s too late. “Merlin,” he starts, and Merlin turns to him with a hum, eyes softly crinkled at the corners. His cheeks are a little rosy from the nipping wind, but he looks warm and comfortable and Arthur is so ridiculously in love. Arthur opens his mouth to continue — to tell him, finally — but that’s when the first firework goes off and the world is lit with a wonderful array of colours. Merlin turns his head with a surprised laugh to watch the display in the night sky, but Arthur pays more attention to the way the colours illuminate Merlin’ s face and how they reflect in his wide, awestruck eyes. Merlin’ s face is lit up in delight by the time the colours fade. He turns to Arthur with a blinding smile, and Arthur swallows. Because he can’t risk taking this away from him, not now, not for such selfish reasons as his own. “What were you going to say?” Merlin asks, and Arthur shakes his head. There’ll be another time, a time when Merlin isn’t heart broken and his eyes don’t reflect the night sky, when Arthur can form the words instead of just wanting to stare at him in awe. “Nothing,” he says. “Just… glad you’re here.” Merlin beams at him and bumps their shoulders. He doesn’ t pull away afterwards. “Me too.” + I. It’s a cold, wet Saturday in late Novem ber. The air is cold and the trees are bare, and the day has been lovely , the air crisp and the sky blue — up until about an hour ago. Then lunchtime came around and so did the dark clouds hanging heavy over Arthur ’s head, and of course it would start pouring down the mome nt he stepped out from the safety of the under ground station. As he rushes through the streets in the rain he’s eternally grateful that he had the foresight to bring a raincoat and that Merlin decided on meeting for a coffee rather than the walk he first suggested. A bell jingles as he pushes the door to The Round Table open and steps inside, coat dripping water onto the floor despite the short trip from the station to the café. He pulls the hood down and unzips the coat as he glances around the small and cozy space. It’s of little surprise that Merlin is nowhere to be seen; he does have a penchant for being late. Arthur decides to order while he waits, and scans over the menus above the bar. They’re all changed from their autumn and Halloween specials to limited winter and Christmas drinks, and the shelves are lined with yule logs, Christmas puddings, and fruity mince pies amongst their usual pastries and cakes. The only thing that’s missing, really , is the Christmas decoration and All I Want For Christmas Is You playing from the speakers, but Arthur figures it’s probably only a matter of days. He doesn ’t dislike Christmas per se, but he doesn’ t usually try to get himself into the Christmas spirit until December 1st, so he’s happy to see they still offer their autumn assortment. He orders a vegan caramel and hazelnut latte and a black coffee with a splash of dairy-free milk and a pinch of cinnam on. Just as he’s about to pay he throws in one of the gingerbread muffins too because he can’t help himself. It’s only a week until December , anyway . He’s just sat down with the drinks and the pastry when the bell above the door jingles again, a mop of wet, dark hair and dark blue eyes looking around until they spot him. Merlin grins widely and makes his way through the café. The corner of Arthur ’s mouth tugs up just the slightest. “Sorry I’m late!” Merlin says when he reaches him, and he does at least have the decency to look like he means it. “I forgot my umbrella at home and was hoping I could wait out the rain at the station,” he says as he shrugs off his wet coat and hangs it over the chair in front of Arthur . His hair is dripping water onto his dark green sweater and his cheeks are flushed a bright red from the cold. Arthur rolls his eyes good heartedly . “Only you, Merlin.” “That’ s not true!” Merlin exclaims, ruffling his hair and successfully splattering water droplets everywhere. “The forecast didn’ t say anything about a downpour!” “It did say it was going to rain,” Arthur points out. Merlin rolls his eyes as he steps aroun d the table. “It didn’ t say it was going to rain this much . Clotpole,” he says, and then he bends down and pulls Arthur into a tight, warm — if a little wet — hug. “I missed you.” Arthur wraps his arms around Merlin’ s back and hugs him back just as tightly . It’s only been a few months, and it’s not like they haven’ t talked, but between internships and work and Merlin being away as part of his graduate position, they’ve barely had any time to meet since graduation. And Arthur has missed him something fiercely . “We talked yesterday ,” he says, just to be an arse, and Merlin huffs out a laugh and hugs him just a little tighter . Arthur grins. “I missed you too.” Merlin squeezes him one more time and then he pulls back, plopping into his chair and pulling his waiting cup of coffee towards him. He takes a sip and hums satisfied, his lips pulling into a grin. The corners of it are soft and warm. “So, what ’s happened in your life? I want to know everything,” he says, leaning his elbows against the table. Arthur huffs out a laugh and takes a sip from his own warm drink. “You already know everything,” he says. “Nothing new has happened in the last eighteen hours, surprisingly enough.” Merlin just continues to grin at him. “How was the Halloween party?” “Good,” Arthur says. “Gwaine and Percy fell into the pool and Leon had to pull them out. They were both grounded and forced to spend the rest of the night sobering up in Gwaine’ s bathroom,” he tells him with a chuck le. “And Gwen looked so gorgeous in her costume we all thought Lance was going to get down and propose any second.” He grins. “Although I think he’ s probably got something a little more special planned.” Merlin chuckles. “Maybe not the most romantic situation when people are dressed up in outfits ranging from nothing to absolute absurdity and everyone is well beyond drunk. Good choice, Lance.” “I’m pretty sure Gwen would say yes if he proposed in a dumpster , to be fair .” Merlin laughs, warm and happy . “Yeah, she would.” “My costume wasn’ t nearly as good without my sorcerer , though,” Arthur says, and Merlin smiles widely . “I’m sure the mighty King Arthur is just as striking without him,” he says. Arthur shrugs. “Maybe,” he says, hiding his smile behind his cup. “But he definitely felt like something was missing.” Merlin’ s bright eyes crinkle at the corners. “I guess his sorcerer will have to make sure to show up next time, then,” he says. “I’m holding you to that,” Arthur says, giving him a pointed look. “So, how was Manchester? Seemed like you had a lot of fun.” Merlin’ s entire face lights up. “I did! It was so interesting to finally see everything I’ve learnt actually be used in practice, you know?” he says, and then he goes on a ramble about everything he saw in the three months he was away , everyone he met, all the things he got to do. Arthur has already heard more than half of this, but he has only heard it over the phone and through video calls with poor connection, and he’ll never mind hearing Merlin speak, no matter how many times he has to hear the same thing. A little distance and four months apart and the feelings in Arthur ’s chest haven’ t diminished in the slightest. At this point he figures they probably never will. “-and Sefa has promised to come here just before Christmas; we were thinking of heading up to Edinbur gh for the Christmas market. I’m just really excited to see her again, even if we saw each other a few weeks ago,” Merlin says with a laugh. He speaks about her a lot, Sefa, and it’ s clear he likes her . Arthur just isn’ t sure in which way . So he raises his eyebrow suggestively , and Merlin’ s quick to wave him of f. “No, it’s nothing like that,” he says with a chuckle. “We’re friends, and I’m pretty sure she and Daegal have something going on,” he adds and grins. Arthur nods in understanding, but frowns when Merlin gives him a funny look. “How about you?” Merlin asks, averting his eyes and grabbing one of the forks on the table. He pokes at the gingerbread muffin. “Mithian seems nice,” he says, and there’ s a strange tilt to his voice. And sure, Mithian is nice. Quite lovely , actually , and Arthur could see something happening between them, if he wasn’ t so damn gone on the person sitting in front of him. And so, this time, Arthur doesn’ t hesitate, doesn’ t stop himself or let himself back down. This time, he lets the words he’s wanted to say for so long roll off his tongue with an ease that really isn’ t all that surprising. “She is,” Merlin’ s lips tug up into something that is probably supposed to be a smile but looks more like a grimace, “but I’m far too busy pining over my best friend for the nth year in a row to really consider it.” It feels not so scary and very relievin g, to finally share the secret he never wanted to keep to begin with. Merlin snaps his head up to stare at him with wide eyes and Arthur rolls his eyes at him. “Oh come on, you can’ t be that oblivious.” Merlin huffs out a laugh and shakes his head. “No. I just wasn’ t expecting you to actually admit it,” he says, and Arthur frowns at him. “I’ve been waiting for you to say something since we were fifteen.” Arthur balks. “Why did you wait for me to say something? If you knew , why didn’ t you say so?” Merlin shrugs, shoving a piece of muffin into his mouth. “I didn’ t want to force you to share something you weren’ t ready for, or feel like you were obligated to do anything about it. I know your dad isn’ t…” he grimaces, “the most approving.” Arthur snorts. “No shit. But seriously , since year ten?” he asks, and Merlin nods. Arthur huffs out a laugh, and leans back in his chair . “Guess all my anxiety about telling you was pretty unnecessary .” Merlin gives him a soft smile. “Y ou never needed to be anxious.” “I know ,” Arthur says with a sigh. “I’ve wanted you to know since I figured it out, but it always came up at bad times or something came in the way and ruined the moment,” he says. Merlin laughs. “But at a café on a random, miserable Saturday afternoon fit the bill?” he asks, mirth in his eyes. Arthur pushes down his own grin and shrugs. “Figured it was as good a day as any .” “Say it again,” Merlin says, leaning forward in his chair , his lips stretching wide as he smiles. Arthur rolls his eyes at him, but he feels his smile tug at his own cheeks. “I love you.” “I know that,” Merlin says with laughter in his voice. “Say the other thing,” he tells him. Arthur huf fs out a breath of a laugh and moves forwards so he’ s also leaning over the table. “I’m in love with you,” he says, holding Merlin’ s gaze. He doesn’ t bother fighting the smile anymore. “Have been since I was eleven.” Merlin grins, wide and bright and warm, and then he ducks forward and his lips catch Arthur ’s in a kiss that tastes like cinnamon and coffee and caramel. It is new and exciting just the same as it feels entirely natural, like something Arthur has done a hundred times before, something he’ll do hundreds and hundreds of times again. “Good,” Merlin says when he pulls away . “Because I’m in love with you too and I’d really like to add ‘boyfriend’ to the list of things I refer to you as in my head.” Arthur runs a thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone and raises an eyebrow . He probably shouldn’ t ask, but he can’ t help himself. “Oh? And what other names do you have on that list?” “Clotpoll. Prat. Best friend. Ass. Arthur . Cabbagehead. Love of my life. Dollophead.” He laughs and kisses Merlin again. “Wouldn’ t be a complete list without boyfriend on there, would it?” Merlin grins at him again, bright and warm enough to rival the sun. “No, no it wouldn’ t.” End Notes Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it! Find me on tumblr and twitter ! Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated! Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 7,842
Chapters: 1/1

Merlin and Arthur tag along with Harry Potter (and the Philosopher's Stone)

Merlin’s been keeping a close eye on the Riddle boy. It’s the flirting with the Balance that sets Riddle apart, makes him Merlin’s business. Merlin’s never gone out of his way to involve himself. When Riddle drags a baby boy into his mess, though, it’s too far. It’s a little too close to that life-for-a-life business. A little too close to Queen Ygraine’s death. Arthur agrees.They’re not the only ones watching. Albus Dumbledore has inserted himself and is already deconstructing the situation, putting measures into place and making plans. The boy is taken care of. Merlin and Arthur make some plans of their own.-------------------Merlin and Arthur take note the night Harry Potter cheats death (the first time). When the boy turns 11, they decide it's high time they went back to Hogwarts.
Rating: Not Rated
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Hogwarts, Hogwarts First Year, Book 1: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Friendship, First Meetings, Diagon Alley, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Immortal Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Children, Undercover, Secret Identity, Chaotic Dumbassery at its finest, nonbinary Merlin, Immortal Husbands, Genderfluid Character, Genderfluid Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2021-08-30
Words: 65,636
Chapters: 23/23
Comments: 645
Kudos: 2,875
Bookmarks: 447
Hits: 68,949
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Tom Riddle | Voldemort, Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Severus Snape, Quirinus Quirrell
Completed: 2021-12-02

Ere Break of Day

Merlin wakes after some nightmares and goes to make sure that his king is alright. Things get kind of emotional and heavy from there.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Feels, Angst, Tears, Love Confessions, Magic Revealed, First Kiss, Fluff, Angst with a Happy Ending, Fluff and Angst, slightly OOC
Language: English
Published: 2015-03-13
Words: 1,894
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 608
Bookmarks: 57
Hits: 7,853
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Frame of Mind

King Arthur and his entourage are visiting Nemeth to sign a peace treaty when one of the councillors is murdered, casting suspicions on Camelot and doubt on the passing of the treaty. Now, Arthur, Merlin and Gwen, with the help of Princess Mithian, must find out who really killed him and why, before the treaty fails completely and the kingdoms are plunged into war.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Politics, Minor Character Death, Sabotage, Minor Injuries, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Good Morgana (Merlin), Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2021-12-14
Words: 4,643
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 162
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 1,479
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mithian & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mithian (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Mithian (Merlin), Mithian & Rodor (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Rodor (Merlin), Original Characters

forever winter if you go

“Believe me, Arthur," Merlin says, trying to convince Arthur, who looks outside the window into the grey sky."I don't know who and what to believe anymore, Merlin."Merlin's eyes widen in shock, and he stares at the back of Arthur's head."You can trust me, Arthur! And you know that!""Can I, Merlin?"
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2021-12-18
Words: 1,148
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 247
Bookmarks: 14
Hits: 3,056
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin & Arthur Advent 2021

A month full of miniature Merthur ficlets - each chapter is a stand-alone mini fic. Happy December!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Advent Calendar Drabble, Christmas Mini Fics, Boys In Love, Boys Kissing, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, An entire month of these two boys being completely adorable idiots, no beta we die like men, most of these will be written on my phone so beware typos, chapter tags in notes, Tags May Change, Modern AU, Canon Era, Mostly Fluff, Established Relationship, Friends to Lovers, Strangers to Lovers, First Kiss, First Meetings, Some angst, Always a Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2021-12-01
Words: 38,561
Chapters: 30/30
Comments: 300
Kudos: 297
Bookmarks: 39
Hits: 5,050
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin Ensemble
Completed: 2022-02-04

Merlin, Arthur, and the horrible, no good, very bad week.

Written for Merthur Week 2021.Arthur and Merlin go through 7 days of hell. One event after another threatening to pull the apart. With magic, danger, and outside forces conspiring against them, will they survive the week? And if they do, will they still be together when it is done?
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merthur Week 2021, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Slow Burn, Angst, Happy Ending, Hurt Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2021-12-20
Words: 21,127
Chapters: 7/7
Comments: 11
Kudos: 224
Bookmarks: 46
Hits: 3,832
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2021-12-31

Just This Once

"Well then," Arthur whispered, "Just this once..."***Merlin and Arthur have always been close, but have never passed the boundaries of friendship. But perhaps, they could make an exception- just this once.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin - Fandom
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, arlin, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2015-03-23
Words: 843
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 131
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 1,852
Characters: Merlin, Arthur Pendragon

This Part Was Not Foretold

“Arthur thinks I've been possessed by an evil sorcerer. How’s your day going?”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: knights of the round table - Freeform, Everyone Is Alive, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), Possession, Enchantments, False Assumptions, Humor, Crack, Definitely unrealistic in canon, but who cares, Canon timeline does not exist in this, Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2022-11-27
Words: 1,509
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 126
Kudos: 1,326
Bookmarks: 167
Hits: 7,366
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Lancelot (Merlin), Lancelot & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

the turns have tabled (and we escalate quickly from there)

“You havegotto be kidding me.”“Well,” Merlin said faintly, “theyarevery straight-forward instructions.”Arthur glared at the cave wall in front of him as if it would make the words change. In fact, Merlin could have sworn they etched themselves deeper.Leave in peace by uttering my spellAgor y fynedfa guddMerlin may just have been having the worst day of his life.OR: Merlin and Arthur end up in a sorcerer’s cave. The only way out is by using magic. Neither of them like the idea very much. Arthur ends up surprising Merlin (and possibly himself as well). It escalates from there.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst and Humor, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Emotional Constipation, Arthur Pendragon Needs a Hug (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Has Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), okay so im incapable of writing anything without joking, however that doesn’t mean i don’t write some dark shit, Suicide Attempt, but not in an i wanna die way, more so if i go off the rails i dont wanna hurt ppl so not existing eliminates that, Gen or Pre-Slash, we actually explore the reality of arthur knowing nothing about magic, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2022-01-21
Words: 13,122
Chapters: 4/4
Comments: 286
Kudos: 3,014
Bookmarks: 486
Hits: 25,137
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2022-02-12

In Exchange For Your Heart

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Dark!fic The Kingdom of Avalon has fallen. Arthur finds himself the reluctant keeper of the fallen enemy prince. Destiny had somehow made a mistake. *** "You don't have to, you know," Arthur said. "Not all the time." "What?" came Merlin’s clipped response from the corner after a moment. Arthur turned around to face his captive. "Be this," he gestured at Merlin broadly. "Be defiant, brave....stoic....all the time. It is painful to watch." Merlin didn't answer. Arthur sighed. "Just....just....when that door closes, when we reach the end of the day. Just allow yourself to relax for just a while." Arthur tried on a small smile, holding his palms up in a gesture of surrender. "I promise I won't tell anybody."
Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con
Category: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)/Original Character(s)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Dark Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Slavery, Threats of Rape/Non-Con, Imprisonment, Slow Build, Captivity, Cruelty, Tragic Romance, Eventual Romance, Stockholm Syndrome, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Manipulative Relationship, Whump, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Possessive Behavior, Period-Typical Homophobia, Internalized Homophobia, Unrequited Love, Abusive Relationships, Revenge, Alternate Universe, Starvation, Jealousy, Alternate Universe - Dark
Published: 2021-12-27
Updated: 2022-02-27
Words: 57735
Chapters: 14/20

If You Die, I'll Kill You

“Arthur, this is a bad idea.” Merlin’s gaze darted around the forest. The fog was causing even less visibility than usual in this area and he could barely see more than a few feet away in any direction.“Another one of your funny feelings, Merlin?” Arthur scoffed.Arthur has the foolhardy idea while taking the knights and Merlin on a hunting trip to pass through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. He doesn't heed Merlin's cautions and needless to say things do not go well for them.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Love Confessions, Temporary Character Death, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Needs a Hug (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2022-02-08
Words: 3,404
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 31
Kudos: 1,137
Bookmarks: 151
Hits: 10,387
Categories: Gen, M/M
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Freya (Merlin)

Promposal

Merlin is left frustrated all day as Arthur acts strangely. aka the three times Arthur tries to ask his best friend Merlin to prom, and the one time he succeeds.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Promposal, Prom, Friends to Lovers, Alternate Universe - High School
Language: English
Published: 2015-04-07
Words: 1,811
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 297
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 4,257
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)

the light of a thousand suns (is yours to hold)

“Are you sure you are ready yet, Arthur?”“Merlin, stop worrying. I am quite capable of riding a horse, thank you very much.”“That might just be the first time you have thanked me.”“Well, I didn’t mean it, so stop grinning.”“Let me see your wound one more time, Arthur.”“Fine, if you stop acting like an overprotective hen,” Arthur muttered.“And what does that make you? My fragile chick?”“Merlin!” Arthur growled and Merlin quickly undressed him, a grin plastered onto his face.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Protective Merlin, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin) Lives, Good Morgana (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Morgana's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin Saves Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angst with a Happy Ending, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2022-02-13
Words: 10,759
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 20
Kudos: 423
Bookmarks: 57
Hits: 4,981
Categories: F/M, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)

...And they lived happily ever after

Merlin rips the door open, Arthur freezing behind his shoulder. Standing before them is a thin, pale woman with long dark hair, striking green eyes and blood red lips. Merlin recognizes his almost-wife from all the pictures he’s seen.“Morgana,” Arthur breathes, his voice merely a whisper. Merlin steps back into his husband's space, lending him support without a word.For the bingo square: G4 - And they lived happily ever after
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Established Relationship, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slice of Life, Protective Merlin (Merlin), Sibling Love, Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Marriage Proposal
Language: English
Published: 2022-02-17
Words: 3,376
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 327
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 4,034
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

No One Hurts Merlin

Merlin, Arthur, and Leon are captured while on a quest, by a woman claiming to have a way to identify Emrys. The way? Poison.Written for Merlin Bingo 2022: Protective Arthur
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Leon Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Kind Of, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Canon Era, Canon-Typical Violence, Gentle Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Awesome Leon (Merlin), i can't write
Language: English
Published: 2022-03-05
Words: 5,101
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 1,982
Bookmarks: 198
Hits: 16,392
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), barely - Relationship, platonic or romantic - Relationship, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin)

A Moment More

It's late, Arthur is drunk, and Guinevere is gone. In the cover of night, Merlin and Arthur share what can never be.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst
Language: English
Published: 2012-04-04
Words: 3,719
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 89
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 1,449
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

Dancing With Him

Merlin and Arthur attend Sophie's birthday party where Arthur meets someone new.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2015-04-21
Words: 1,210
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 121
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,438

Just say it ....

Raising Arthur to believe he shouldn't show any love Uther is quickly forced to get Arthur to ignore all he taught him when Ygraine gets involved after Arthur loses the love of his life due to what he had been taught
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Romance, Happy Ending, Forced Marriage, True Love, Off-screen Relationship(s), Angst
Language: English
Published: 2015-04-17
Words: 4,055
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 170
Bookmarks: 28
Hits: 4,641
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois/Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor/Hunith (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Protection

Arthur knows about Merlin's magic, and finds it hard to protect someone who doesn't even try to protect themself.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Arthur Knows, coda 1.03
Language: English
Published: 2015-04-22
Words: 1,139
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 13
Kudos: 755
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 8,693
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Of Many To Come

Merlin wasn't doing anything rash like erasing the memory completely, he was merely…burying it. It would simply be overlooked, almost like it wasn't important enough to think about. Arthur wouldn't be able to remember it, but Merlin would never be able to forget it.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Magic-Users, Pining Merlin, Poor Merlin, Memory Alteration, Repressed Memories, Memory Magic, Arthur Finds Out, Jealous Arthur, Protective Arthur, Minor Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, POV Merlin, Original Character(s), Attempted Sexual Assault, Arthur Saves the Day, Camelot, First Kiss, True Love's Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2015-04-26
Words: 5,676
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 49
Kudos: 4,575
Bookmarks: 604
Hits: 67,761
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Completed: 2015-08-04

all our dead, unfinished selves

The woods are quiet. Merlin stares up at the leafless branches and thinks about the taste of blood in his mouth, wet and thick but always better than ash. He breathes in slowly. Breathes out. When he sits up, Arthur turns on him with his dagger drawn, blue eyes wild, and Merlin barely flinches.“You killed me once, Arthur,” he says, soft. “Can you do it again?”Inspired bythistumblr post.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Angst with a Happy Ending, Accidental Death, Temporary Character Death, Hurt/Comfort, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Canon-Typical Violence, Implied/Referenced Character Death
Language: English
Published: 2022-05-05
Words: 1,187
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 121
Kudos: 3,318
Bookmarks: 396
Hits: 22,464
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Favour

The prince should have a favour, right?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, First Kiss, Idiots in Love, Oblivious Merlin (Merlin), everyone knows except Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2022-05-18
Words: 805
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 561
Bookmarks: 44
Hits: 3,721
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

Home

For randomb33's prompt:Merlin/Arthur, hot cocoa.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2009-12-11
Words: 629
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 64
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 671
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

Live Steel

Merlin gets hurt during a bandit attack, so Arthur decides it is time for him to learn to swordfight. While he tries to teach Merlin to protect himself, he feels as if Merlin isn't taking it as seriously as he should, never realizing that Merlin has his own special way of protecting himself.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Gay, Male Slash, Romance, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Related, Love, Relationship(s), Kissing, Protectiveness, Possessive Behavior, Feels, Swordfighting, Confessions, Magic Revealed, Happy Ending, Established Relationship, Cuddling & Snuggling, Mild Gore
Language: English
Published: 2015-05-30
Words: 3,994
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 362
Bookmarks: 54
Hits: 5,511
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Leon, Tauren, Percival, Gwaine, Lancelot

Arthur's Lesson

Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: AU, bros, Arthur is an idiot, But they love him, inspired by the fabulous work done by the castle guards, seriously, top notch
Language: English
Published: 2015-06-01
Words: 1,660
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 21
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 549
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Uther (mentioned), Gaius (mentioned)

i wish to see you smile, full of happiness and love

It's a dangerous thing, devotion.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Dark Merlin (Merlin), Dark Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), not really dark arthur tbh, he's like, Grey Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), And like, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Is Into Merlin's Smile (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), it's a thing that passes, not a big deal, it's a short fic how am i going to make it a big deal, how obsession can turn love a lil bit ugly, Someone dies, actually a lot of people die but it's like very very non graphic and mostly just said, Devotion, honestly this was born of my thoughts of how arthur and the way he is about merlin's smiles, arthur: i would do anything to see you smile, merlin: i would do anything for you, yup :D, this is a little soft tbh if we ignore the Dark bit of it lol, oh oh, Uther Pendragon Dies (Merlin), fun times :P, ummm - Freeform, Love, Friendship, at this point i dont even know what im tagging, like? it's such a short thing should i be tagging so mugh?, meh who cares i like tagging, so other things are that merlin is Very Very in love, Arthur Loves Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Loves Arthur (Merlin), They love each other
Language: English
Published: 2022-08-13
Words: 1,240
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 43
Kudos: 675
Bookmarks: 124
Hits: 4,767
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), other people i think?, i dont think so - Character

The Sorcerer's New Clothes

Merlin is sulking.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Hats, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2011-01-21
Words: 656
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 79
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 1,115
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

Merlin! I Think I Have Magic!

Arthur wasn’t sure exactly when it had started, but now he was sure of it. HE. HAD. MAGIC. It was the only way to explain all the falling branches and mysterious happenings around him. There were just too many coincidences to deny it any longer. But what was he to do?!His father could never find out. And what if Merlin learned he had magic and began to fear him? For now, Arthur was going to have to keep this secret to himself which is a lot easier said than done when he can barely control it.Or the five times Arthur thinks he’s using magic, and the one time he figures out what’s really going on. Get ready for another of my patent blend of comedy, fluff and hurt/comfort!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: 5+1 Things, Crack Treated Seriously, Getting Together, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Idiot Arthur Pendragon, Good Morgana (Merlin), Happy Ending, Merlin will never let Arthur forget this, Non-Explicit Sex, First Kiss, First Time
Language: English
Published: 2022-08-15
Words: 7,073
Chapters: 6/6
Comments: 196
Kudos: 1,720
Bookmarks: 225
Hits: 16,490
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2022-09-29

Find Me In The Future

A few months after Morgause and Morgana's failed coup, Arthur is doing his best to run the kingdom; Gwen is caring for Uther, a broken man, confined to his chambers; and Merlin is still juggling three jobs as manservant, physician's apprentice, and secret guardian angel to a seemingly oblivious prince. As all three grapple with the reverberations of Morgana's betrayal and look anxiously towards the future, the future comes to them in the form of Arthur and Merlin from a decade later, accidentally plopped into their past. Together, they set out to return the pair to their proper place in time, confronting mistakes, secrets, and an unexpected peek into what the future holds. Featuring teasing, arguing, crying, roughhousing, more teasing, innuendo, and a sneaky little horse named Hengreon, join this cast of confusingly named characters for an attempt at humor that became a harrowing emotional journey featuring: Arthur, Uther, Arthur, Merlin, Merlin, Gwen, Gwaine, Gwyn?!, Morgana, and Morgause.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Time Travel, Time Travel, Magic Revealed, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Ygraine's Sigil (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Getting Together, Swearing, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Redeemed Morgana (Merlin), Minor Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin), Canon-Typical Violence, Established Relationship, i just think they should be allowed to say Fuck, Fluff and Angst, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Post-Episode: s03e12-13 The Coming of Arthur, Smart Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Awesome Gwen (Merlin), POV Multiple, Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2022-09-11
Words: 97,707
Chapters: 33/33
Comments: 331
Kudos: 1,114
Bookmarks: 371
Hits: 29,256
Categories: F/F, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Gwen (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgause (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)
Completed: 2022-10-30

Kissing it Better

Arthur is just the legendary best friend he always is, and tends to a wounded Merlin.
Rating: General Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Kid Fic, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Magic, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2012-05-30
Words: 423
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 93
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,804
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

Regent

Arthur is turned into a child.And with that, Camelot is in dire need of a regent or else there will be war.The natural next in line, is no other than Lord Agravaine, who seems to suspect Merlin as the reason for Arthur's current condition.And if that man wasn't bad enough, Merlin learns the bitter truth about Arthur's childhood. And Agravaine's role in it.Something has to happen, or the six year old Arthur is forced to live through his trauma a second time.That is, until they find out Arthur left a will....
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Age Regression/De-Aging, Curses, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Past Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Childhood Trauma, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Angry Merlin (Merlin), Gaius turns a blind eye, Merlin finds out about Arthur's past, Scar reveal, It's Arthur who has the scars, Don't be confused, Immortal Leon (Merlin), Slow Burn
Language: English
Published: 2022-08-27
Words: 148,386
Chapters: 16/16
Comments: 432
Kudos: 1,880
Bookmarks: 407
Hits: 49,870
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Agravaine & Merlin (Merlin), Agravaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Agravaine & Morgana (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Emrys, Balinor (Merlin), Dragoon the Great, Hunith (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-02-18

In Exchange For Your Heart

Dark!fic AU*Now with beautiful art by LightsAtTintagel!*The Kingdom of Avalon has fallen. Arthur finds himself the reluctant keeper of the fallen enemy prince.Destiny had somehow made a mistake.***"You don't have to, you know," Arthur said. "Not all the time.""What?" came Merlin's clipped response from the corner after a moment.Arthur turned around to face his captive. "Be this," he gestured at Merlin broadly. "Be defiant, brave...stoic...all the time. It's painful to watch."Merlin did not answer. Arthur sighed."Just...just...when that door closes, when we reach the end of the day. Just allow yourself to relax for just a while." Arthur tried on a small smile, holding his palms up in a gesture of surrender. "I promise I won't tell anybody."
Rating: Explicit
Additional Tags: Dark Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Slavery, Imprisonment, Cruelty, Rape/Non-con Elements, Rape, Hurt No Comfort, Slow Burn, Hurt/Comfort, Heavy Angst, Threats of Rape/Non-Con, Death Threats, Abusive Relationships, Manipulative Relationship, Unhealthy Relationships, Unrequited Love, Revenge, Possessive Behavior, Internalized Homophobia, Period-Typical Homophobia, Tragic Romance, Starvation, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Jealousy, Dubious Consent, Alternate Universe - Dark, Suicidal Thoughts, Eventual Romance, Mutual Pining, Idiots in Love, Art
Language: English
Published: 2022-06-03
Words: 297,861
Chapters: 50/50
Comments: 669
Kudos: 1,129
Bookmarks: 295
Hits: 60,360
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death, Rape/Non-Con
Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Bayard of Mercia (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Completed: 2025-03-23

From Madrid to Hawaii

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
“Absolutely not,” Merlin said, looking at his husband as if he had two heads, “You’re eight months pregnant Arthur! I’m not going to let you fly to another country regardless of whether I’m with you or not!” Notes For Saja and part of the BBC Merlin Father's Mpreg Fest “Absolutely not,” Merlin said, looking at his husband as if he had two heads, “You’re eight months pregnant Arthur! I’m not going to let you fly to another country regardless of whether I’m with you or not!” Arthur huffed and leaned back on the couch, rubbing his large stomach. “It’s your fault I’m like this anyway,” he replied, “And it’s not like we could take a trip after the baby is born, at least not for awhile, and even then we won’t be able to do everything we would have otherwise.” Merlin sighed and sat down next to Arthur, wrapping his arms around him. Arthur shifted on the couch, leaning against Merlin’s chest and closing his eyes. Merlin held him close, pressing a soft kiss into Arthur’s golden hair. The pregnancy had not been an easy one. Merlin's magic helped as much as it could in keeping the baby and Arthur healthy, but it worsened the side effects. Merlin always worried for him, though Arthur told him not to. Arthur was strong, yes, but Merlin loved him too much to let anything happen. The rest of the evening passed uneventfully, watching Toy Story again because Arthur wanted to, cuddling on the couch. Merlin helped Arthur up despite his protests that it really wasn't necessary and helped him into bed. "You know I love you more than anything," Merlin whispered into Arthur's back, "I won't let anything happen to you." "I love you too," Arthur replied, "Get some sleep, idiot." Merlin laughed, "Prat." Even after Arthur's breathing evened out, Merlin lay awake. He knew that Arthur had started feeling trapped by the limitations of pregnancy, but it wasn't safe to take him anywhere this far along. When Arthur had first gotten pregnant, he had been unsure about wanting to carry, but after a series of conversations with Merlin, Morgana, Gwen, and Dr. Gaius, he decided he could do it. For the most part he loved it, especially the extent to which he could get Merlin to do things for him. But Merlin could see that there was still that little bit of reluctance, the fear that something will go wrong, the fear it would change everything too much for them to handle. Merlin pulled Arthur closer to him and swore that he would do everything he could to take away the fear. ***** Where was he? Arthur sighed and began pacing, well, waddling around their living room. The past few days Merlin had seemed distracted and distant, and now he was late to their date night that he had suggested. Was there someone else? would he have to do this by himself? Arthur steadied himself against the end of the cough. No, that was ridiculous. This was Merlin, they love each other and it will stay that way. Before he could continue speculating the door flew open and there was Merlin. "What are you wearing?" Arthur exclaimed, staring at his husband, who appeared to be in a pilot's uniform, but with a bouree on his head and a lei around his neck. "Mr. Pendragon, welcome!" Merlin said, beaming, "Please come aboard, it's time to depart!" Merlin helped him out of their house, where they were greeted by a convertible that definitely did not belong to them. "I rented it," Merlin explained as he opened the door for Arthur, "And off we go!" As they drove, Arthur studied Merlin, who kept glancing at Arthur, trying to gage his reaction. Finally, they came to a stop in front of the local football stadium where Arthur's pick up team plays. Merlin jumped out of the car and rushed to help Arthur. The stadium seemed empty when they entered, but Merlin led him to a seat anyway. Arthur was about to ask what Merlin was doing when a voice brought his attention to the pitch. "Welcome amigo to the amazing perro fight of Madrid!" Gwaine cheered from down below, wearing tights and a ridiculous sparkling jacket, and holding a bright red cloth. "Ehrm... He means toro, like a bull," Merlin explained, then yelled down at Gwaine, "Stop trying to speak Spanish!" Then the music started to swell, and another figure ran out onto the pitch. It was Percy, wearing all brown and a pair of horns. Gwaine would wave his red cloth, and Percy would run at it, just as if it was a real bull fight. However, Gwaine wasn't quick enough, and Percy tackled him to the ground. Both Merlin and Arthur laughed as Percy held up the red cloth in victory. He then jumped over the barrier separating the field from the seats, and ran up to Arthur and Merlin. “Here you go,” Percy said, and with a flourish, gave Arthur a small Spanish flag. “And off we go!” Merlin exclaimed, and led Arthur out of the stadium and back to the car. As they drove again, Arthur turned to Merlin and asked, “What are we doing?” “Travelling,” was the reply, “I know you want to on a big trip, but that’s not advisable this far along, so I decided to bring the destinations to you!” Once again, they came to a stop, but this time it was in front of a park. Instead of a walk, Merlin led him to a carriage and with a nod, they began clopping down the path. Arthur kept an eye out for a clue as to what they were doing here, but none came until they came to a stop. In front of a piñata in the shape of the Eiffel Tower. “I couldn’t find just a statue,” Merlin said, “And you can’t do France without the Eiffel Tower. But don’t worry, we’re not going to break it.” Arthur laughed and walked over to the paper mache landmark, “It’s very realistic,” he commented. “Now wait right there,” Merlin replied, and pulled out a disposable camera, “Can’t visit without a picture to remember it by!” Arthur just laughed harder, and missed the flash that went off. Merlin grabbed his hand, and dragged him down the path a little farther, where they met Gwen. All around her there were papers taped to the trees, threatening to escape with the breeze. “Welcome to the Louvre!” Gwen said, spreading her hands to encompass the pictures around her, “Please, no flash photography, as it can harm the paintings. If you’ll follow me, I’d be happy to give you a tour.” Gwen and Arthur walked around to each of the individual “paintings” and she told him the history and style of both the picture and the work. Merlin stood off to the side and watched smiling as they got into a deep discussion about one of the paintings. He was so lucky to have a partner as amazing as Arthur, and friends like Gwen, who put so much time into helping him do this for Arthur. “Merlin?” Arthur asked, cupping his neck, “Are you alright? You spaced out a little there.” Merlin just beamed back and replied, “Yeah I’m great. Ready for the next stop?” Arthur smiled and waved his little French flag in response. Arm in arm, the two of them went back to the carriage. On the way back to the car, Arthur rested his head on Merlin’s shoulder, absentmindedly twirling the flag in his fingers. “How did you know which paintings I wanted to see?” he asked suddenly, looking up at Merlin, who smiled softly. “I remembered you mentioning some of them,” he replied, “But Gwen picked out the rest.” Arthur squeezed Merlin’s hand. “Thank you,” he said. “We’ll go to the actual museum, I promise,” Merlin replied firmly, “I know this just isn’t the same.” “It was wonderful,” Arthur reassured him. “It’s not over yet!” Merlin reminded him, and helped him into the car, “Two more stops!” They heard their next destination before they saw it. The strains of Opera could be heard from down the street, and the two men just laughed. “Lance?” Arthur asked, and Merlin nodded. “I promise it’s not an opera though,” Merlin reassured him, “After that incident at Barber of Seville I know better.” Arthur looked abomished. “The insistence on silence is very modern! Excuse me for being traditional!” “Getting Gwaine to sneak a cat on stage? That’s traditional?” Merlin replied, shaking his head. “It happened the first performance,” Arthur defended. “Because it was being sabotaged!” Merlin exclaimed, “You could have just said that opera wasn’t really your thing, it really would have been sufficient.” Arthur just huffed as Merlin parked the car on the side of the road. Lance stood nearby with a boombox at his feet. He beamed at the couple as they got out of the car and turned off the music. The three of them walked over to the playground nearby. Arthur looked at the two of them, incredulous. “I know I’m pregnant, but the baby is still inside. You know that, right?” Merlin rolled his eyes as Lance replied, “We’re going on an archeological dig.” ***** “I found an Aphrodite!” Arthur exclaimed happily, holding up the small statue as proof. “Awesome!” Merlin replied happily, “Put him over there, next to my Athena.” Arthur did carefully, and examined their handiwork. They had found five statues of gods, ten pottery pieces, and eight glasses. All they had left was to uncover the village. He examined the remainder of the sandbox, searching for a good spot to continue digging. “I think I found it!” Merlin exclaimed, and motioned for Arthur to come over. Together with their brightly colored plastic shovels, buckets, and sieves, they began to dig in the right-hand corner of the box. Sure enough, they had found the village, complete with little people in their homes. The two of them beamed at each other, proud of all the hard work they had done in the sandbox for the past hour. “Congratulations!” Lance said, smiling, “Arthur, you’ve earned this,” and he handed him a small Italian flag. Together, Merlin and Arthur made their way back to the car, holding hands and laughing. “I can’t believe you arranged us to play in a sandbox,” Arthur laughed, still holding Merlin’s hand as he drove them to their final destination. “I didn’t,” Merlin admitted, smiling slightly, “I just asked Lance to do something Italian. I was expecting food.” “I had a lot of fun,” Arthur replied, “Where to next?” Merlin glanced over quickly and said, “What makes you think I’ll tell you? We’re almost there.” He parked the car by the river and a figure jogged up to open Arthur’s door. “Aloha!” Elyan said, grinning. He was wearing a bright pink Hawaiian shirt with flowers decorating them. He completed the ensemble with cargo shorts, flip flops, and a bucket hat. “Welcome to the exclusive resort!” he welcomed, throwing a lei around Arthur’s neck. He led them towards the water, where he had set up two lounging beach chairs. After helping Arthur into his, Merlin took his own seat, grinning. Around the chairs there were a few inflatable palm trees, a few tiki candles, and in front of the river there were two poles that were supporting a beach scene in between them. Elyan went behind the image and came out with drinks to give to both Arthur and Merlin. Merlin was about to ask Elyan about alcohol, which Arthur couldn’t have while pregnant, but Elyan answered before he even had a chance to ask. “It’s pineapple juice,” he explained, “No alcohol, but it can help with… other things,” and he winked before pulling a remote out of his pocket and pressing a button. Beach music filled the air and they laughed into their juice. “It wouldn’t be Hawaii without dancing,” Elyan said smirking, “I present to you now our favorite luau dancer!” From behind the beach scene came Leon, wearing a grass skirt and a coconut bra, his hair pulled back in a small bun. Merlin and Arthur howled in laughter as Leon seemed to prep himself, back facing them and standing up straighter. He turned around with as much flair as possible, exclaiming “Luau!” as excited as possible. He swayed his hips and waved his arms to the beat of the music. Merlin looked over at Arthur, who was laughing so hard that he was crying. Their eyes met, and they reached out and took each other’s hands. Arthur mouthed “Thank you, I love you,” and Merlin just mouthed “I love you too.” Then they turned their attention back to the show. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Mpreg, pregnant!arthur, Fluff
Published: 2015-06-20
Words: 2078

No Reason For Affection.

Arthur's room was a mess not long after Merlin has tidying it.And Arthur has a reason for it.One that Merlin didn't know.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Merlin and Arthur in loves, Merlin is Arthur lover, But he still doing his job as Arthur's manservant, Affectionate Arthur, Shy Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2015-07-06
Words: 318
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 161
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 4,119
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Forgiveness (is a nice thing to do)

“You don’t like her, do you?” Arthur asks after they’ve been quiet for a while.“Fine. No, I don’t,” Merlin replies unapologetically. “I get that she’s your sister and you love her and I appreciate everything she’s done for you and Lily. I’m glad that you have her back now and that the kids get another aunt but I can’t forgive her for hurting you or Lily. Maybe one day I’ll be able to move past it but right now I want to wring her fucking neck every time I think about her.”For the square: M3 - Forgiveness
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Established Relationship, Forgiveness, Protective Merlin, Good Morgana (Merlin), Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Illnesses, Appendicitis, Sick Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caretaking, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt/Comfort, Slice of Life, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2022-11-09
Words: 5,795
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 28
Kudos: 300
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 3,371
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)

Arthur's Caged Heart

"Merlin, can I speak with you, in private""Yes sire" Merlin says quickly rushing up to his room to hide his magic books under some clothes under his bed. He wishes he could clean his room more, this is not how he imagined his first time staying in his bedroom with Arthur.Arthur follows quickly behind him, he removes his cloak and neatly folds it and puts it on his lap as he sits on Merlin's bed with a creak. Mentally making a note to find a new bed for his servant.-or-Arthur is an idiot at literally everything that involves Merlin. Well that causes some trouble with the pair, and Arthur has to address some difficult realizations about himself and his servant
Rating: General Audiences
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Mild Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Jealous Arthur, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Unresolved Tension, Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Not Canon Compliant, Alternate Universe - Everyone Lives/Nobody Dies, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Not Beta Read
Language: English
Published: 2022-11-22
Words: 5,103
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 280
Bookmarks: 25
Hits: 4,889
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

I Start to Wonder (What His Story Might Be)

Merlin's half-lidded eyes looked up at him, eyebrow raising in an imitation of his mentor. "Like I said, I'm tired," he said, monotone, staring at Arthur passively through eyes he was fighting to keep open.akaMerlin is tired when he brings Arthur his breakfast and Arthur wants to know whyakaMerlin vents and then tooth-rotting fluff happens
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Whump (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Protective Arthur, Arthur Loves Merlin (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Scars, Scar reveal, its not v big tho dont get excited, POV Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), i only meant for this to be a one shot, it just ended up ending a chapter by itself, so i had to write a second one, Merlin is So Done (Merlin), Self-Sacrificing Merlin (Merlin), Fluff and Angst, Merlin vents, thats it thats the fic, Fluff, i just rlly wanted merlin to vent and be loved, How Do I Tag, Author Is Sleep Deprived, like Merlin, Sleep-Deprived Merlin (Merlin), that should be a tag, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Implied/Referenced Torture, it sounds angstier than it is i promise, i think, Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Getting Together, First Kiss, Tired Merlin (Merlin), Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2022-12-12
Words: 6,744
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 22
Kudos: 1,489
Bookmarks: 192
Hits: 18,282
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Assassins - Character
Completed: 2022-12-12

the heart of a star

The battle is brutal, just as they knew it was going to be. Eventually, it comes down to this: Merlin and Arthur side by side, surrounded by all sides with enemies baying for their blood.“Arthur,” Merlin calls out in between smiting one man and another, “Arthur, I can finish this.”Based onthis plot bunnyI had some time ago.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: BAMF Merlin (Merlin), God Merlin (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Established Relationship, i guess, Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, but only a wee sprinkle of it, for spice, Self-Sacrificing Merlin (Merlin), merlin and arthur staring down an advancing army side by side my beloved
Language: English
Published: 2022-11-28
Words: 2,475
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 41
Kudos: 1,406
Bookmarks: 197
Hits: 8,968
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

To Be Born Again

So, Arthur died, Merlin waited, time passed. And then Merlin and Arthur were needed again- just not as themselves yet. And so Lily and James were born. And then Harry was born and then Lily and James died. Merlin and Arthur would have come back as themselves but SOMEONE *cough* Gabriel Agreste *cough* was trying to tip the balance of the universe, so Merlin and Arthur get reincarnated AGAIN. Honestly, they have the worst luck. When they get their memories back, they realize that Harry is all alone, and they need to do something about that. And they are NOT happy with what they find in the wizarding world.Harry, meanwhile, is a little freaked out by these weirdos trying to interfere with his participation the Triwizard Tournament, he does hope they manage to get him out of it though. And they're only 14 so he has no idea why they keep asking him if he wants them to be his parents??? That seems a little cruel honestly-
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Returns (Merlin), Reincarnation, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Powerful Merlin (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon is reincarnated as James Potter, Arthur Pendragon is reincarnated as Adrien Agreste, James Potter is reincarnated as Adrien Agreste, Merlin is reincarnated as Lily Evans, Merlin is reincarnated as Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Lily Evans is reincarnated as Marinette Dupain-Cheng, God Merlin (Merlin), Happy Ending, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fix-It of Sorts, Post-Canon Fix-It, Gryffindor Harry Potter
Language: English
Published: 2022-12-17
Words: 7,237
Chapters: 6/?
Comments: 91
Kudos: 293
Bookmarks: 81
Hits: 3,952
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Miraculous Ladybug, Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), James Potter/Lily Evans Potter, Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Adrien Agreste | Chat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug, Lily Evans Potter, James Potter, Harry Potter
Updated: 2023-06-30

Tell Me

Written for Day 3 of MerthurWeek: “what did you want once this was all over? tell me!” + protective!knights“Arthur–”“What did you want once this was all over?” Arthur demands, unable to stop himself. “My life? The throne? Revenge? You must have had some ulterior motive! Tell me!”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Pre-Slash, Canon Era, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Light Angst, Gwaine Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Truth Serum
Language: English
Published: 2022-12-20
Words: 1,258
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 809
Bookmarks: 44
Hits: 8,015
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

The gold coin

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Poets write poems, they try to subdue things beyond the limits of human comprehension, to push power into the ranks of signs and sounds. Well... I'm not a poet, so I have to cope differently. But when, in the face of death, time shrinks dramatically and frail strength doesn't allow you to calm the trembling of the arms around you, it's better to express too little than nothing. - A collection of loosely connected stories focusing on Arthur and Merlin, intended to deepen the canon. I'm moving all the stories in "The gold coin" series here! Their updates will appear here. Notes Hello! I've decided to order my 'The gold coin' series and put all the stories in one place. I will gradually move them here, and their updates, and news will appear here. For those who haven't dealt with my work before, I warn you that English isn't my strong point, so stupid mistakes may appear. Nevertheless, I hope you'll enjoy. Out of love "I believe that this cliché-sounding theory about the power of maternal love should not be underestimated. It may indeed be that Ygraine Pendragon's wish for her son to be protected after her death was so powerful that it took human form". Elanor Wright "The Shadow of the Great King" Out of love Ygraine took off her shoe and touched the pleasantly damp grass with her bare foot. After a moment, she dropped the other one as well and took a few deep breaths. The touch of dew on her skin and the crisp air dampened a little the anxiety that had been tormenting her, which had been growing in her day by day until it had finally begun to overwhelm her to the point where she was unable to function normally. She didn’t mention this to Uther, or even to Gaius. They wouldn't understand. They would have thought she was frightened by her pregnancy, that she needs medicine to calm her down. She didn't need any medicine. It would only stun her and take away her ability to act, and Ygraine had to do something while she still had time. She knew that the price of her child's birth would be her life; not that of some thug, a villain, a random, anonymous person, as Uther wanted to believe, but her own. She grasped this as soon as she felt she was pregnant. A mother's life for her son's life. It was then that an intrusive voice appeared in her head, a hissing whisper, slipping into her thoughts and poisoning them with its venom. Take some concoction and be done with it. Get rid of this parasite from your body, this monster created against nature that sucks the last breath out of you. She fought a fierce battle with this voice. In her mind, she mercilessly chopped it down with her sword and trampled it into the ground, because she loved her unborn son with her whole being. The strength of this feeling surprised her. She had never been able to imagine motherhood before, and mothers' declarations that they would do anything for their children sounded to her like just another empty platitude not to be repeated. She wanted to have a child, for her husband, for the kingdom, but not necessarily for her own sake. However, when he appeared under her heart, he unexpectedly warmed her from the inside out, almost melting her insides, it shone like the most precious treasure. And she was going to defend this treasure with all her might. Not for her husband, not for the kingdom, not for herself, but for him, so that he could live, love and be loved as she was now. She talked a lot, sang and played the lute, hoping that her boy... Arthur couldn’t hear that hideous voice. Especially the words about the parasite and the monster. Everyone thought she was in a good mood. Uther looked at her with a tender smile, grasped her hands, showered her with kisses and asked for more songs. She knew a lot of them. She wondered if her son would know them, if he would like them? She looked up into the still dark sky. There was some time left until dawn, maybe an hour. She would have time to return before Uther awoke and became alarmed by her absence. She had gone out into the garden after a particularly awful nightmare in which someone had thrown her newborn into a pit full of snakes, and she could do nothing about it. Unable to move the slightest muscle, she was stuck suspended in space, silent and unnoticed by anyone, like a... ghost. This nightmare was recurring and Ygraine was convinced that there was some symbolism in it, a warning addressed to her. There was also another dream that took her over with particular horror. Three tall, hooded figures, standing over a tank of black water, speaking in one voice about the sentence that had been passed on her son. As they finished speaking, they would dissipate into the mist, and a thunderous laughter, the frantic retching of some powerful being, would reach her. Perhaps it was the same being that tried to plant vile thoughts in her mind, called Arthur a parasite and a monster, wanted to get rid of him before he even came into the world. Today, sitting on a stone bench, in a garden she was never to see again in full bloom, Ygraine decided that she could no longer ignore what appeared to be an extra maternal sense that, since she would not be here to guard Arthur's every step, she must provide the best possible protection for him. She had no magical abilities, but Gaius had mentioned that there were types of magic where only the power of intention mattered, that for some spells no special talent and years of practice were needed at all. From the pocket of her cloak, she took out her sigil. She clenched it in her hand, as she always did when she wanted to concentrate. Then she stood barefoot on the dew-wet grass. She didn't know any ritual, but her heart told her that she didn't need any. She raised her hand with the sigil, to the sky, to the twinkling stars, drew air into her lungs, silenced the whispering angry voice with her imaginary sword, pushed all fears, all unnecessary thoughts out of her mind, leaving only what was her purpose. „May Arthur be safe on his journey”, she said quietly. „May someone appear by his side who will love and guard him, as I love and as I would guard. May he be surrounded by true love and people with the sincerest hearts. May all misfortunes pass him by, and may those that cannot pass him by make him stronger and better. May he be happy and may he bring happiness to the world”. Energy, coming as if from within the earth, surged through her, from her toes to the fingers of her hands clenched into a sigil that was warm and pulsed gently. Ygraine noticed with amazement that a thin trickle of blue light flowed from between her fingers. She was overwhelmed with euphoria. She repeated her words louder, more confidently, more powerfully. The sigil burned, but it didn’t scald her skin. A trickle of light transformed into a flame. Ygraine, fascinated, brought it to her face. It was so beautiful that it hurt. She didn't want it to disappear. This time she whispered her words directly to it, softly, as if in the ear of a loved one. Tears of happiness ran down her cheeks. The flame turned into a huge ball, which remained on her hand for a moment longer, before rising above the treetops and sailing slowly through the darkness, in a direction it only knew. When it had become barely a tiny dot, Ygraine sank back onto the bench. She was still clutching the sigil, not wanting to part with it. She had no idea what she had just done, but she felt with every, tiniest nerve that something great had happened. She had made it happen: Ygraine, Arthur's mother. The voice can whisper to itself, maybe even roar with laughter. She is more powerful. She applied the sigil to her rounded belly. A mother's life, for her son's life. Arthur will be blood from her blood, bone from her bone, soul from her soul. He will be special. The thought of parting with her life evoked a nauseating fear, , , but Ygraine would probably have chosen to do so even in full knowledge of the price. Or maybe she was fully aware of the price from the beginning? Perhaps she had made the decision herself in her heart? The kingdom needs an heir to the throne, and just as men sacrifice themselves on the battlefields, so too must she not shirk her duty. She put the sigil in her pocket and set off towards the castle. It must be ensured that Arthur gets it. Later today she will talk with Gaius, who, after all, as a physician, is aware that anything can happen during childbirth and will not be surprised by the request. She wasn't going to sully Uther's happiness, since these were to be their last months together. She would make the most of this time, give him as much as she could, and then... And then he would have a son. Four years later, when, thanks to Uther, things were happening in Camelot that Ygraine had never dreamt of in her worst nightmares, in a small village in a neighbouring kingdom, a midwife handed a tiny boy to a woman exhausted by childbirth. „It would be better for you if that bastard didn't start breathing”, she said, looking at her with undisguised contempt. „His name is Merlin”, the young mother replied. „And don't you dare call him anything else”. It was supposed to be proof Chapter Summary Merlin has a rather unpleasant morning and then gets a strange command. Set immediately after the end of the season 2.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Choose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Bromance, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Fluff, Prince Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Queen Gwen (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Smart Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin, Minor Original Character(s), Magic, Platonic Relationships, Canon Compliant, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Other Additional Tags to Be Added
Language: English
Published: 2022-12-17
Updated: 2022-12-25
Words: 26498
Chapters: 7/

Giving Up The Ghost

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The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey , Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur , his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin,” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm,” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder , desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back,” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side,” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding,” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying,” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop,” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me,” Merlin said fretfully , grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin,” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly , “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you,” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here,” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away , to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew , but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me,” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away , putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear , but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey , and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer ,” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew , Arthur , you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur , he is your friend,” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now , not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur , he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day , great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me,” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur , there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have,” Gaius said. “Arthur , there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well,” Arthur said reluctantly , “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur , Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur ,” Gaius said forcefully , “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after , and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much,” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry , Arthur ,” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur ,” Merlin said apprehensively , and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide,” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything,” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight,” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot,” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully , he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur , we have to go now ,” Merlin said softly , crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty , but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius,” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire,” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted,” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin,” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly , “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy , the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men,” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp,” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose,” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah,” Arthur said flatly , eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry ,” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying,” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat,” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met,” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me,” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur , you need to hold on. One more day. One more day ,” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f,” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing,” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur , “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead,” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm,” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there,” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way ,” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before,” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it,” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do,” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two,” Arthur said. “That's generous,” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep,” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving,” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there,” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys,” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now ,” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry , my dear brother , I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over ,” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late,” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong,” Arthur said pleadingly , and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right,” Merlin smiled sadly , and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord,” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you,” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur , he’s—he’ s gone,” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin,” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry , Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently , his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister , and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry ,” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No,” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness,” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me,” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead,” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny , Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever , and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit,” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King,” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry , there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry , Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea,” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry , Merlin…please for give me,” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur , thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead,” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t,” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer , he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no,” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released,” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special,” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault,” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead,” Percival said. “Merlin killed her , and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there,” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him,” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery , and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently , the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, looking at him intently , “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur ,” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur , do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur , Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear ,” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know ,” she said. “Of course,” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right,” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live,” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot,” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle,” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way , we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic,” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for , he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool,” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that,” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly ,” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin,” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now , it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin,” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma,” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing,” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him,” Gwaine said. “Not exactly , well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant,” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss,” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot,” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now ,” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know ,” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion,” Gwaine said. “Yeah,” Percival nodded. “Gaius,” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly , “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him,” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor , Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world,” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur , it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger ,” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur , no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know ,” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes,” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius,” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable,” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir , Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy ,” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was,” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light,” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin,” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot,” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No,” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway , “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made,” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady ,” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God,” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear , she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin,” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur ,” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know ,” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her , she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her , he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know , so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire,” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder , “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour , Arthur ,” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be,” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry , Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry , Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me,” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell,” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them,” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed,” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur , it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now , about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur ,” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know ,” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire,” Percival nodded. “If you need me,” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now ,” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest,” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I,” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you,” Gwaine said. “You found me,” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur , you are not the only one who failed Merlin,” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now , when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor , Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality ,” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns,” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor , a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur , you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely , we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money ,” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely ,” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored,” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur ,” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her , “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this,” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her , his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur ,” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry , Hunith, for give me,” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur ,” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy , he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much,” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be,” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear , and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King,” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start,” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly , looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance,” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly , and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day , battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head,” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole,” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head,” Leon laughed. “Royal prat,” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get,” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother , to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin,” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter , food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur , I am so deeply sorry , I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur ,” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days,” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted,” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better , as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know ,” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian,” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur ,” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis,” Arthur smiled. “Of course,” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis,” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving,” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved,” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it,” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink,” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur ,” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery , all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me,” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t,” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty , his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly , and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur , you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur , you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together , side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day , before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur , Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty , destiny , and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him,” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur , you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know , Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it,” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know , Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot,” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur , I have news,” Gwen smiled brightly , “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur , you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning,” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur , the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur ,” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur , if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it,” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur ,” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure,” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you,” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord,” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor ,” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now , and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well,” Gaius nodded sadly , “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty , Gaius,” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah,” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire,” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner , what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong,” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid,” Gaius frowned. “I remember , Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately , she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was,” Gaius said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her , to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty , his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes,” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry , truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child,” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father , Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny ,” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur , there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius,” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow , Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord,” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius,” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor , but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord,” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please,” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him,” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember , and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he,” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it,” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic,” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way , he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes,” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer,” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he,” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred,” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so,” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight,” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here,” Leon said as he pulled up a chair , sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry ,” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry ,” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder , “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin,” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers,” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk,” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow ,” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself,” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment,” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong,” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider , “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back,” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge,” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper ,” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king,” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin,” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do,” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other , clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really , really drunk,” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet,” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace,” Leon said. “No,” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness,” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room,” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me,” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur ,” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are,” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend,” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon,” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur , you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep,” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow , “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur ,” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon,” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur ,” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there,” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother , Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father , he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin,” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah,” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all,” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor ,” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders,” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try ,” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine,” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur , you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally , I want to bring him home,” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur , not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently , “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so,” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive,” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us,” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up,” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy ,” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment,” Evoric said. “I insist,” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime,” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was,” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know , he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her , they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius,” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods,” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so,” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult,” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon,” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try , Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy , but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur , please don’ t go alone,” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone,” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right,” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him,” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him,” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur , My Lady ,” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it,” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you,” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur , are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise,” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength,” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know ,” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me,” the dragon said. “I did,” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see,” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well,” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know , Arthur , Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur , Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that,” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur ,” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you,” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did,” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur , you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter , obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once,” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine,” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know , Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again,” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur ,” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away , vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur , did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense,” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why , even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur ,” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say , and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father , I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry ,” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course,” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like,” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking,” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter ,” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine,” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right,” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry , Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did,” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass,” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully , it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along,” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you,” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry , Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly , “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther ,” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had,” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes,” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died,” Gwaine said. “Yes,” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power , it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true,” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic,” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker ,” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her , what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right,” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister ,” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her , it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise,” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow , the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor , but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory , I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense,” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave,” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise,” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along,” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later , when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows,” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now , sit down here and eat something, then get some rest,” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way ,” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone,” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while,” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome,” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me,” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now , but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there,” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow ,” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow , if this works,” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you,” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now ,” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you,” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it,” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder , the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin,” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please,” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all,” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur ,” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur ,” Balinor smiled fondly , “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time,” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer , “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well,” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy , carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic,” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier , and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father , and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky , killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that,” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one,” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin,” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther , and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur , when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior , at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No,” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why ,” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then,” Arthur said. “Because you knew , if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner ,” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur ,” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time,” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster , the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin,” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman,” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine,” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine,” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family , it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully , he was my other half…my friend, my family , and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up,” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now , he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year , before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now , knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin,” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur , the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly , I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would,” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand,” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No,” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God,” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer , like his father , there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you,” Arthur breathed out. “You really came,” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you,” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father , Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better , I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money ,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it,” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together ,” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin,” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime,” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now , to tell you…” “I know , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you,” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur ,” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass,” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat,” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur , and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child,” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life,” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day , as I was meant to?” “Arthur , I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back,” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur , please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy ,” Merlin said then drew back slightly , “Arthur , Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now , Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her , I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin,” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend,” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur , “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet,” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear ,” Arthur shook his head. “Good,” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur ,” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No,” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here,” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home,” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder , they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly , crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way , but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them,” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you,” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur ,” Hunith said from the doorway , “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them,” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur , come inside,” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me,” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur ,” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur , I don’ t want to leave you,” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur , I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably , and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur , let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water , his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water , “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one,” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now , my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby , he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose,” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her , his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby , please.” “Very well,” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur , would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet,” he shook his head. “I want you to know , that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can,” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith,” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is,” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy , Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone,” Arthur shook his head. “I know , I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her , we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur , she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you,” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready , and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right,” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere,” he said softly , “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur , I am so sorry ,” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry ,” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand,” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby , but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby ,” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin,” Gwen smiled brightly , “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right,” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair , I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father , and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over ,” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway ,” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me,” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone,” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen,” he said then kissed her tenderly , “Go on, now , your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door , and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny ,” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet,” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great,” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry ,” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one,” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently , pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over , spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away ,” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course,” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four , surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough,” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you,” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy ,” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes,” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it,” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go,” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right,” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right,” he grinned. “I should come along too,” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us,” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys,” she winked then took Gavin from his father , “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur ,” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire,” the taller man said. “Yes, that,” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith,” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine,” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone,” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur ,” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for , not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do,” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son,” Leon said knowingly , and Arthur smiled. “I must go now , Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed,” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur ,” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps,” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone,” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army , my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin,” Percival said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty , and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave,” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic,” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery , and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did,” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again,” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair , “He was everything to me.” “I know , Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly , Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer , “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening,” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is,” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me,” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin,” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin,” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer , kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father ,” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur ,” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur ,” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this,” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so,” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them,” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way ,” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him,” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east,” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry , Great King,” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son,” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go,” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her , eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry ,” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her , cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren,” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule,” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods,” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur , I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself,” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously , there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way ,” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air , he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow,” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now , calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body , his own body , he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar , like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry , Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now , he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember , Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself,” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people,” Merlin said. “Be on your way then,” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr ,” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons,” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that,” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew , “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys,” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air , and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened,” Merlin said coldly , “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me,” Gavin said. “Of course,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you,” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away ,” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her ,” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me,” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry , my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you,” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how , but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far , he’s looking for you,” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son,” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right,” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers,” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin,” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down,” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord,” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling,” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods,” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy ,” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father ,” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back,” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how , but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes,” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly , cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you,” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night,” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you,” he grinned. “I know , poor child,” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now , thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry ,” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father ,” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be,” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now , and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back,” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow , “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me,” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick,” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly , “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does,” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy , it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly , and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly ,” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur , I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius,” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur , I want to stay with you and Gavin,” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense,” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now , what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity , and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive,” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing,” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying,” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done,” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good,” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now , Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now , I think you should get some sleep,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur , I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back,” Arthur said. “I will,” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur , I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent,” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you,” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think,” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go,” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son,” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible,” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome,” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight,” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know , I met your father ,” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently , he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear ,” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur , “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you,” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend,” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death,” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you,” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out,” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him,” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin,” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot,” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now , what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched,” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon,” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that,” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better , and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me,” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect,” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all,” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human,” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands,” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof,” Merlin frowned. “Not likely ,” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him,” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was,” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now , we need sleep,” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine,” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me,” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see,” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine,” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin,” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere,” Merlin grinned. “Sorry , I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin,” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please,” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer , “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty ,” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you,” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin,” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored,” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father , wake up.” “I’m awake,” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy ,” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try , Merlin,” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes,” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did,” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible,” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one,” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned,” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend,” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul,” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too,” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now , or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way , as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance,” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is,” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers,” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day , right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy ,” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her ,” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her , she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day ,” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now , you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything,” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King,” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will,” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference,” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes,” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot,” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did,” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are,” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother ,” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy ,” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother , I love you,” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin,” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon,” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you,” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception,” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin,” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along,” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur , “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith,” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first,” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy ,” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please,” he said huskily , and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me,” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur ,” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry , I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it,” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered,” Merlin said. “I do know one thing,” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur , I am yours, I have always been yours,” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined,” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone,” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin,” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty , you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware,” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord,” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good,” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face,” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter , “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty , I am a man,” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man,” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her , and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready , yes,” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur , I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right,” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur , “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that,” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever , Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later ,” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men,” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them,” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know , I heard the stories too,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know , but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur , you don’ t owe me anything,” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right,” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door , “I should go now .” “Go,” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy ,” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much,” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you,” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny , no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur , you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased,” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor , Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know ,” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother , are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother , I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy , and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father ,” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur , you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense,” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now , there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here,” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother , it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow , “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t,” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know ,” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am,” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here,” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room,” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good,” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother ,” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow ,” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend,” Merlin said softly , trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur ,” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin,” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please,” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur ,” he said. “I’m sorry ,” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know , believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too,” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to,” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin,” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange,” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant,” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further , slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally ,” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined,” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping,” Arthur said kissing him deeper , his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close,” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately , it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes,” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later , Merlin,” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one,” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home,” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that,” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed,” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did,” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now , you are back. Now sit down with me and eat,” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets,” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear , your despair , and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry , Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry ,” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry , I don’ t blame you,” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin,” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen,” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me,” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her , but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try ,” he nodded. “Good,” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur , if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river , I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now , but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again,” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now , and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now ,” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier ,” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice,” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes,” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time,” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please,” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire,” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair , “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur , I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to,” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur ,” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now , please, Arthur ,” he whispered huskily , “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t,” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God,” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur , yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you,” he gasped. “I love you too,” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely , awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange,” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible,” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly , reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur ,” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good,” he gasped. “Merlin, now ,” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell,” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible,” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur , Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together , skin glistening with sweat. “I love you,” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin,” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded,” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur , I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern,” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know ,” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business,” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do,” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later ,” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love,” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight,” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home,” he smirked. “Aye that we do,” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am,” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you,” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin,” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder , “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you,” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy , it is so good to see you again,” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric,” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away , but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay ,” Merlin said. “Good,” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time,” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry ,” Leon grinned. “Right,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later , the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk,” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord,” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober , or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs,” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back,” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be,” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine,” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea,” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child,” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic,” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely , so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore,” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly , one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur , Gods, feels so good,” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur , your mouth,” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur , I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin,” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name,” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come,” Arthur whispered in his ear , “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me,” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor , Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up,” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something,” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer , to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder , please,” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you,” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else,” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact,” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction,” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here,” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin,” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes,” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur , I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply , “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways,” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer ,” Arthur grinned. “Actually , I kind of like this new independent you,” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do,” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord,” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are,” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me,” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so,” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother , really ,” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy ,” she smiled knowingly , “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t,” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books,” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books,” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire,” Leon said as he came through the door , “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well,” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room,” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine,” she smiled. “Mother , I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want,” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me,” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you,” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will,” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine,” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now ,” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty ,” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur ,” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord,” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter , Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war ,” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy , to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren,” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur , I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed,” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know , My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren,” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes,” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy , Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur ,” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision,” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one,” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes,” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you,” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you,” Merlin kissed him. “Funny , even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty , and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles,” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually , yes.” “I love you, Prat,” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please,” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me,” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana,” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness,” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything,” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry , Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you,” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur , what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur , “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry , Arthur ,” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you,” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her ,” he said. “Oh,” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible,” she breathed out slowly , “Merlin…” “You have your magic back,” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay , but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me,” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister , Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim,” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her ,” he said. “Gwaine,” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad,” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine,” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy , a little scary , but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend,” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you,” she said. “I missed you too,” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew ,” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you,” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now ,” he said softly , “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana,” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you,” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy , kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside,” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana,” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith,” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember , welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I,” Merlin said. “I can see that,” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you,” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves,” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana,” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so,” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her , as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally , it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin,” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight,” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry , I lost track of time,” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me,” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never ,” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now , they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good,” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes,” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good,” he chuckled. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin,” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly , unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily , his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic,” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur , yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight,” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you,” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close,” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence,” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again,” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin,” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth,” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow , “I’m perfectly safe.” “True,” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know , but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant,” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny , what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur , shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully , his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am,” he smiled, “I have that now , Arthur , and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me,” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur , believe me,” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do,” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now , get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord,” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur , Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome,” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana,” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur , you take care of him the way he always took care of you,” Mor gana said. “I will,” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always,” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Explicit Archive W arning: Major Character Death Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Mor gana (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Original Child Character(s), Kilgharrah (Merlin) Additional T ags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Queen Gwen (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Character Death, Temporary Character Death, Post-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), After Camlann Merlin Big Bang, Pregnancy, Evil Mor gana (Merlin), Redeemed Mor gana (Merlin), Merlin Dies (Merlin), Morgana Dies (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Diver gence, Explicit Sexual Content, Angst with a Happy Ending, Grief/Mourning Language: English Collections: Ficsread2022 Stats: Published: 2022-12-24 Words: 56, 035 Chapters: 9/9 Giving Up The Ghost by MerlinsBrokenHeart Summary The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey, Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur, his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin, ” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm, ” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder, desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back, ” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side, ” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding, ” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying, ” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop, ” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me, ” Merlin said fretfully, grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin, ” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly, “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you, ” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here, ” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away, to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew, but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me, ” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur, ” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away, putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear, but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey, and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer, ” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew, Arthur, you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur, he is your friend, ” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now, not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur, he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day, great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me, ” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur, there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have, ” Gaius said. “Arthur, there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well, ” Arthur said reluctantly, “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur, Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur, ” Gaius said forcefully, “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after, and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much, ” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry, Arthur, ” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur, ” Merlin said apprehensively, and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide, ” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything, ” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight, ” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot, ” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully, he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur, we have to go now, ” Merlin said softly, crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty, but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius, ” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire, ” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted, ” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin, ” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly, “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy, the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men, ” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp, ” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose, ” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah, ” Arthur said flatly, eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry, ” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying, ” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat, ” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met, ” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me, ” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur, you need to hold on. One more day. One more day, ” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f, ” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing, ” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur, “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead, ” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm, ” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there, ” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way, ” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before, ” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it, ” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do, ” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two, ” Arthur said. “That's generous, ” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep, ” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving, ” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there, ” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys, ” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now, ” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry, my dear brother, I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over, ” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late, ” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong, ” Arthur said pleadingly, and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right, ” Merlin smiled sadly, and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord, ” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you, ” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin, ” Arthur said softly, “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur, he’s—he’ s gone, ” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin, ” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry, Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently, his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister, and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry, ” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No, ” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness, ” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me, ” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead, ” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny, Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever, and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit, ” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King, ” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur, ” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry, there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry, Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea, ” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry, Merlin…please for give me, ” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur, thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead, ” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t, ” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer, he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no, ” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released, ” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special, ” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault, ” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead, ” Percival said. “Merlin killed her, and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur, ” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there, ” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur, ” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him, ” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery, and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently, the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur, ” Gwaine said, looking at him intently, “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur, ” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur, do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur, Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear, ” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know, ” she said. “Of course, ” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right, ” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live, ” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot, ” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle, ” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way, we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic, ” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for, he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool, ” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur, ” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that, ” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly, ” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin, ” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now, it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin, ” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma, ” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing, ” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him, ” Gwaine said. “Not exactly, well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant, ” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss, ” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot, ” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now, ” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know, ” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion, ” Gwaine said. “Yeah, ” Percival nodded. “Gaius, ” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly, “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him, ” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor, Arthur, ” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world, ” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur, it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger, ” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur, no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know, ” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes, ” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius, ” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable, ” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir, Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy, ” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was, ” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light, ” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin, ” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot, ” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No, ” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway, “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made, ” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady, ” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God, ” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear, she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin, ” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur, ” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know, ” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her, she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her, he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know, so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire, ” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder, “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour, Arthur, ” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be, ” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry, Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry, Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me, ” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell, ” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them, ” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed, ” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur, it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now, about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur, ” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know, ” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire, ” Percival nodded. “If you need me, ” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now, ” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest, ” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I, ” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you, ” Gwaine said. “You found me, ” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur, you are not the only one who failed Merlin, ” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur, folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now, when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor, Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha, ” Arthur said softly, “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality, ” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns, ” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor, a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur, you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine, ” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely, we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money, ” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely, ” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored, ” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur, ” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her, “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this, ” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her, his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur, ” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry, Hunith, for give me, ” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur, ” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy, he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much, ” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be, ” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear, and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King, ” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start, ” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly, looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance, ” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly, and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day, battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head, ” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole, ” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head, ” Leon laughed. “Royal prat, ” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get, ” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother, to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin, ” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter, food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur, I am so deeply sorry, I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur, ” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days, ” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted, ” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better, as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know, ” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian, ” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur, ” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis, ” Arthur smiled. “Of course, ” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis, ” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving, ” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved, ” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it, ” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink, ” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur, ” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery, all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me, ” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t, ” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty, his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly, and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur, you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur, you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together, side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day, before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur, Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty, destiny, and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him, ” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur, you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know, Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it, ” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know, Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot, ” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur, I have news, ” Gwen smiled brightly, “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur, you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning, ” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur, the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur, ” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur, if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh, ” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it, ” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur, ” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure, ” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you, ” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord, ” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor, ” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire, ” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now, and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh, ” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well, ” Gaius nodded sadly, “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty, Gaius, ” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah, ” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire, ” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner, what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong, ” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid, ” Gaius frowned. “I remember, Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately, she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was, ” Gaius said. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her, to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty, his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes, ” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry, truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child, ” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father, Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny, ” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back, ” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur, there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius, ” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow, Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord, ” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius, ” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor, but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord, ” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please, ” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him, ” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember, and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he, ” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur, ” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it, ” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic, ” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic, ” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way, he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes, ” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer, ” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he, ” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred, ” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so, ” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight, ” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here, ” Leon said as he pulled up a chair, sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry, ” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry, ” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder, “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin, ” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers, ” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk, ” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow, ” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself, ” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment, ” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong, ” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider, “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back, ” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge, ” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper, ” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king, ” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin, ” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do, ” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other, clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really, really drunk, ” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet, ” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace, ” Leon said. “No, ” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness, ” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room, ” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me, ” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur, ” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are, ” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend, ” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon, ” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur, you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep, ” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow, “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur, ” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon, ” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur, ” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there, ” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother, Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father, he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin, ” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah, ” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all, ” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor, ” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders, ” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try, ” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine, ” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur, you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally, I want to bring him home, ” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur, not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently, “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so, ” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive, ” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us, ” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up, ” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy, ” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment, ” Evoric said. “I insist, ” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime, ” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was, ” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know, he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her, they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius, ” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods, ” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so, ” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult, ” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon, ” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try, Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy, but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur, please don’ t go alone, ” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone, ” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right, ” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him, ” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him, ” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur, My Lady, ” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it, ” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you, ” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur, are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise, ” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength, ” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know, ” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me, ” the dragon said. “I did, ” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see, ” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well, ” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know, Arthur, Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur, Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that, ” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur, ” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you, ” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did, ” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur, you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter, obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once, ” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, ” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah, ” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know, Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again, ” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur, ” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away, vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur, did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense, ” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why, even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur, ” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say, and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father, I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry, ” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course, ” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like, ” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking, ” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter, ” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine, ” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right, ” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry, Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did, ” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass, ” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully, it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along, ” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry, Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly, “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther, ” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had, ” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes, ” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died, ” Gwaine said. “Yes, ” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power, it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true, ” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic, ” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker, ” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her, what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right, ” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister, ” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her, it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise, ” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow, the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor, but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory, I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense, ” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave, ” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise, ” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along, ” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later, when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows, ” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now, sit down here and eat something, then get some rest, ” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way, ” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone, ” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while, ” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome, ” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me, ” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now, but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there, ” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow, ” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow, if this works, ” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you, ” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now, ” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you, ” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it, ” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder, the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin, ” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please, ” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all, ” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur, ” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur, ” Balinor smiled fondly, “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time, ” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer, “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well, ” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy, carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic, ” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier, and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father, and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky, killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that, ” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one, ” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin, ” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther, and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur, when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior, at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No, ” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why, ” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then, ” Arthur said. “Because you knew, if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner, ” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur, ” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time, ” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster, the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin, ” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman, ” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine, ” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine, ” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family, it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully, he was my other half…my friend, my family, and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up, ” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now, he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year, before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now, knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin, ” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur, the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly, I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would, ” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand, ” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No, ” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God, ” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer, like his father, there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you, ” Arthur breathed out. “You really came, ” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you, ” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father, Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better, I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money, ” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it, ” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together, ” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin, ” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime, ” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now, to tell you…” “I know, Arthur, ” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you, ” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur, ” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass, ” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat, ” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur, and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child, ” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life, ” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day, as I was meant to?” “Arthur, I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back, ” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur, please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy, ” Merlin said then drew back slightly, “Arthur, Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now, Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin, ” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her, I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin, ” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend, ” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur, “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet, ” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear, ” Arthur shook his head. “Good, ” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur, ” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No, ” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here, ” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home, ” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder, they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly, crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way, but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them, ” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you, ” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur, ” Hunith said from the doorway, “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them, ” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur, come inside, ” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me, ” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur, ” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur, I don’ t want to leave you, ” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire, ” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur, I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably, and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur, let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water, his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water, “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one, ” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now, my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby, he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose, ” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her, his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby, please.” “Very well, ” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur, would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet, ” he shook his head. “I want you to know, that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can, ” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith, ” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is, ” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy, Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone, ” Arthur shook his head. “I know, I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her, we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur, she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you, ” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready, and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right, ” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere, ” he said softly, “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur, I am so sorry, ” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry, ” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand, ” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby, but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby, ” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin, ” Gwen smiled brightly, “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right, ” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair, I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father, and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over, ” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway, ” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me, ” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone, ” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen, ” he said then kissed her tenderly, “Go on, now, your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door, and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny, ” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet, ” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great, ” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry, ” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one, ” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently, pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over, spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away, ” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course, ” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four, surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough, ” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you, ” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy, ” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes, ” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it, ” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go, ” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right, ” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right, ” he grinned. “I should come along too, ” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us, ” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys, ” she winked then took Gavin from his father, “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur, ” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire, ” the taller man said. “Yes, that, ” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith, ” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine, ” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone, ” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur, ” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin, ” Arthur said softly, “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for, not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do, ” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son, ” Leon said knowingly, and Arthur smiled. “I must go now, Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed, ” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur, ” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps, ” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone, ” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army, my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin, ” Percival said. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty, and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave, ” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic, ” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery, and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did, ” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again, ” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair, “He was everything to me.” “I know, Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly, Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer, “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening, ” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is, ” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me, ” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin, ” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin, ” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer, kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father, ” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur, ” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur, ” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this, ” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so, ” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them, ” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way, ” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him, ” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east, ” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry, Great King, ” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son, ” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go, ” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her, eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry, ” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her, cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren, ” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule, ” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods, ” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur, I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself, ” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously, there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way, ” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air, he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow, ” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now, calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body, his own body, he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar, like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry, Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now, he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember, Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself, ” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people, ” Merlin said. “Be on your way then, ” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr, ” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons, ” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that, ” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew, “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys, ” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air, and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened, ” Merlin said coldly, “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, ” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me, ” Gavin said. “Of course, ” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you, ” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away, ” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her, ” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me, ” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry, my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you, ” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how, but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far, he’s looking for you, ” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur, ” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son, ” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right, ” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers, ” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin, ” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down, ” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord, ” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling, ” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods, ” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy, ” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father, ” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry, ” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back, ” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how, but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes, ” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly, cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine, ” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you, ” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night, ” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you, ” he grinned. “I know, poor child, ” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now, thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry, ” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father, ” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be, ” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now, and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back, ” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow, “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it, ” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me, ” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick, ” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly, “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does, ” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy, it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly, and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly, ” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur, I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius, ” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur, I want to stay with you and Gavin, ” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense, ” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now, what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity, and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive, ” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing, ” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying, ” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done, ” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good, ” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now, Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now, I think you should get some sleep, ” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur, I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back, ” Arthur said. “I will, ” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur, I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent, ” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you, ” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think, ” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go, ” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son, ” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible, ” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome, ” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight, ” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know, I met your father, ” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently, he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear, ” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur, “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet, ” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you, ” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend, ” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death, ” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes, ” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you, ” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out, ” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him, ” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah, ” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin, ” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot, ” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now, what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched, ” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon, ” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that, ” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better, and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me, ” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect, ” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all, ” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human, ” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands, ” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof, ” Merlin frowned. “Not likely, ” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him, ” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was, ” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now, we need sleep, ” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine, ” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me, ” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see, ” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine, ” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin, ” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere, ” Merlin grinned. “Sorry, I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin, ” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please, ” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer, “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty, ” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you, ” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea, ” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin, ” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored, ” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father, wake up.” “I’m awake, ” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy, ” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try, Merlin, ” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes, ” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did, ” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible, ” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one, ” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned, ” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend, ” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul, ” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too, ” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now, or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way, as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance, ” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is, ” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers, ” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day, right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy, ” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah, ” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her, ” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her, she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day, ” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now, you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything, ” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King, ” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will, ” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference, ” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes, ” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot, ” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did, ” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys, ” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people, ” Merlin said softly, shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are, ” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother, ” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy, ” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother, I love you, ” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin, ” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon, ” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you, ” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception, ” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin, ” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along, ” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur, “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith, ” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first, ” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy, ” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please, ” he said huskily, and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin, ” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me, ” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur, ” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry, I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it, ” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry, ” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered, ” Merlin said. “I do know one thing, ” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur, I am yours, I have always been yours, ” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined, ” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone, ” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin, ” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty, you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware, ” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord, ” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good, ” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face, ” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter, “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty, I am a man, ” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man, ” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her, and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready, yes, ” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur, I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right, ” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur, “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that, ” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever, Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later, ” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men, ” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them, ” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know, I heard the stories too, ” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know, but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur, you don’ t owe me anything, ” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right, ” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door, “I should go now .” “Go, ” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy, ” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much, ” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you, ” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny, no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur, you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased, ” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor, Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know, ” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother, are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother, I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy, and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father, ” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur, you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense, ” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now, there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here, ” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother, it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow, “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t, ” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know, ” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am, ” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here, ” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room, ” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good, ” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother, ” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow, ” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend, ” Merlin said softly, trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur, ” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin, ” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please, ” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur, ” he said. “I’m sorry, ” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know, believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too, ” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to, ” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do, ” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin, ” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange, ” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant, ” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further, slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally, ” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined, ” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping, ” Arthur said kissing him deeper, his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close, ” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately, it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes, ” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later, Merlin, ” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one, ” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home, ” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that, ” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed, ” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did, ” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now, you are back. Now sit down with me and eat, ” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets, ” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear, your despair, and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur, ” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry, Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry, ” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry, I don’ t blame you, ” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin, ” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen, ” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me, ” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her, but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both, ” Merlin said softly, shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin, ” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try, ” he nodded. “Good, ” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur, if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river, I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now, but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again, ” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now, and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now, ” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier, ” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice, ” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes, ” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time, ” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please, ” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire, ” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin, ” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair, “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur, I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to, ” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur, ” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful, ” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now, please, Arthur, ” he whispered huskily, “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t, ” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God, ” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur, yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you, ” he gasped. “I love you too, ” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely, awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange, ” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible, ” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly, reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur, ” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good, ” he gasped. “Merlin, now, ” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell, ” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible, ” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur, Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together, skin glistening with sweat. “I love you, ” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin, ” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded, ” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur, I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, ” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you, ” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern, ” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this, ” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know, ” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business, ” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do, ” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later, ” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love, ” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight, ” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home, ” he smirked. “Aye that we do, ” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am, ” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you, ” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin, ” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder, “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you, ” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy, it is so good to see you again, ” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric, ” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away, but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay, ” Merlin said. “Good, ” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time, ” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry, ” Leon grinned. “Right, ” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later, the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk, ” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord, ” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober, or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs, ” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back, ” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine, ” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be, ” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine, ” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea, ” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child, ” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic, ” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely, so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore, ” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly, one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur, Gods, feels so good, ” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin, ” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur, your mouth, ” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur, I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin, ” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name, ” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come, ” Arthur whispered in his ear, “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me, ” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor, Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up, ” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur, ” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something, ” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer, to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder, please, ” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you, ” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else, ” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur, ” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact, ” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction, ” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here, ” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin, ” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes, ” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur, I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply, “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways, ” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer, ” Arthur grinned. “Actually, I kind of like this new independent you, ” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do, ” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord, ” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are, ” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me, ” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so, ” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother, really, ” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy, ” she smiled knowingly, “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t, ” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books, ” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books, ” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire, ” Leon said as he came through the door, “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well, ” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room, ” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine, ” she smiled. “Mother, I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want, ” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me, ” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you, ” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will, ” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine, ” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now, ” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord, ” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty, ” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur, ” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow, “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord, ” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter, Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war, ” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy, to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren, ” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur, I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed, ” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know, My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren, ” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes, ” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy, Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur, ” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision, ” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one, ” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes, ” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you, ” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you, ” Merlin kissed him. “Funny, even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty, and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles, ” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually, yes.” “I love you, Prat, ” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please, ” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me, ” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana, ” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness, ” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything, ” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry, Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you, ” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur, what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur, “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry, Arthur, ” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you, ” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her, ” he said. “Oh, ” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible, ” she breathed out slowly, “Merlin…” “You have your magic back, ” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay, but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me, ” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister, Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim, ” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur, his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her, ” he said. “Gwaine, ” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad, ” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine, ” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy, a little scary, but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend, ” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am, ” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you, ” she said. “I missed you too, ” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew, ” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you, ” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now, ” he said softly, “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana, ” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you, ” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy, kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside, ” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana, ” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith, ” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember, welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I, ” Merlin said. “I can see that, ” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you, ” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves, ” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana, ” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so, ” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her, as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally, it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin, ” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur, ” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight, ” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry, I lost track of time, ” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me, ” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never, ” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now, they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good, ” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes, ” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good, ” he chuckled. “Arthur, ” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin, ” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly, unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily, his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin, ” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic, ” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur, yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight, ” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you, ” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur, ” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close, ” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence, ” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you, ” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again, ” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin, ” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire, ” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, ” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow, “I’m perfectly safe.” “True, ” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know, but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant, ” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny, what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur, shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully, his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am, ” he smiled, “I have that now, Arthur, and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me, ” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur, believe me, ” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do, ” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now, get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord, ” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur, Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome, ” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana, ” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur, you take care of him the way he always took care of you, ” Mor gana said. “I will, ” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes, ” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always, ” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Collections: Ficsread2022
Published: 2022-12-24 Words: 56,035 Chapters: 9/9 Giving Up The Ghost by MerlinsBrokenHeart Summary The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey , Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur , his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin,” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm,” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder , desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back,” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side,” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding,” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying,” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop,” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me,” Merlin said fretfully , grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin,” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly , “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you,” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here,” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away , to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew , but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me,” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away , putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear , but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey , and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer ,” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew , Arthur , you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur , he is your friend,” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now , not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur , he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day , great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me,” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur , there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have,” Gaius said. “Arthur , there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well,” Arthur said reluctantly , “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur , Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur ,” Gaius said forcefully , “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after , and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much,” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry , Arthur ,” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur ,” Merlin said apprehensively , and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide,” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything,” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight,” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot,” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully , he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur , we have to go now ,” Merlin said softly , crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty , but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius,” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire,” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted,” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin,” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly , “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy , the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men,” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp,” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose,” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah,” Arthur said flatly , eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry ,” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying,” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat,” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met,” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me,” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur , you need to hold on. One more day. One more day ,” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f,” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing,” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur , “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead,” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm,” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there,” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way ,” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before,” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it,” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do,” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two,” Arthur said. “That's generous,” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep,” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving,” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there,” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys,” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now ,” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry , my dear brother , I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over ,” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late,” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong,” Arthur said pleadingly , and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right,” Merlin smiled sadly , and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord,” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you,” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur , he’s—he’ s gone,” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin,” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry , Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently , his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister , and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry ,” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No,” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness,” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me,” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead,” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny , Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever , and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit,” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King,” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry , there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry , Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea,” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry , Merlin…please for give me,” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur , thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead,” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t,” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer , he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no,” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released,” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special,” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault,” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead,” Percival said. “Merlin killed her , and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there,” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him,” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery , and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently , the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, looking at him intently , “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur ,” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur , do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur , Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear ,” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know ,” she said. “Of course,” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right,” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live,” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot,” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle,” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way , we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic,” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for , he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool,” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that,” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly ,” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin,” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now , it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin,” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma,” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing,” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him,” Gwaine said. “Not exactly , well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant,” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss,” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot,” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now ,” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know ,” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion,” Gwaine said. “Yeah,” Percival nodded. “Gaius,” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly , “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him,” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor , Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world,” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur , it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger ,” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur , no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know ,” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes,” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius,” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable,” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir , Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy ,” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was,” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light,” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin,” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot,” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No,” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway , “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made,” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady ,” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God,” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear , she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin,” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur ,” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know ,” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her , she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her , he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know , so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire,” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder , “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour , Arthur ,” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be,” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry , Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry , Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me,” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell,” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them,” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed,” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur , it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now , about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur ,” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know ,” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire,” Percival nodded. “If you need me,” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now ,” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest,” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I,” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you,” Gwaine said. “You found me,” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur , you are not the only one who failed Merlin,” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now , when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor , Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality ,” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns,” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor , a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur , you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely , we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money ,” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely ,” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored,” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur ,” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her , “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this,” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her , his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur ,” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry , Hunith, for give me,” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur ,” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy , he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much,” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be,” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear , and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King,” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start,” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly , looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance,” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly , and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day , battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head,” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole,” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head,” Leon laughed. “Royal prat,” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get,” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother , to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin,” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter , food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur , I am so deeply sorry , I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur ,” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days,” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted,” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better , as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know ,” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian,” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur ,” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis,” Arthur smiled. “Of course,” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis,” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving,” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved,” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it,” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink,” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur ,” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery , all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me,” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t,” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty , his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly , and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur , you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur , you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together , side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day , before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur , Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty , destiny , and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him,” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur , you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know , Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it,” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know , Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot,” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur , I have news,” Gwen smiled brightly , “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur , you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning,” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur , the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur ,” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur , if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it,” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur ,” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure,” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you,” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord,” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor ,” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now , and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well,” Gaius nodded sadly , “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty , Gaius,” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah,” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire,” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner , what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong,” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid,” Gaius frowned. “I remember , Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately , she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was,” Gaius said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her , to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty , his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes,” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry , truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child,” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father , Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny ,” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur , there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius,” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow , Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord,” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius,” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor , but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord,” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please,” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him,” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember , and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he,” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it,” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic,” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way , he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes,” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer,” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he,” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred,” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so,” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight,” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here,” Leon said as he pulled up a chair , sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry ,” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry ,” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder , “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin,” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers,” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk,” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow ,” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself,” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment,” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong,” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider , “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back,” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge,” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper ,” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king,” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin,” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do,” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other , clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really , really drunk,” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet,” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace,” Leon said. “No,” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness,” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room,” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me,” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur ,” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are,” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend,” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon,” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur , you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep,” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow , “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur ,” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon,” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur ,” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there,” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother , Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father , he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin,” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah,” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all,” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor ,” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders,” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try ,” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine,” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur , you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally , I want to bring him home,” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur , not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently , “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so,” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive,” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us,” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up,” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy ,” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment,” Evoric said. “I insist,” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime,” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was,” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know , he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her , they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius,” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods,” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so,” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult,” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon,” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try , Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy , but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur , please don’ t go alone,” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone,” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right,” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him,” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him,” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur , My Lady ,” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it,” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you,” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur , are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise,” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength,” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know ,” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me,” the dragon said. “I did,” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see,” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well,” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know , Arthur , Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur , Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that,” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur ,” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you,” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did,” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur , you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter , obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once,” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine,” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know , Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again,” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur ,” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away , vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur , did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense,” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why , even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur ,” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say , and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father , I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry ,” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course,” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like,” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking,” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter ,” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine,” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right,” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry , Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did,” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass,” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully , it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along,” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you,” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry , Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly , “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther ,” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had,” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes,” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died,” Gwaine said. “Yes,” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power , it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true,” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic,” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker ,” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her , what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right,” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister ,” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her , it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise,” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow , the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor , but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory , I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense,” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave,” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise,” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along,” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later , when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows,” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now , sit down here and eat something, then get some rest,” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way ,” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone,” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while,” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome,” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me,” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now , but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there,” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow ,” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow , if this works,” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you,” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now ,” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you,” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it,” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder , the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin,” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please,” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all,” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur ,” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur ,” Balinor smiled fondly , “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time,” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer , “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well,” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy , carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic,” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier , and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father , and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky , killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that,” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one,” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin,” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther , and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur , when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior , at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No,” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why ,” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then,” Arthur said. “Because you knew , if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner ,” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur ,” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time,” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster , the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin,” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman,” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine,” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine,” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family , it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully , he was my other half…my friend, my family , and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up,” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now , he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year , before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now , knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin,” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur , the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly , I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would,” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand,” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No,” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God,” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer , like his father , there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you,” Arthur breathed out. “You really came,” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you,” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father , Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better , I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money ,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it,” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together ,” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin,” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime,” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now , to tell you…” “I know , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you,” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur ,” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass,” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat,” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur , and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child,” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life,” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day , as I was meant to?” “Arthur , I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back,” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur , please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy ,” Merlin said then drew back slightly , “Arthur , Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now , Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her , I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin,” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend,” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur , “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet,” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear ,” Arthur shook his head. “Good,” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur ,” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No,” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here,” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home,” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder , they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly , crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way , but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them,” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you,” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur ,” Hunith said from the doorway , “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them,” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur , come inside,” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me,” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur ,” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur , I don’ t want to leave you,” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur , I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably , and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur , let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water , his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water , “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one,” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now , my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby , he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose,” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her , his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby , please.” “Very well,” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur , would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet,” he shook his head. “I want you to know , that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can,” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith,” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is,” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy , Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone,” Arthur shook his head. “I know , I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her , we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur , she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you,” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready , and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right,” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere,” he said softly , “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur , I am so sorry ,” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry ,” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand,” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby , but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby ,” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin,” Gwen smiled brightly , “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right,” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair , I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father , and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over ,” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway ,” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me,” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone,” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen,” he said then kissed her tenderly , “Go on, now , your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door , and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny ,” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet,” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great,” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry ,” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one,” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently , pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over , spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away ,” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course,” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four , surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough,” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you,” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy ,” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes,” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it,” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go,” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right,” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right,” he grinned. “I should come along too,” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us,” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys,” she winked then took Gavin from his father , “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur ,” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire,” the taller man said. “Yes, that,” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith,” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine,” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone,” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur ,” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for , not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do,” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son,” Leon said knowingly , and Arthur smiled. “I must go now , Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed,” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur ,” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps,” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone,” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army , my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin,” Percival said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty , and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave,” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic,” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery , and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did,” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again,” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair , “He was everything to me.” “I know , Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly , Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer , “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening,” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is,” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me,” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin,” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin,” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer , kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father ,” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur ,” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur ,” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this,” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so,” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them,” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way ,” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him,” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east,” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry , Great King,” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son,” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go,” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her , eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry ,” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her , cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren,” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule,” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods,” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur , I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself,” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously , there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way ,” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air , he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow,” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now , calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body , his own body , he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar , like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry , Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now , he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember , Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself,” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people,” Merlin said. “Be on your way then,” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr ,” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons,” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that,” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew , “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys,” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air , and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened,” Merlin said coldly , “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me,” Gavin said. “Of course,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you,” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away ,” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her ,” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me,” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry , my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you,” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how , but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far , he’s looking for you,” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son,” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right,” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers,” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin,” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down,” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord,” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling,” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods,” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy ,” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father ,” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back,” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how , but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes,” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly , cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you,” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night,” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you,” he grinned. “I know , poor child,” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now , thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry ,” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father ,” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be,” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now , and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back,” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow , “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me,” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick,” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly , “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does,” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy , it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly , and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly ,” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur , I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius,” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur , I want to stay with you and Gavin,” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense,” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now , what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity , and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive,” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing,” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying,” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done,” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good,” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now , Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now , I think you should get some sleep,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur , I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back,” Arthur said. “I will,” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur , I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent,” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you,” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think,” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go,” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son,” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible,” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome,” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight,” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know , I met your father ,” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently , he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear ,” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur , “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you,” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend,” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death,” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you,” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out,” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him,” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin,” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot,” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now , what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched,” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon,” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that,” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better , and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me,” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect,” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all,” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human,” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands,” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof,” Merlin frowned. “Not likely ,” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him,” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was,” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now , we need sleep,” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine,” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me,” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see,” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine,” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin,” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere,” Merlin grinned. “Sorry , I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin,” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please,” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer , “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty ,” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you,” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin,” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored,” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father , wake up.” “I’m awake,” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy ,” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try , Merlin,” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes,” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did,” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible,” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one,” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned,” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend,” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul,” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too,” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now , or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way , as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance,” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is,” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers,” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day , right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy ,” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her ,” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her , she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day ,” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now , you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything,” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King,” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will,” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference,” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes,” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot,” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did,” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are,” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother ,” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy ,” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother , I love you,” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin,” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon,” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you,” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception,” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin,” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along,” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur , “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith,” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first,” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy ,” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please,” he said huskily , and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me,” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur ,” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry , I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it,” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered,” Merlin said. “I do know one thing,” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur , I am yours, I have always been yours,” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined,” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone,” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin,” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty , you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware,” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord,” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good,” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face,” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter , “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty , I am a man,” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man,” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her , and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready , yes,” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur , I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right,” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur , “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that,” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever , Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later ,” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men,” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them,” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know , I heard the stories too,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know , but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur , you don’ t owe me anything,” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right,” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door , “I should go now .” “Go,” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy ,” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much,” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you,” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny , no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur , you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased,” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor , Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know ,” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother , are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother , I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy , and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father ,” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur , you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense,” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now , there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here,” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother , it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow , “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t,” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know ,” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am,” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here,” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room,” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good,” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother ,” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow ,” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend,” Merlin said softly , trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur ,” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin,” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please,” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur ,” he said. “I’m sorry ,” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know , believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too,” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to,” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin,” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange,” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant,” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further , slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally ,” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined,” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping,” Arthur said kissing him deeper , his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close,” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately , it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes,” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later , Merlin,” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one,” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home,” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that,” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed,” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did,” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now , you are back. Now sit down with me and eat,” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets,” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear , your despair , and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry , Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry ,” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry , I don’ t blame you,” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin,” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen,” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me,” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her , but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try ,” he nodded. “Good,” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur , if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river , I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now , but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again,” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now , and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now ,” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier ,” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice,” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes,” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time,” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please,” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire,” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair , “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur , I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to,” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur ,” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now , please, Arthur ,” he whispered huskily , “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t,” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God,” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur , yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you,” he gasped. “I love you too,” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely , awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange,” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible,” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly , reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur ,” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good,” he gasped. “Merlin, now ,” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell,” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible,” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur , Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together , skin glistening with sweat. “I love you,” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin,” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded,” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur , I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern,” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know ,” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business,” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do,” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later ,” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love,” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight,” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home,” he smirked. “Aye that we do,” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am,” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you,” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin,” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder , “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you,” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy , it is so good to see you again,” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric,” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away , but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay ,” Merlin said. “Good,” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time,” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry ,” Leon grinned. “Right,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later , the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk,” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord,” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober , or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs,” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back,” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be,” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine,” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea,” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child,” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic,” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely , so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore,” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly , one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur , Gods, feels so good,” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur , your mouth,” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur , I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin,” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name,” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come,” Arthur whispered in his ear , “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me,” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor , Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up,” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something,” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer , to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder , please,” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you,” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else,” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact,” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction,” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here,” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin,” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes,” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur , I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply , “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways,” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer ,” Arthur grinned. “Actually , I kind of like this new independent you,” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do,” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord,” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are,” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me,” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so,” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother , really ,” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy ,” she smiled knowingly , “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t,” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books,” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books,” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire,” Leon said as he came through the door , “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well,” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room,” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine,” she smiled. “Mother , I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want,” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me,” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you,” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will,” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine,” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now ,” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty ,” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur ,” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord,” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter , Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war ,” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy , to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren,” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur , I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed,” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know , My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren,” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes,” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy , Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur ,” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision,” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one,” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes,” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you,” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you,” Merlin kissed him. “Funny , even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty , and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles,” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually , yes.” “I love you, Prat,” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please,” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me,” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana,” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness,” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything,” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry , Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you,” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur , what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur , “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry , Arthur ,” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you,” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her ,” he said. “Oh,” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible,” she breathed out slowly , “Merlin…” “You have your magic back,” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay , but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me,” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister , Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim,” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her ,” he said. “Gwaine,” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad,” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine,” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy , a little scary , but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend,” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you,” she said. “I missed you too,” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew ,” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you,” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now ,” he said softly , “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana,” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you,” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy , kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside,” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana,” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith,” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember , welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I,” Merlin said. “I can see that,” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you,” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves,” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana,” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so,” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her , as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally , it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin,” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight,” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry , I lost track of time,” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me,” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never ,” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now , they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good,” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes,” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good,” he chuckled. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin,” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly , unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily , his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic,” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur , yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight,” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you,” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close,” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence,” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again,” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin,” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth,” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow , “I’m perfectly safe.” “True,” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know , but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant,” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny , what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur , shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully , his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am,” he smiled, “I have that now , Arthur , and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me,” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur , believe me,” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do,” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now , get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord,” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur , Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome,” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana,” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur , you take care of him the way he always took care of you,” Mor gana said. “I will,” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always,” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 56,035
Chapters: 9/9

Lovers or Liars

Merlin and Arthur are content in their relationship until Arthur is called before his father only to hear that his mother is sick and his father wants him to get married - all in the same breath. Now, Arthur has to face the fact that Uther will never allow him to be with Merlin the way he wants to. Meanwhile, Merlin is debating whether to tell Arthur about his magic.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Canon Era, Gay, Love, Relationship(s), Romance, Male Slash, Established Relationship, Arranged Marriage, Major Illness, Magic Revealed, Fluff, Happy Ending, Confessions, Camelot, Closeted Character
Language: English
Published: 2015-07-21
Words: 4,800
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 283
Bookmarks: 29
Hits: 5,140
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Igraine Pengradon/Uther Pendragon
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Lancelot, Igraine, Uther, Guinevere, Gaius

Giving Up The Ghost

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The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey , Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur , his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin,” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm,” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder , desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back,” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side,” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding,” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying,” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop,” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me,” Merlin said fretfully , grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin,” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly , “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you,” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here,” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away , to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew , but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me,” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away , putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear , but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey , and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer ,” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew , Arthur , you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur , he is your friend,” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now , not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur , he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day , great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me,” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur , there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have,” Gaius said. “Arthur , there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well,” Arthur said reluctantly , “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur , Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur ,” Gaius said forcefully , “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after , and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much,” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry , Arthur ,” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur ,” Merlin said apprehensively , and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide,” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything,” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight,” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot,” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully , he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur , we have to go now ,” Merlin said softly , crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty , but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius,” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire,” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted,” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin,” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly , “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy , the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men,” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp,” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose,” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah,” Arthur said flatly , eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry ,” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying,” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat,” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met,” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me,” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur , you need to hold on. One more day. One more day ,” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f,” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing,” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur , “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead,” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm,” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there,” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way ,” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before,” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it,” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do,” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two,” Arthur said. “That's generous,” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep,” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving,” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there,” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys,” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now ,” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry , my dear brother , I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over ,” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late,” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong,” Arthur said pleadingly , and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right,” Merlin smiled sadly , and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord,” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you,” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur , he’s—he’ s gone,” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin,” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry , Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently , his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister , and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry ,” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No,” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness,” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me,” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead,” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny , Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever , and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit,” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King,” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry , there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry , Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea,” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry , Merlin…please for give me,” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur , thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead,” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t,” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer , he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no,” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released,” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special,” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault,” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead,” Percival said. “Merlin killed her , and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there,” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him,” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery , and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently , the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, looking at him intently , “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur ,” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur , do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur , Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear ,” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know ,” she said. “Of course,” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right,” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live,” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot,” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle,” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way , we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic,” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for , he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool,” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that,” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly ,” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin,” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now , it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin,” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma,” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing,” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him,” Gwaine said. “Not exactly , well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant,” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss,” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot,” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now ,” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know ,” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion,” Gwaine said. “Yeah,” Percival nodded. “Gaius,” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly , “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him,” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor , Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world,” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur , it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger ,” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur , no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know ,” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes,” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius,” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable,” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir , Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy ,” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was,” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light,” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin,” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot,” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No,” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway , “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made,” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady ,” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God,” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear , she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin,” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur ,” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know ,” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her , she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her , he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know , so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire,” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder , “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour , Arthur ,” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be,” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry , Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry , Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me,” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell,” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them,” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed,” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur , it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now , about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur ,” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know ,” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire,” Percival nodded. “If you need me,” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now ,” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest,” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I,” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you,” Gwaine said. “You found me,” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur , you are not the only one who failed Merlin,” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now , when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor , Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality ,” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns,” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor , a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur , you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely , we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money ,” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely ,” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored,” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur ,” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her , “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this,” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her , his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur ,” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry , Hunith, for give me,” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur ,” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy , he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much,” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be,” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear , and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King,” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start,” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly , looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance,” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly , and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day , battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head,” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole,” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head,” Leon laughed. “Royal prat,” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get,” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother , to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin,” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter , food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur , I am so deeply sorry , I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur ,” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days,” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted,” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better , as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know ,” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian,” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur ,” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis,” Arthur smiled. “Of course,” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis,” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving,” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved,” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it,” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink,” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur ,” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery , all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me,” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t,” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty , his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly , and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur , you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur , you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together , side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day , before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur , Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty , destiny , and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him,” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur , you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know , Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it,” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know , Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot,” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur , I have news,” Gwen smiled brightly , “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur , you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning,” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur , the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur ,” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur , if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it,” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur ,” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure,” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you,” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord,” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor ,” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now , and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well,” Gaius nodded sadly , “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty , Gaius,” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah,” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire,” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner , what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong,” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid,” Gaius frowned. “I remember , Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately , she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was,” Gaius said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her , to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty , his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes,” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry , truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child,” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father , Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny ,” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur , there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius,” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow , Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord,” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius,” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor , but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord,” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please,” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him,” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember , and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he,” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it,” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic,” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way , he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes,” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer,” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he,” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred,” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so,” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight,” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here,” Leon said as he pulled up a chair , sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry ,” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry ,” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder , “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin,” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers,” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk,” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow ,” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself,” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment,” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong,” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider , “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back,” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge,” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper ,” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king,” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin,” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do,” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other , clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really , really drunk,” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet,” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace,” Leon said. “No,” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness,” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room,” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me,” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur ,” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are,” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend,” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon,” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur , you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep,” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow , “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur ,” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon,” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur ,” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there,” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother , Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father , he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin,” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah,” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all,” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor ,” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders,” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try ,” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine,” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur , you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally , I want to bring him home,” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur , not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently , “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so,” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive,” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us,” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up,” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy ,” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment,” Evoric said. “I insist,” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime,” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was,” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know , he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her , they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius,” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods,” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so,” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult,” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon,” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try , Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy , but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur , please don’ t go alone,” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone,” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right,” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him,” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him,” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur , My Lady ,” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it,” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you,” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur , are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise,” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength,” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know ,” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me,” the dragon said. “I did,” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see,” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well,” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know , Arthur , Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur , Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that,” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur ,” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you,” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did,” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur , you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter , obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once,” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine,” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know , Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again,” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur ,” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away , vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur , did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense,” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why , even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur ,” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say , and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father , I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry ,” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course,” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like,” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking,” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter ,” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine,” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right,” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry , Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did,” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass,” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully , it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along,” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you,” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry , Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly , “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther ,” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had,” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes,” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died,” Gwaine said. “Yes,” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power , it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true,” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic,” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker ,” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her , what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right,” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister ,” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her , it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise,” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow , the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor , but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory , I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense,” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave,” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise,” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along,” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later , when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows,” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now , sit down here and eat something, then get some rest,” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way ,” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone,” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while,” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome,” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me,” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now , but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there,” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow ,” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow , if this works,” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you,” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now ,” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you,” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it,” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder , the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin,” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please,” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all,” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur ,” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur ,” Balinor smiled fondly , “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time,” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer , “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well,” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy , carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic,” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier , and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father , and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky , killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that,” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one,” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin,” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther , and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur , when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior , at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No,” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why ,” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then,” Arthur said. “Because you knew , if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner ,” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur ,” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time,” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster , the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin,” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman,” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine,” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine,” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family , it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully , he was my other half…my friend, my family , and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up,” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now , he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year , before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now , knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin,” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur , the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly , I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would,” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand,” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No,” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God,” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer , like his father , there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you,” Arthur breathed out. “You really came,” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you,” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father , Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better , I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money ,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it,” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together ,” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin,” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime,” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now , to tell you…” “I know , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you,” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur ,” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass,” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat,” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur , and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child,” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life,” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day , as I was meant to?” “Arthur , I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back,” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur , please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy ,” Merlin said then drew back slightly , “Arthur , Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now , Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her , I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin,” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend,” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur , “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet,” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear ,” Arthur shook his head. “Good,” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur ,” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No,” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here,” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home,” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder , they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly , crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way , but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them,” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you,” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur ,” Hunith said from the doorway , “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them,” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur , come inside,” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me,” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur ,” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur , I don’ t want to leave you,” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur , I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably , and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur , let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water , his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water , “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one,” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now , my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby , he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose,” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her , his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby , please.” “Very well,” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur , would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet,” he shook his head. “I want you to know , that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can,” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith,” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is,” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy , Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone,” Arthur shook his head. “I know , I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her , we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur , she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you,” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready , and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right,” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere,” he said softly , “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur , I am so sorry ,” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry ,” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand,” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby , but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby ,” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin,” Gwen smiled brightly , “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right,” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair , I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father , and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over ,” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway ,” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me,” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone,” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen,” he said then kissed her tenderly , “Go on, now , your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door , and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny ,” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet,” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great,” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry ,” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one,” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently , pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over , spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away ,” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course,” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four , surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough,” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you,” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy ,” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes,” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it,” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go,” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right,” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right,” he grinned. “I should come along too,” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us,” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys,” she winked then took Gavin from his father , “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur ,” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire,” the taller man said. “Yes, that,” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith,” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine,” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone,” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur ,” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for , not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do,” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son,” Leon said knowingly , and Arthur smiled. “I must go now , Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed,” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur ,” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps,” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone,” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army , my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin,” Percival said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty , and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave,” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic,” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery , and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did,” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again,” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair , “He was everything to me.” “I know , Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly , Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer , “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening,” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is,” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me,” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin,” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin,” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer , kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father ,” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur ,” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur ,” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this,” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so,” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them,” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way ,” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him,” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east,” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry , Great King,” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son,” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go,” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her , eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry ,” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her , cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren,” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule,” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods,” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur , I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself,” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously , there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way ,” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air , he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow,” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now , calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body , his own body , he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar , like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry , Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now , he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember , Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself,” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people,” Merlin said. “Be on your way then,” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr ,” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons,” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that,” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew , “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys,” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air , and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened,” Merlin said coldly , “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me,” Gavin said. “Of course,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you,” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away ,” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her ,” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me,” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry , my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you,” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how , but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far , he’s looking for you,” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son,” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right,” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers,” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin,” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down,” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord,” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling,” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods,” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy ,” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father ,” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back,” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how , but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes,” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly , cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you,” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night,” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you,” he grinned. “I know , poor child,” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now , thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry ,” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father ,” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be,” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now , and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back,” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow , “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me,” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick,” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly , “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does,” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy , it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly , and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly ,” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur , I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius,” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur , I want to stay with you and Gavin,” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense,” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now , what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity , and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive,” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing,” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying,” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done,” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good,” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now , Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now , I think you should get some sleep,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur , I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back,” Arthur said. “I will,” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur , I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent,” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you,” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think,” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go,” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son,” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible,” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome,” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight,” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know , I met your father ,” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently , he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear ,” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur , “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you,” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend,” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death,” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you,” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out,” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him,” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin,” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot,” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now , what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched,” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon,” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that,” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better , and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me,” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect,” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all,” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human,” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands,” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof,” Merlin frowned. “Not likely ,” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him,” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was,” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now , we need sleep,” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine,” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me,” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see,” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine,” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin,” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere,” Merlin grinned. “Sorry , I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin,” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please,” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer , “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty ,” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you,” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin,” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored,” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father , wake up.” “I’m awake,” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy ,” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try , Merlin,” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes,” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did,” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible,” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one,” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned,” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend,” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul,” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too,” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now , or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way , as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance,” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is,” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers,” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day , right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy ,” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her ,” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her , she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day ,” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now , you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything,” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King,” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will,” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference,” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes,” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot,” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did,” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are,” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother ,” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy ,” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother , I love you,” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin,” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon,” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you,” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception,” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin,” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along,” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur , “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith,” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first,” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy ,” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please,” he said huskily , and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me,” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur ,” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry , I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it,” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered,” Merlin said. “I do know one thing,” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur , I am yours, I have always been yours,” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined,” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone,” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin,” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty , you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware,” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord,” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good,” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face,” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter , “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty , I am a man,” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man,” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her , and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready , yes,” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur , I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right,” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur , “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that,” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever , Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later ,” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men,” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them,” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know , I heard the stories too,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know , but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur , you don’ t owe me anything,” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right,” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door , “I should go now .” “Go,” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy ,” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much,” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you,” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny , no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur , you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased,” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor , Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know ,” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother , are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother , I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy , and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father ,” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur , you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense,” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now , there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here,” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother , it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow , “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t,” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know ,” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am,” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here,” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room,” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good,” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother ,” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow ,” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend,” Merlin said softly , trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur ,” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin,” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please,” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur ,” he said. “I’m sorry ,” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know , believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too,” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to,” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin,” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange,” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant,” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further , slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally ,” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined,” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping,” Arthur said kissing him deeper , his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close,” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately , it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes,” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later , Merlin,” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one,” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home,” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that,” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed,” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did,” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now , you are back. Now sit down with me and eat,” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets,” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear , your despair , and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry , Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry ,” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry , I don’ t blame you,” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin,” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen,” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me,” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her , but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try ,” he nodded. “Good,” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur , if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river , I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now , but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again,” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now , and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now ,” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier ,” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice,” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes,” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time,” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please,” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire,” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair , “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur , I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to,” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur ,” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now , please, Arthur ,” he whispered huskily , “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t,” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God,” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur , yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you,” he gasped. “I love you too,” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely , awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange,” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible,” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly , reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur ,” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good,” he gasped. “Merlin, now ,” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell,” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible,” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur , Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together , skin glistening with sweat. “I love you,” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin,” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded,” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur , I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern,” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know ,” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business,” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do,” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later ,” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love,” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight,” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home,” he smirked. “Aye that we do,” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am,” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you,” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin,” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder , “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you,” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy , it is so good to see you again,” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric,” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away , but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay ,” Merlin said. “Good,” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time,” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry ,” Leon grinned. “Right,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later , the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk,” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord,” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober , or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs,” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back,” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be,” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine,” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea,” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child,” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic,” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely , so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore,” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly , one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur , Gods, feels so good,” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur , your mouth,” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur , I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin,” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name,” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come,” Arthur whispered in his ear , “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me,” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor , Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up,” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something,” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer , to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder , please,” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you,” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else,” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact,” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction,” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here,” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin,” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes,” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur , I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply , “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways,” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer ,” Arthur grinned. “Actually , I kind of like this new independent you,” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do,” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord,” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are,” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me,” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so,” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother , really ,” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy ,” she smiled knowingly , “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t,” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books,” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books,” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire,” Leon said as he came through the door , “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well,” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room,” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine,” she smiled. “Mother , I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want,” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me,” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you,” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will,” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine,” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now ,” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty ,” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur ,” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord,” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter , Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war ,” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy , to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren,” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur , I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed,” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know , My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren,” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes,” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy , Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur ,” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision,” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one,” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes,” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you,” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you,” Merlin kissed him. “Funny , even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty , and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles,” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually , yes.” “I love you, Prat,” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please,” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me,” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana,” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness,” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything,” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry , Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you,” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur , what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur , “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry , Arthur ,” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you,” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her ,” he said. “Oh,” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible,” she breathed out slowly , “Merlin…” “You have your magic back,” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay , but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me,” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister , Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim,” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her ,” he said. “Gwaine,” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad,” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine,” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy , a little scary , but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend,” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you,” she said. “I missed you too,” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew ,” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you,” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now ,” he said softly , “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana,” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you,” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy , kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside,” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana,” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith,” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember , welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I,” Merlin said. “I can see that,” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you,” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves,” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana,” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so,” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her , as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally , it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin,” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight,” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry , I lost track of time,” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me,” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never ,” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now , they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good,” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes,” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good,” he chuckled. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin,” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly , unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily , his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic,” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur , yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight,” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you,” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close,” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence,” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again,” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin,” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth,” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow , “I’m perfectly safe.” “True,” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know , but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant,” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny , what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur , shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully , his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am,” he smiled, “I have that now , Arthur , and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me,” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur , believe me,” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do,” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now , get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord,” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur , Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome,” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana,” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur , you take care of him the way he always took care of you,” Mor gana said. “I will,” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always,” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Explicit Archive W arning: Major Character Death Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Mor gana (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Original Child Character(s), Kilgharrah (Merlin) Additional T ags: Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Gwen Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Queen Gwen (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Character Death, Temporary Character Death, Post-Battle of Camlann (Merlin), After Camlann Merlin Big Bang, Pregnancy, Evil Mor gana (Merlin), Redeemed Mor gana (Merlin), Merlin Dies (Merlin), Morgana Dies (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Canon Diver gence, Explicit Sexual Content, Angst with a Happy Ending, Grief/Mourning Language: English Collections: Ficsread2022 Stats: Published: 2022-12-24 Words: 56, 035 Chapters: 9/9 Giving Up The Ghost by MerlinsBrokenHeart Summary The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey, Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur, his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin, ” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm, ” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder, desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back, ” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side, ” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding, ” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying, ” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop, ” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me, ” Merlin said fretfully, grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin, ” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly, “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you, ” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here, ” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away, to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew, but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me, ” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur, ” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away, putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear, but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey, and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer, ” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew, Arthur, you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur, he is your friend, ” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now, not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur, he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day, great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me, ” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur, there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have, ” Gaius said. “Arthur, there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well, ” Arthur said reluctantly, “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur, Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur, ” Gaius said forcefully, “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after, and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much, ” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry, Arthur, ” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur, ” Merlin said apprehensively, and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide, ” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything, ” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight, ” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot, ” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully, he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur, we have to go now, ” Merlin said softly, crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty, but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius, ” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire, ” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted, ” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin, ” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly, “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy, the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men, ” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp, ” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose, ” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah, ” Arthur said flatly, eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry, ” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying, ” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat, ” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met, ” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me, ” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur, you need to hold on. One more day. One more day, ” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f, ” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing, ” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur, “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead, ” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm, ” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there, ” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way, ” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before, ” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it, ” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do, ” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two, ” Arthur said. “That's generous, ” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep, ” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving, ” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there, ” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys, ” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now, ” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry, my dear brother, I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over, ” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late, ” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong, ” Arthur said pleadingly, and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right, ” Merlin smiled sadly, and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord, ” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you, ” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin, ” Arthur said softly, “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur, he’s—he’ s gone, ” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin, ” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry, Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently, his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister, and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry, ” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No, ” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness, ” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me, ” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead, ” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny, Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever, and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit, ” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King, ” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur, ” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry, there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry, Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea, ” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry, Merlin…please for give me, ” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur, thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead, ” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t, ” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer, he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no, ” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released, ” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special, ” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault, ” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead, ” Percival said. “Merlin killed her, and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur, ” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there, ” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur, ” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him, ” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery, and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently, the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur, ” Gwaine said, looking at him intently, “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur, ” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur, do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur, Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear, ” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know, ” she said. “Of course, ” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right, ” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live, ” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot, ” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle, ” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way, we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic, ” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for, he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool, ” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur, ” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that, ” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly, ” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin, ” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now, it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin, ” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma, ” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing, ” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him, ” Gwaine said. “Not exactly, well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant, ” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss, ” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot, ” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now, ” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know, ” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion, ” Gwaine said. “Yeah, ” Percival nodded. “Gaius, ” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly, “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him, ” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor, Arthur, ” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world, ” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur, it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger, ” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur, no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know, ” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes, ” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius, ” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable, ” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir, Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy, ” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was, ” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light, ” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin, ” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot, ” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No, ” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway, “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made, ” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady, ” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God, ” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear, she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin, ” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur, ” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know, ” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her, she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her, he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know, so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire, ” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder, “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour, Arthur, ” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be, ” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry, Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry, Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me, ” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell, ” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them, ” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed, ” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur, it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now, about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur, ” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know, ” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire, ” Percival nodded. “If you need me, ” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now, ” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest, ” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I, ” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you, ” Gwaine said. “You found me, ” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur, you are not the only one who failed Merlin, ” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur, folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now, when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor, Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha, ” Arthur said softly, “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality, ” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns, ” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor, a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur, you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine, ” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely, we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money, ” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely, ” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored, ” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur, ” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her, “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this, ” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her, his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur, ” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry, Hunith, for give me, ” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur, ” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy, he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much, ” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be, ” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear, and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King, ” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start, ” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly, looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance, ” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly, and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day, battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head, ” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole, ” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head, ” Leon laughed. “Royal prat, ” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get, ” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother, to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin, ” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter, food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur, I am so deeply sorry, I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur, ” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days, ” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted, ” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better, as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know, ” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian, ” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur, ” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis, ” Arthur smiled. “Of course, ” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis, ” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving, ” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved, ” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it, ” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink, ” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur, ” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery, all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me, ” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t, ” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty, his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly, and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur, you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur, you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together, side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day, before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur, Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty, destiny, and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him, ” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur, you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know, Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it, ” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know, Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot, ” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur, I have news, ” Gwen smiled brightly, “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur, you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning, ” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur, the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur, ” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur, if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh, ” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it, ” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur, ” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure, ” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you, ” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord, ” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor, ” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire, ” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now, and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh, ” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well, ” Gaius nodded sadly, “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty, Gaius, ” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah, ” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire, ” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner, what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong, ” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid, ” Gaius frowned. “I remember, Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately, she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was, ” Gaius said. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her, to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty, his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes, ” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry, truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child, ” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father, Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny, ” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back, ” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur, there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius, ” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow, Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord, ” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius, ” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor, but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord, ” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please, ” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him, ” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember, and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he, ” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur, ” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it, ” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic, ” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic, ” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way, he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes, ” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer, ” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he, ” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred, ” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so, ” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight, ” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here, ” Leon said as he pulled up a chair, sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry, ” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry, ” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder, “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin, ” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers, ” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk, ” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow, ” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself, ” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment, ” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong, ” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider, “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back, ” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge, ” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper, ” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king, ” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin, ” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do, ” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other, clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really, really drunk, ” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet, ” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace, ” Leon said. “No, ” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness, ” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room, ” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me, ” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur, ” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are, ” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend, ” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon, ” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur, you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep, ” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow, “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur, ” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon, ” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur, ” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there, ” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother, Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father, he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin, ” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah, ” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all, ” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor, ” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders, ” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try, ” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine, ” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur, you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally, I want to bring him home, ” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur, not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently, “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so, ” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive, ” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us, ” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up, ” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy, ” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment, ” Evoric said. “I insist, ” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime, ” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was, ” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know, he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her, they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius, ” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods, ” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so, ” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult, ” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon, ” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try, Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy, but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur, please don’ t go alone, ” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone, ” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right, ” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him, ” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him, ” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur, My Lady, ” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it, ” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you, ” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur, are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise, ” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength, ” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know, ” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me, ” the dragon said. “I did, ” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see, ” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well, ” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know, Arthur, Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur, Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that, ” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur, ” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you, ” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did, ” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur, you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter, obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once, ” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, ” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah, ” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know, Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again, ” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur, ” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away, vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur, did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense, ” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why, even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur, ” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say, and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father, I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry, ” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course, ” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like, ” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking, ” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter, ” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine, ” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right, ” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry, Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did, ” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass, ” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully, it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along, ” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you, ” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry, Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly, “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther, ” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had, ” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes, ” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died, ” Gwaine said. “Yes, ” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power, it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true, ” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic, ” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker, ” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her, what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right, ” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister, ” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her, it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise, ” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow, the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor, but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory, I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense, ” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave, ” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise, ” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along, ” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later, when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows, ” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now, sit down here and eat something, then get some rest, ” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way, ” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone, ” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while, ” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome, ” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me, ” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now, but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there, ” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow, ” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow, if this works, ” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you, ” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now, ” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you, ” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it, ” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder, the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin, ” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please, ” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all, ” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur, ” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur, ” Balinor smiled fondly, “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time, ” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer, “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well, ” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy, carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic, ” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier, and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father, and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky, killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that, ” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one, ” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin, ” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther, and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur, when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior, at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No, ” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why, ” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then, ” Arthur said. “Because you knew, if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner, ” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur, ” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time, ” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster, the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin, ” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman, ” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine, ” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine, ” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family, it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully, he was my other half…my friend, my family, and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up, ” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now, he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year, before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now, knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin, ” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur, the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly, I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would, ” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand, ” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No, ” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God, ” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer, like his father, there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you, ” Arthur breathed out. “You really came, ” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you, ” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father, Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better, I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money, ” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it, ” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together, ” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin, ” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime, ” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now, to tell you…” “I know, Arthur, ” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you, ” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur, ” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass, ” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat, ” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur, and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child, ” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life, ” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day, as I was meant to?” “Arthur, I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back, ” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur, please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy, ” Merlin said then drew back slightly, “Arthur, Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now, Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin, ” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her, I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin, ” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend, ” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur, “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet, ” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear, ” Arthur shook his head. “Good, ” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur, ” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No, ” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here, ” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home, ” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder, they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly, crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way, but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them, ” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you, ” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur, ” Hunith said from the doorway, “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them, ” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur, come inside, ” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me, ” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur, ” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur, I don’ t want to leave you, ” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire, ” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur, I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably, and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur, let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water, his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water, “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one, ” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now, my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby, he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose, ” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her, his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby, please.” “Very well, ” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur, would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet, ” he shook his head. “I want you to know, that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can, ” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith, ” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is, ” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy, Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone, ” Arthur shook his head. “I know, I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her, we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur, she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you, ” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready, and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right, ” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere, ” he said softly, “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur, I am so sorry, ” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry, ” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand, ” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby, but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby, ” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin, ” Gwen smiled brightly, “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right, ” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair, I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father, and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over, ” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway, ” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me, ” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone, ” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen, ” he said then kissed her tenderly, “Go on, now, your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door, and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny, ” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet, ” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great, ” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry, ” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one, ” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently, pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over, spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away, ” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course, ” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four, surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough, ” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you, ” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy, ” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes, ” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it, ” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go, ” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right, ” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right, ” he grinned. “I should come along too, ” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us, ” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys, ” she winked then took Gavin from his father, “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur, ” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire, ” the taller man said. “Yes, that, ” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith, ” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine, ” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone, ” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur, ” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin, ” Arthur said softly, “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for, not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do, ” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son, ” Leon said knowingly, and Arthur smiled. “I must go now, Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed, ” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur, ” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps, ” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone, ” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army, my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin, ” Percival said. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty, and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave, ” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic, ” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery, and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did, ” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again, ” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair, “He was everything to me.” “I know, Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly, Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer, “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening, ” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is, ” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me, ” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin, ” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin, ” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer, kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father, ” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur, ” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur, ” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this, ” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so, ” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them, ” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way, ” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him, ” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east, ” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry, Great King, ” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son, ” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go, ” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her, eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry, ” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her, cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren, ” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule, ” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods, ” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur, I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself, ” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously, there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way, ” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air, he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow, ” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now, calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body, his own body, he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar, like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry, Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now, he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember, Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself, ” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people, ” Merlin said. “Be on your way then, ” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr, ” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons, ” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that, ” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew, “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys, ” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air, and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened, ” Merlin said coldly, “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, ” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me, ” Gavin said. “Of course, ” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you, ” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away, ” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her, ” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me, ” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry, my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you, ” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how, but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far, he’s looking for you, ” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur, ” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son, ” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right, ” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers, ” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin, ” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down, ” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord, ” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling, ” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods, ” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy, ” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father, ” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry, ” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back, ” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how, but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes, ” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly, cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine, ” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you, ” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night, ” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you, ” he grinned. “I know, poor child, ” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now, thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry, ” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father, ” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be, ” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now, and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back, ” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow, “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it, ” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me, ” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick, ” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly, “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does, ” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy, it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly, and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly, ” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur, I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius, ” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur, I want to stay with you and Gavin, ” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense, ” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now, what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity, and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive, ” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing, ” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying, ” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done, ” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good, ” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now, Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now, I think you should get some sleep, ” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur, I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back, ” Arthur said. “I will, ” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur, I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent, ” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you, ” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think, ” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go, ” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son, ” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible, ” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome, ” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight, ” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know, I met your father, ” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently, he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear, ” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur, “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet, ” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you, ” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend, ” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death, ” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes, ” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you, ” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out, ” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him, ” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah, ” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin, ” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot, ” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now, what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched, ” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon, ” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that, ” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better, and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me, ” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect, ” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all, ” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human, ” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands, ” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof, ” Merlin frowned. “Not likely, ” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him, ” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was, ” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now, we need sleep, ” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine, ” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me, ” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see, ” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine, ” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin, ” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere, ” Merlin grinned. “Sorry, I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin, ” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please, ” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer, “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty, ” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you, ” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea, ” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin, ” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored, ” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father, wake up.” “I’m awake, ” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy, ” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try, Merlin, ” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes, ” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did, ” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible, ” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one, ” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned, ” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend, ” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul, ” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too, ” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now, or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur, ” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way, as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance, ” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is, ” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers, ” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day, right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy, ” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah, ” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her, ” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her, she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day, ” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now, you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything, ” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King, ” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will, ” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference, ” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes, ” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot, ” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did, ” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys, ” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people, ” Merlin said softly, shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are, ” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother, ” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy, ” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother, I love you, ” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin, ” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon, ” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you, ” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception, ” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin, ” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along, ” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur, “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith, ” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first, ” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy, ” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please, ” he said huskily, and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin, ” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me, ” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur, ” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry, I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it, ” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry, ” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered, ” Merlin said. “I do know one thing, ” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur, I am yours, I have always been yours, ” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined, ” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone, ” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin, ” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty, you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware, ” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord, ” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good, ” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face, ” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter, “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty, I am a man, ” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man, ” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her, and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready, yes, ” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur, I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right, ” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur, “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that, ” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever, Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later, ” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men, ” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them, ” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know, I heard the stories too, ” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know, but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur, you don’ t owe me anything, ” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right, ” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door, “I should go now .” “Go, ” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy, ” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much, ” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you, ” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny, no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur, you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased, ” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor, Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know, ” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother, are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother, I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy, and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father, ” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur, you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense, ” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now, there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here, ” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother, it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow, “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t, ” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know, ” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am, ” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here, ” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room, ” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good, ” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother, ” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow, ” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend, ” Merlin said softly, trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur, ” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin, ” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please, ” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur, ” he said. “I’m sorry, ” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know, believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too, ” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to, ” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do, ” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin, ” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange, ” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant, ” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further, slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally, ” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined, ” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping, ” Arthur said kissing him deeper, his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close, ” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately, it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes, ” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later, Merlin, ” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one, ” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home, ” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that, ” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed, ” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did, ” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now, you are back. Now sit down with me and eat, ” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets, ” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear, your despair, and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur, ” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry, Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry, ” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry, I don’ t blame you, ” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin, ” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen, ” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me, ” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her, but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both, ” Merlin said softly, shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin, ” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try, ” he nodded. “Good, ” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur, if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river, I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now, but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again, ” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now, and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now, ” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier, ” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice, ” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes, ” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time, ” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please, ” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire, ” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin, ” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair, “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur, I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to, ” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur, ” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful, ” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now, please, Arthur, ” he whispered huskily, “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t, ” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God, ” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur, yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you, ” he gasped. “I love you too, ” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely, awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange, ” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible, ” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly, reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur, ” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good, ” he gasped. “Merlin, now, ” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell, ” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible, ” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur, Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together, skin glistening with sweat. “I love you, ” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin, ” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded, ” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur, I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, ” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you, ” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern, ” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this, ” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know, ” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business, ” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do, ” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later, ” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love, ” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight, ” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home, ” he smirked. “Aye that we do, ” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am, ” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you, ” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin, ” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder, “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you, ” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy, it is so good to see you again, ” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric, ” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away, but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay, ” Merlin said. “Good, ” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time, ” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry, ” Leon grinned. “Right, ” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later, the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk, ” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord, ” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober, or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs, ” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back, ” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine, ” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be, ” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine, ” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea, ” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child, ” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic, ” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely, so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore, ” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly, one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur, Gods, feels so good, ” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin, ” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur, your mouth, ” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur, I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin, ” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name, ” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come, ” Arthur whispered in his ear, “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me, ” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor, Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up, ” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur, ” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something, ” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer, to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder, please, ” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you, ” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else, ” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur, ” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact, ” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction, ” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here, ” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin, ” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes, ” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur, I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply, “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways, ” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer, ” Arthur grinned. “Actually, I kind of like this new independent you, ” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do, ” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord, ” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are, ” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me, ” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so, ” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother, really, ” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy, ” she smiled knowingly, “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t, ” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books, ” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books, ” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire, ” Leon said as he came through the door, “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well, ” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room, ” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine, ” she smiled. “Mother, I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want, ” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me, ” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you, ” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will, ” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine, ” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now, ” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord, ” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty, ” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur, ” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow, “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord, ” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter, Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war, ” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy, to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren, ” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur, I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed, ” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know, My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren, ” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes, ” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy, Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur, ” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well, ” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision, ” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one, ” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes, ” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you, ” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you, ” Merlin kissed him. “Funny, even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty, and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles, ” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually, yes.” “I love you, Prat, ” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please, ” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me, ” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana, ” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness, ” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything, ” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry, Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you, ” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur, what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur, “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry, Arthur, ” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you, ” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her, ” he said. “Oh, ” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible, ” she breathed out slowly, “Merlin…” “You have your magic back, ” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay, but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me, ” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister, Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim, ” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur, his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her, ” he said. “Gwaine, ” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad, ” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine, ” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy, a little scary, but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend, ” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am, ” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you, ” she said. “I missed you too, ” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew, ” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you, ” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now, ” he said softly, “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana, ” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you, ” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy, kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside, ” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana, ” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith, ” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember, welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I, ” Merlin said. “I can see that, ” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you, ” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves, ” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana, ” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so, ” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her, as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally, it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin, ” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur, ” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight, ” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry, I lost track of time, ” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me, ” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never, ” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now, they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good, ” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes, ” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good, ” he chuckled. “Arthur, ” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin, ” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly, unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily, his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin, ” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic, ” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur, yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight, ” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you, ” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur, ” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close, ” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence, ” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you, ” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again, ” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin, ” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire, ” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, ” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow, “I’m perfectly safe.” “True, ” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know, but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant, ” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny, what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur, shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully, his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am, ” he smiled, “I have that now, Arthur, and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me, ” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur, believe me, ” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do, ” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now, get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord, ” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur, Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome, ” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana, ” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur, you take care of him the way he always took care of you, ” Mor gana said. “I will, ” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes, ” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always, ” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Collections: Ficsread2022
Published: 2022-12-24 Words: 56,035 Chapters: 9/9 Giving Up The Ghost by MerlinsBrokenHeart Summary The battle of Camlann is done, Arthur is mortally wounded and dealing with the revelation that Merlin is a sorcerer . His servant has magic. The one person he trusted more than any other had betrayed him…lied to him all these years. Merlin is determined to take his king to Avalon to be healed by the Sidhe. Over the two-day journey , Arthur slowly begins to realize that Merlin is still Merlin, magic or not. The most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth… his servant, his friend, and protector . When Mor gana catches up to them before they can reach A valon, Merlin makes the ultimate sacrifice for his king leaving Arthur reeling. Defying prophecy and forever altering the fate of the king and of Camelot. Notes My tribute to Merlin in honor of the T en-Y ear Anniversary of the finale. Long Live Merlin!!!! This is the story I have always wanted to write. From the POV of Arthur , his internal dialogue and emotional struggle with Merlin’ s confession that he is a sorcerer . The actual dialogue and story pretty much follows the final episode up to the point where Mor gana catches up to them. From there it takes a drastic turn, diver ging wildly from canon, and creating a whole new ending. Enjoy and I hope you all love it as much as I do. Feedback appreciated. If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Aftermath Arthur was drowning in pitch-black darkness. His eyelids were heavy . The pain was like a lightning bolt in his side. Mordred, how could he have been so stupid to trust the boy? So, this is how it is all meant to end…with yet another betrayal by someone he cared about, someone he trusted. Arthur Pendragon...trusting fool. It seemed that his faith in others was to be his undoing. Maybe his father had been right not to depend on others…to not trust anyone. Another image penetrated the darkness, a fleeting glimpse of the old sorcerer…Dragoon? Why would the old man help him? Why would a sorcerer fight for Camelot, the kingdom that had persecuted his kind for decades? It didn’ t make any sense. The old man had killed his father and now he was carrying him from the battlefield…how in the hell was a doddery old man able to bear his weight in full armor? And why was he crying? Guinevere, his beautiful queen, at least Camelot would be in good hands. He could go to the other world knowing that. She would be a great leader and Merlin would be at her side to help her just as he had been for Arthur . His reign was done. He could die knowing the kingdom was safe. He just needed to let go. Arthur huf fed a breath and opened his eyes swallowing hard. There was a crackling fire near his feet and a familiar figure crouched on the other side of the flames. He knew that ratty brown jacket. But how did Merlin even find him? Where was the old sorcerer? “Merlin,” Arthur said, amazed that his voice still worked. “How are you feeling?” Merlin asked, immediately moving to his side as Arthur tried to sit up. “Ah, ah mmm,” Arthur grabbed Merlin as pain tore through his body . Merlin gripped Arthur ’s forearm where it lay against his shoulder , desperate to keep that connection to his king. “Lie back…lie back,” he said, his voice thick with worry . “Where have you been?” “It doesn't matter now .” “Ah, my side…my side,” Arthur said his head fell back, face twisting in pain. “You are bleeding,” Merlin glanced down at the wound. “That's all right. I thought I was dying,” Arthur said every breath a struggle. Merlin looked at him again his blue eyes shining with tears, his face etched with worry . “I'm sorry . I thought I'd defied the prophecy . I thought I was in time.” “What are you talking about?” “I defeated the Saxons. The dragon. And yet...and yet I knew it was Mordred that I must stop,” Merlin said. Arthur patted Merlin’ s shoulder squeezing gently as his eyes widened, a slight smile on his face, “The person who defeated them was the sorcerer .” “It was me,” Merlin said fretfully , grasping Arthur's wrist as tears pooled in his eyes. “Don't be ridiculous, Merlin,” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly , “This is stupid, why would you say that?” He stared at him, struggling to grasp what Merlin was trying to say . “I'm a...” Merlin’ s voice faltered, tears sliding down his face as he struggled to find the words he had imagined saying to Arthur so many times. “I'm a sorcerer . I have magic. And I use it for you, Arthur . Only for you,” he spoke with a quiet ur gency . “Merlin, you are not a sorcerer . I would know!” “Look…here,” Merlin held out his hand, palm facing up, and uttered words that Arthur did not understand. Suddenly a familiar glowing orb of light formed, and Arthur's eyes widened in surprise as he remembered…all those years ago. He remembered that light. Arthur looked at Merlin as the truth seared his pain-addled mind. No, no, no, not Merlin… not the one person he trusted more than any other . Magic…Merlin had magic…it was not true…it couldn’ t be true. This was wrong…just wrong. Arthur wanted to run away , to put as much distance between himself and this person he thought he knew , but his body refused to cooperate. T urning his head, he looked for a way to escape knowing full well there was none...not from this. “Leave me,” Arthur breathed, his eyes wide with fear and pain, his mouth turned down in a deep frown, body trembling with cold and fear . “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his voice pleading for him to understand. “No, just...you heard. Just...” Arthur said his voice filled with desperation, sadness, and a bone-deep feeling of betrayal that dwarfed anything he had felt with Mor gana…worse even than when he had caught Guinevere and Lancelot together . He glanced back to see that Merlin had reluctantly moved away , putting distance between them. The anguish in his eyes was almost too much for Arthur to bear , but he could not bring himself to call him back. Arthur awoke to the sound of footsteps approaching, for a moment he felt panic, but then he had Merlin to protect him. Merlin…his liar of a servant. He could still scarcely believe it. Merlin…a sorcerer…a goddamn sorcerer . But then he always knew there was something about him. And hadn’ t Merlin all but admitted it that day in the council chambers? Admitted to being the one who healed Gwen’ s father . And yet Arthur had made fun of him, convinced everyone that he was a fool in love with Gwen. T urns out that, yet again, it was Arthur who was the fool. Keeping his eyes closed, Arthur listened to Gaius and Merlin saying something about Saxons, Comfrey , and Sticklewort whatever the hell that was. “Merlin, why don’ t you water the horses? And make sure they are fed, we can’ t hide here for much longer ,” Gaius said. Arthur waited until Merlin had walked away and then opened his eyes. He reached for Gaius, grabbing hold of his robe. “He’ s a sorcerer!” he said, and the older man just looked at him. “Y ou knew .” Of course, he knew , Arthur , you idiot. The man took Merlin in and cared for him. “Arthur , he is your friend,” Gaius said. “I want him gone.” “There is no need to fear him.” “Have him take word to Camelot. T o Guinevere.” “You cannot send Merlin. I will go.” “I need a physician right now , not a sorcerer .” “He can do far more than me, far more than you can ever imagine. Arthur , he doesn’ t just have magic…there are those who say he is the greatest sorcerer ever to walk the earth.” “Merlin?” Arthur said completely befuddled. Then he remembered what Gaius has told him after Mor gana kidnapped him. One day you will learn, Arthur . One day you will understand...just how much they've done for you . Merlin…Gaius had been talking about Merlin. One day he would understand just how much Merlin had done for him. Then he remembered what The Dolma said that day at the Cauldron of Arianrhod. One day , great King, you will r ecognize the true worth of those that surr ound you. Merlin was missing because she was Merlin. Merlin saved Gwen…it was his magic. Arthur felt shame and sadness begin to eclipse his anger . “If you are to stand any chance of survival, you'll need Merlin to help you, not me,” Gaius said, and Arthur turned his head to look in the direction Merlin had gone while the older man finished examining his wound. “Arthur , there is a fragment of sword embedded in your chest. It is not an ordinary blade. Y ou must trust Merlin.” “Trust Merlin,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes, “I’ll never trust him again.” “Merlin has always believed in you, Arthur…please believe in him…have faith in him. I always have,” Gaius said. “Arthur , there is little choice. Y our only hope for survival is the Lake of A valon and the Sidhe. For only their magic can save you.” “The Sidhe…magical beings are going to be willing to heal me?” “I cannot say for certain, but there is no other option.” “Very well,” Arthur said reluctantly , “I will allow him to take me to the Lake of A valon, but after everything…all the betrayals…this one hurts the most. Merlin…” “Arthur , Merlin did not betray you. He wanted to tell you the truth so many times. If anyone is to blame it is me. It was I who told him to keep his magic a secret.” “He could have told me after my father died…Merlin killed my father .” “You’re wrong, Arthur ,” Gaius said forcefully , “Merlin did not kill the king. He tried to heal him, but Mor gana had Agravaine put a necklace around his neck that reversed any healing magic tenfold. In trying to save Uther…” “Merlin killed him…” “I only discovered the necklace after , and it was too late to do anything. Merlin was devastated. He was so afraid that he had turned you against magic forever . That you would never know him for who he truly is. That is all he has ever wanted, Sire, to be accepted by you.” “This is too much,” Arthur said, “Leave me, please.” “I am truly sorry , Arthur ,” Gaius said then he got up and went of f to talk to Merlin leaving Arthur to deal with his jumbled emotions. The pain in his side had faded somewhat, due to whatever Gaius had given him, leaving him with little distraction from the internal turmoil. Merlin…his idiot servant and friend…had magic. All this time he kept his secret. Made a fool out of Arthur and for what? What was his goal? What did he want from him? “Arthur ,” Merlin said apprehensively , and Arthur turned his head to look at him. “W e need to leave at first light.” “I’ll decide,” Arthur said quietly . “I can't let you die.” “It doesn't change anything,” Arthur replied then turned his head closing his eyes. He listened as Merlin walked away . His eyes burning with unshed tears, he heard Gaius speaking to Merlin. “Let him sleep. It's late. Y ou cannot travel tonight,” Gaius said, “Y ou were right to tell him.” Arthur feels another punch to his gut. Merlin was right to tell him…he was wrong to have kept his damn magic a secret all these years. And Gaius…he lied to protect Merlin. He risked his life keeping the truth from Uther Pendragon. Arthur winced as a sharp pain radiated upward from his wound. Could he really trust Merlin to take him to some magical place? T o allow some magical beings to heal him? Merlin was there for him after his father died. Merlin was always there for him, by his side through thick and thin. Loyal, brave, and strong, and yet he was a liar . I didn't want you to feel that you wer e alone. Dammit, Merlin. How could you do this to me? Arthur grimaced as he tried to shift his position only to give up when the pain became too much to bear . “Stupid foolish idiot,” he muttered under his breath, not sure if he was speaking of Merlin or of himself…maybe both. The rustle of the wind through the trees, the crickets chirping, the sound and smell of the campfire. Arthur looked up at the sky and remembered a night not long ago when he and Merlin had camped out alone in the woods near the cave of The Disir . Everything her e... is so full of life. Every tr ee, every leaf. Every insect. It's as if the world is vibrating. As if everything is much mor e than itself. Merlin felt all that when Arthur could not because Merlin had magic. Why then did he tell Arthur that there could be no place for magic in Camelot? W ouldn’ t he want magic to be free? For him to be free? Mordred…Merlin wanted to stop Mordred. He knew…the prophecy…Mordred was destined to kill him. That explained the constant tension between his servant and the young knight. And why Merlin was so upset that Arthur did not kill Mordred when he had a chance to do so. Arthur ’s head hurt from thinking. His side hurt. His heart hurt. The more pieces that fell into place in the complex riddle that was his servant, the more he wanted to punch something. The clearer things became, the more he wanted to scream. He almost wished he had died on the battlefield rather than having to deal with all this. He didn’ t want to deal with this. Mercifully , he managed to drift of f to sleep at some point during the night. Arthur awoke at dawn to Merlin stomping out what remained of the fire. He groaned, moving his head, his eyes heavy with sleep. The constant pain in his side forced his mind to focus on something other than Merlin. “Arthur , we have to go now ,” Merlin said softly , crouching next to him, “Please, trust me.” “You want me to trust you?” Arthur scof fed. “Please, Arthur . When we get back to Camelot, I will take whatever punishment you choose…I don’ t care. Just let me take you to A valon.” “And if I were to order you to be burned on the pyre?” Arthur asked, staring at him fixedly . Merlin’ s shoulders lifted, his expression stoic, determined, “If that is what you decide, then I will accept it…I’ll even save you the trouble and light the fire myself.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, you idiot. As if I could ever watch you die.” Merlin gave him a half smile and then helped him up of f the ground, with dif ficulty , but he managed to get him to the horse and maneuvered him into the saddle helping him to sit upright. Arthur reached up dragging a leather cord over his head. “Gaius,” Arthur called out and the old physician approached, “Give this to Guinevere.” “It's the Royal Seal, sire,” Gaius said as Arthur placed it in his open palm “If I am to die, I can think of no one who I would rather succeed me.” Gaius covered his hand with his own and nodded before he walked toward Merlin. “You know he was betrayed. The girl, Eira cannot be trusted,” Merlin said in warning. “I know .” “How long does he have?” Merlin asked trying to keep his voice down, but Arthur heard him anyway . “At best, two days.” Merlin nodded then walked past Gaius toward Arthur . “Merlin,” Gaius said, and he stopped turning back to face the older man. Gaius hugged him tightly , “I'll have your favorite meal waiting for you. Now go. Look after him. Go.” Merlin stepped between the two horses gathering up the reins as Arthur glanced down at Gaius. Merlin then led them away turning to look back at his mentor a look of dread in his blue eyes. They traveled in silence, Arthur hated the silence, but neither did he want to talk. He felt the wariness and fear emanating from Merlin, his head constantly on a swivel, eyes wide and vigilant. Why was he doing this? Why did he care so much? If he truly was the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth, he didn’ t need Arthur . He had never once asked for anything. He could have used his magic to get whatever he wanted, but he did not. Why? Crossing the plains, the weather was gloomy , the wind biting. Arthur sat hunched over the saddle shivering beneath his armor . Merlin looked back seeing two men riding quickly toward them. “Saxons!” he stopped his horse and dismounted. Scrambling to grab the rolled blanket from behind his saddle, he unfolded and draped it over Arthur . “I'll deal with them. Keep your head down. Don't speak.” Arthur grabbed the edges of the blanket pulling it tighter around him to hide his face as Merlin stepped away looking down into the wooded valley below . A puf f of smoke suddenly rose from the trees below . It reminded Arthur of a time long ago when the woman witnessed the horse in the smoke. He closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath that Merlin did not hear . “Help us!” Merlin called out waving both arms in the air at the approaching riders, “Please you have to help us. W e were ambushed.” The Saxons dismount and walk toward him. “By whom?” one of them asked. “These two men,” Merlin said. “What did they look like?” “Um...one was...a knight.” Merlin glanced back at Arthur seeing the exposed hilt of Arthur ’s sword. “They stormed our camp,” he said pointing toward the smoke to distract the Saxons while he hurried to cover it with the blanket before they turned around. “You're sure it was a Camelot knight?” “Yeah.” The Saxon pushed Merlin back as he stepped forward then yanked the blanket of f Arthur . Both men drew their swords. Arthur watched as Merlin’ s arms came up, hands outstretched and both men screamed as they were thrown violently backward. “You've lied to me all this time.” Merlin said nothing, he just turned, retrieved the blanket, and got back in the saddle. Arthur gripped the reins with one hand ur ging his horse to follow . His chest hurt even more from the shock of seeing Merlin use magic so openly . The display of his immense power only serving to fortify the sense of betrayal. They rode until dark, then Merlin helped Arthur of f his horse and down onto his bedroll which he had placed near the base of a tree so that his upper body was slightly elevated to keep the pressure of f his wound. Arthur watched as he gathered wood. After several minutes of failed attempts to start a fire with flints, Arthur huf fed a breath. “Why don’ t you use magic?” Arthur asked. “Habit, I suppose,” Merlin said, looking at him questioningly . Arthur nodded then watched as his servant’ s eyes turned gold and the wood burst into flame. “Feels strange.” “Yeah,” Arthur said flatly , eyeing Merlin as he stood and went to grab his own bedroll. “I thought I knew you.” Merlin met his gaze, “I’m still the same person.” “I trusted you.” “I'm sorry ,” Merlin said, his eyes flickering with sadness, regret, and something else Arthur could not decipher . “I'm sorry too.” Merlin looked at Arthur then got up, moving toward him, and proceeded to remove his boots. “What are you doing?” “They need drying,” Merlin said positioning the boots near the fire just as he had done countless times in the past then returned to his bedroll. “This will be good for you. Y ou need to eat,” Merlin said, supporting Arthur ’s head as he tried to get him to eat. “Why are you doing this?” Arthur asked and Merlin placed the spoon back in the bowl. “Why are you still behaving like a servant?” Merlin sat the bowl down on the ground. “It's my destiny . As it has been since the day we met,” he said giving his king a slight smile. “I tried to take your head of f with a mace.” “And I stopped you, using magic.” “You cheated!” “You were going to kill me,” Merlin shrugged. “I should've.” “I'm glad you didn't. I do this because of who you are. W ithout you, Camelot's nothing.” “There was a time when that was true. Not now . There are many who can fill the crown.” “There will never be another like you, Arthur . I also do this...” Merlin rested the bowl on his knee, supporting Arthur's head as he got him to take a bite of the soup, “Because you're my friend and I don't want to lose you.” Arthur could feel himself weakening. It was all he could do to remain upright on the bent tree he was sitting on while Merlin prepared the horses. Pulling a waterskin from his saddlebag, Merlin turned just in time to see Arthur slump over and hurried to his side to catch him before he fell. “Arthur , you need to hold on. One more day. One more day ,” he said as he wiped Arthur's head with a cloth. He then put the cloth down and removed the top from the waterskin. “Why did you never tell me?” Arthur asked. “I wanted to, but...” “What?” “You'd have chopped my head of f,” Merlin said then gave Arthur a drink of water . “I'm not sure what I would've done.” “And I didn't want to put you in that position.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “That's what worried you?” “Some men are born to plow fields, some live to be great physicians, others to be great kings. Me…I was born to serve you, Arthur . And I'm proud of that. And I wouldn't change a thing,” Merlin said then he looked at Arthur , “Ready?” Arthur nodded then Merlin helped him to stand, and they moved toward the horses. Merlin was leading the way when he suddenly stopped and held up his hand. Arthur stopped as they both saw the smoke from a campfire through the trees just ahead. “Saxons?” Arthur asked, then watched as Merlin clearly did something. His shoulders visibly relaxed a moment later . “They're long gone.” “How do you know?” “I can see the path ahead,” Merlin said, and Arthur immediately remembered the impenetrable forest and how Merlin got them through it and to the Dark T ower to rescue Guinevere. “So, you're not an idiot. That was another lie.” “No, it’ s just another part of my charm,” Merlin grinned then nudged his horse forward and Arthur followed. It wasn’ t long before they both heard riders and men approaching from the other direction. Merlin held his hand up and looked around then nodded to their right. “In there,” he said, and they rode of f the path and up an incline into a stand of trees. Arthur stood with his back against the tree for support while Merlin watched the approaching riders. He moved around the tree realizing that their tracks would be seen. “ Andslyht !” he said and out of nowhere a breeze picked up the leaves, covering over their trail. The Saxons stopped and looked around. Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold making the bushes across the trail rustle. “This way ,” one of the men shouted and they moved of f in the other direction. “You've done this before,” Arthur said, remembering the wind in Ealdor as Merlin turned to look at him. “All these years, Merlin…you never once sought any credit.” “It's not why I do it,” Merlin said, “Come on.” He then draped Arthur ’s arm over his shoulders and helped him back to their horses. They hadn’ t gone far when Merlin looked back to see Arthur slumped over the side of his horse. “Arthur!” Merlin immediately dismounted and went to his side helping him to sit upright. “I can't go on.” “There's not far to go. W e need to reach the lake before dawn.” “No, Merlin. No.” “All right. W e rest for an hour .” It didn’ t take long for Merlin to get a fire going. He glanced over at Arthur where he sat on the ground leaning back against a dead tree. He moved to sit on the log and gave him a drink of water . Arthur looked up at Merlin. “Merlin, whatever happens...” “Shh...don't talk.” “I'm the King, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do,” Arthur said with just a glimmer of amusement in his pain-filled eyes in an echo of their familiar banter . “I always have. I'm not going to change now .” “I don't want you to change. I want you...to always...be you. I'm sorry about how I treated you.” “Does that mean you're gonna give me a day of f?” “Two,” Arthur said. “That's generous,” Merlin said then as Arthur's head lolled and fell forward, he checked his pulse. “Get some sleep,” he whispered then looked around warily silently praying. Merlin had a very bad feeling as he looked up at the moon. He went to Arthur ’s side, shaking him gently . “W e need to get moving,” Arthur barely opened his eyes, and Merlin shook him again. “Arthur . We've wasted enough time.” The sun was just coming up when they stop to rest again. Merlin helped Arthur of f the horse and lowered him down to the ground up against a rock. He nodded toward the view of the lake below . “Avalon. W e'll get there,” Merlin said and a moment later the horses whinnied and spooked taking of f. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” he shouted but they were gone. “Hello, Emrys,” Mor gana’ s voice came from behind him, and he turned around. Mor gana’ s eyes flash and he was thrown across the clearing. Arthur instinctively reached for his sword, but it was not there. Mor gana approached him like a predator stalking her prey . “What a joy it is to see you, Arthur . Look at you…not so tall and mighty now ,” she gave him a smug smile, “Y ou may have won the battle, but you've lost the war . You're going to die by Mordred's hand. But don't worry , my dear brother , I won't let you die alone. I will stay and watch over you until the wolves gor ge on your carcass and bathe in your blood.” “No, the time for all this bloodshed is over ,” Merlin said, and Mor gana spun around standing to face him. “I blame myself for what you've become...but this has to end.” “Please, as if you can stop me, Merlin. Besides, it is too late,” Mor gana smiled, “Arthur is dying. Y our beloved king cannot be saved no matter what you do to me.” “No!” Merlin said, his eyes darkening with rage and desperation. “Poor Emrys…with all your magic, you have still failed Arthur…failed Camelot.” Mor gana glared at him, her voice sharp as a blade, “Y our decisions brought us here. Y ou chose to sacrifice everyone else for the man you love.” Mor gana relaxed her shoulders and let out a sigh, “Ironic isn’ t it…that your obsession with protecting my brother will end in his death despite all you have done to prevent it. Merlin met Arthur ’s pained gaze as the king shook his head. “Merlin—Merlin don’ t listen to her…Mor gana is wrong,” Arthur said pleadingly , and Merlin gave him a ghost of a smile. “No, she’ s right,” Merlin smiled sadly , and Arthur ’s eyes went wide, “I love you, Arthur . I cannot let you die…” “Merlin!” Arthur shouted. He watched Merlin’ s eyes turn bright gold as he lunged forward wrapping a startled Mor gana in his embrace. T ilting his head back, he uttered a spell that had her screaming at the top of her lungs as they were trapped in a swirling wind. “Merlin, no!” Arthur tried to get to his feet, but he was too weak. He could only watch in horror as the vortex became a twisted, writhing form of darkness and light…ripping what could only be magic from their very souls creating a wave of power that rolled outward from their cores. A wave that washed over the land and hit Arthur full force then everything went black… Destiny Be Damned “My Lord,” Arthur struggled to open his eyes as he heard a familiar voice. “Arthur…you’re alive, Merlin saved you,” Percival said his huge hands trembling as he gently shook the king. “Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin!” he shouted gripping Percival’ s arm. “Where is he?” he asked trying to see past his knight, but Percival was using his body to keep Arthur from seeing the aftermath of whatever Merlin had done to save him. “Let me up…let me go!” “Sire, don’ t…Arthur , he’s—he’ s gone,” Percival choked on the words, “They are both gone.” “No!” Arthur said shoving the knight aside with surprising strength considering he had been on the ver ge of death. He pushed himself up of f the ground. Stumbling forward, he landed on his knees next to Merlin’ s motionless body . “Merlin, no, you cannot leave me. I was meant to die, not you. Dammit…Merlin,” he shouted, dragging his friend into his arms and cradling him. “Merlin—Merlin please…come on. I need you!” Arthur pressed his fingers to Merlin’ s neck praying he would find a heartbeat but there was nothing. He pressed their foreheads together . A deep, guttural cry of grief came out of him startling Percival who hovered nearby uncertain of what to do for his king. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted shaking him, “Y ou idiot…why did you do this? Y ou did not have to die for me, I never wanted this. I am so sorry…so sorry , Merlin. I love you too…I never told you. I should have told you.” Percival swiped at his tears with the back of his hand, stunned by the king’ s words to Merlin. Everyone had known there was a unique and powerful bond between Arthur and Merlin, but to hear Arthur express it in such a way was heart-wrenching. Arthur held Merlin, rocking him gently , his hand splayed wide across his chest. He shook his head tears streaming down his face. He spared a glance at Mor gana, his dead sister , and realized that he felt no anger only sadness and regret. He had let her down, failed her in every way imaginable. He failed her and he had failed Merlin. “I’m sorry—so sorry ,” Arthur choked drawing Merlin against him. He got his feet underneath him and stood up, lifting Merlin from the ground. Percival stepped forward to help him, but the king shook his head. “No,” Arthur said then carried Merlin toward the lake. “Your Highness,” Percival said, “Y ou cannot carry him…it’ s too far .” “I must get Merlin to A valon, the Sidhe will heal him…bring him back to me,” Arthur said, his voice edged with determination. “I cannot lose him.” “Sire, look!” Percival said pointing up into the sky . Arthur looked up as the Great Dragon soared overhead. “My sword!” he bellowed as he gently lowered Merlin to the ground. The dragon circled once then landed in front of them his eyes focused on Merlin and only Merlin. “Merlin?” the dragon said, startling Arthur and Percival. “You can speak?” Arthur asked. “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon rumbled. “What do you want? What business do you have here?” “Merlin…he is dead.” “He—he gave his life for me. I do not know what he did. Mor gana…” “The witch is dead,” the dragon growled. “Yes, magic…” The dragon bowed his head. “Y oung W arlock, I never meant for this…” he said, “This was not your destiny , Merlin.” Arthur stared at the massive creature and for some reason, he felt no fear . There was obviously something…a bond between him and Merlin that he clearly did not understand and at the moment he did not want to know . “Can you help him?” Arthur asked, desperation in his voice. “I cannot…perhaps if he still had his magic, but it is gone. His immortality is gone.” “Immortality?” Arthur asked, his mouth dropping open, “Y ou’re saying he was meant to live forever , and he gave it all up for me?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “Y ou were meant to die, and Merlin was meant to live on, waiting for your return when Albion needed you most.” Arthur dropped to his knees next to Merlin and caressed his cheek. “Merlin, dammit,” he choked on his breath and tears slid down his face again. “Y ou weren’ t supposed to die for me.” “There is nothing you can do, Great King,” the dragon said, “Merlin is gone.” “What was that? What did he do?” Arthur asked. “The spell Merlin used to destroy the witch, it separated them both from their magic forcing it from their souls and casting it out over the land. It healed you, healed me…I was dying. It is why I was unable to come when Merlin called me.” “Called you?” Percival asked the question before Arthur could get it out. “Merlin is—was the last of his kind…the last of the Dragonlords. Like his father before him.” “His father? Balinor was Merlin’ s father?” Arthur asked, his eyes wide. “Yes, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “His gift was passed down to Merlin when he died.” Arthur looked at Merlin, “So many secrets…such a heavy burden he carried. And for what?” “For you, King Arthur .” “This cannot be. I cannot lose him…he’ s my friend!” “And yet it is done. Merlin made his choice. He chose to die for you.” “I did not ask for this. I would never…please, there must be someone who can bring him back.” “I am sorry , there is nothing that can be done. His magic is gone from his body .” Arthur lifted Merlin from the ground and looked up at the dragon. “If I can get him to Avalon, the Sidhe could heal him.” The dragon shook his head, “The Sidhe are powerful, but even they cannot bring Merlin back. I am truly sorry , Arthur . Merlin is gone. W ithout his magic…” “Then bring it back!” Arthur shouted. “It has been returned to where it came from.” “Where is that?” “The earth…the sky…the sea,” the dragon said, “Merlin was born with magic…he was magic. W ithout it, he cannot exist.” Arthur struggled to hold on to Merlin’ s body refusing Percival’ s continued attempts to help. He looked up at the dragon. “I am supposed to just let him go?” he asked. “I am afraid you have no other choice.” Arthur dropped to his knees again holding Merlin in his arms. His hands trembling. He shook his head slowly then pressed his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender kiss. He choked back a sob and gathered Merlin close. “Gods, I am so sorry , Merlin…please for give me,” he gasped. “For give me…” he cried out, gently shaking his friend’ s lifeless body . The sound of an approaching rider had Percival drawing his sword. He crept slowly back in the direction they had come thinking it could be one of Mor gana’ s Saxons. Instead, a figure emer ged from the woods and stopped cold as he saw them. “Arthur!” Gwaine exclaimed and Percival nearly dropped his sword in shock, “Arthur , thank the Gods you’re alive.” “Gwaine, you were…you were dead,” Percival stuttered. “Yes, and then I wasn’ t,” Gwaine grinned, but as he came closer , he saw who Arthur was holding in his arms. “Merlin…Merlin, no, no, no,” he choked stumbling forward and dropping to his knees beside his best friends. “What—what happened?” he asked. “Merlin…” Arthur choked, unable to get the words out. “Merlin’ s magic was released,” the dragon responded instead, and Gwaine barely looked at him, “It healed me and apparently brought you back to life, Sir Gwaine.” “Dammit, Merlin, I knew it…I knew you were special,” Gwaine said, his shoulders vibrating as tears pooled in his eyes, “Y ou cannot be dead.” “It’s all my fault,” Arthur whispered shaking his head. “Mor gana?” Gwaine asked. “Dead,” Percival said. “Merlin killed her , and he destroyed himself in the process. For me.” He smiled sadly as he tenderly stroked Merlin’ s face then smoothed his dark hair . “I will honor you, Merlin. I will be the king you saw in me all along…I will do it for you…” He closed his eyes tightly against the tears and shook his head. “Merlin…” he sobbed and Gwaine reached over to place a comforting hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Should we take Merlin home now?” Arthur looked up at him then the dragon and shook his head. “No, Merlin is magic. I will not see him burn on a funeral pyre in the square. W e will take him to the lake. Something deep inside me says that is where he belongs.” “Gwaine and I will round up the horses and take you there,” Percival nodded then he and Gwaine headed back into the woods. “You are right, Arthur ,” the dragon said, “A valon is where Merlin belongs.” “You said there was a prophecy that I would return, and he would be waiting for me.” “That is true.” “Then it is possible he could return as I would have. I will wait for him,” Arthur said, his eyes filled with intense emotion. “Arthur…” the dragon shook his head. “I will wait for him!” “Very well, Great King.” Arthur looked at Merlin again and nodded, “I will wait for you, Merlin. As long as it takes.” The sky was a blazing fire, the sun was setting over the Lake of A valon as Merlin’ s body was laid out on a bed of reeds, greenery , and flowers in a wooden boat. Arthur stood on the shore with his sword in hand, the sword Merlin had made for him. For ged in a dragon’ s breath… Kilgharrah told him the truth about its creation and its purpose. Merlin had given him the sword when he needed it most, helped him to find his confidence again…to believe in himself when all things seemed hopeless. He held it reverently , the blade glowing in the light of the sunset. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, looking at him intently , “Ready?” Arthur approached the boat and looked down at Merlin, “I will see you again, Merlin.” He brushed his hand along the side of his face then leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s. He stepped back and after Gwaine and Percival said their goodbyes, they pushed the boat of f the shore then the three of them watched it drift out on the current. The Great Dragon flew overhead swooping down to set the boat on fire and Arthur ’s stood there watching it burn, feeling like his heart was shattered. Not even the pull of Camelot and the longing to see Guinevere again could make him leave that spot at that moment. His Merlin was gone…the other half of his soul. He felt the pang of regret and loss, but more than that he longed to be able to tell Merlin what he truly meant to him. No one would ever be able to fill the void he left behind. Percival and Gwaine were reluctant to leave him alone, but finally walked back to their camp and the warmth of the fire, and Arthur was left to his grief watching the boat burn and vanish beneath the water ’s surface. “Arthur ,” a woman’ s voice called out, seeming to come from the lake, “Arthur , do not worry . I shall watch over him for he was my love as well.” “Who are you?” he asked. “I am Freya, Arthur , Merlin saved me, he loved me, and he loved you, My King.” Arthur smiled, his eyes shining in the waning light. “T ell him…” he said his voice breaking. “He knows, Arthur…he has always known.” “Thank you.” “Live well and honor his sacrifice, Arthur .” “I will, I swear ,” he nodded, “Freya, will he ever return?” “That I do not know ,” she said. “Of course,” Arthur said softly then slowly turned and walked toward the camp. His wound may have been healed, but he still felt like he had a gaping hole in the middle of his chest. A hole that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Gwaine looked up at him as he approached, and Arthur could see the haunted look in his eyes. He had died and come back and his best friend who brought him back was dead. They would never get over the loss of Merlin. No one in Camelot would. “I’m not even going to ask if you’re all right,” Gwaine said as Arthur sat down across the fire from him. “I know you’re not because I’m definitely not, and Merlin…” his voice trailed of f as tears pooled in his eyes and he ran a hand through his long hair . Arthur gave him a sad smile and nodded, “One thing…when I went to the Perilous Lands, the man on the bridge called me Courage and said that in order to complete my quest I would need Strength and Magic…now I know what he meant. I needed you and Merlin…Strength and Magic.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh and nodded wiping the tears from his eyes. “Part of me wishes I was still dead…I would gladly die so Merlin could live.” “No, Gwaine…” Percival said softly . “Merlin would want you to live,” Arthur said as he added wood to the fire. “The selfless idiot,” Gwaine shook his head his lips parting in a fond smile. “Gwaine, you took Merlin somewhere…before the battle,” Arthur said and Gwaine nodded. “Yes, he was searching for something. I knew something was wrong. W e went to the V alley of the Fallen Kings, to a cave. Along the way , we were attacked by bandits, and Merlin was knocked to the ground. He cried out for me, his voice filled with such fear…I had never seen him so afraid, so uncertain.” “A cave?” Percival asked, “Y ou mean the Crystal Cave…” “You know of it?” “Only the stories. It was said that the place was magical…actually the birthplace of all magic.” “Why did Merlin go there?” Arthur asked. “He must have been looking for magic,” Gwaine said, “The panic he felt when the bandits attacked, he must have lost his magic and needed to get it back before he could join you at Camlann, Arthur . It is the only thing that makes sense. I asked him how he would get back to Camelot without me to protect him, he told me that if he found what he was looking for , he would be perfectly safe.” “Gods, I was such a fool,” Arthur shook his head, “Before he left, he told me that he had vital supplies to obtain for Gaius…I didn’ t believe him.” Running his fingers through his hair he let out a pained sound. “I all but called him a coward…all because he would not be coming with me. I was so stupid. I should have known…” “You can’ t blame yourself, Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “The look in his eyes…I really hurt him. I should have realized he was in trouble, but I was too focused on my own selfish needs.” “Why didn’ t he just tell us?” Gwaine asked shaking his head, “W e were his best friends. W e would have protected him.” “I asked him that,” Arthur said, “And he told me he was afraid that I would chop of f his head. That he never wanted to put me in a position to have to choose between Camelot’ s laws and him. T o be forced to lie to my father for him.” “You would have done so gladly ,” Percival frowned, “Y ou would never have let any harm come to him.” “It is my fault for not telling him what he meant to me.” “You should have knighted him,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “Sir Merlin,” Percival huf fed a laugh. Gwaine fell silent staring into the flames. Arthur poked at the fire with a stick. Merlin’ s constant prattle used to fill the silence. Now , it was just silence…an overwhelming, dark, and cold silence. The king closed his eyes reaching into his memories for moments to fill the void. He chuckled softly and shook his head. “Merlin,” Arthur said, tears glinting in his eyes even as he was overcome with mirth. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, fearing his friend was crossing the line into madness. “Merlin…the old sorcerer was Merlin. I just remembered when he was captured and brought in front of my father . He called him a stupid arrogant old tyrant right to his face. He saved Guinevere from the pyre, almost getting himself burned at the stake instead, and the entire time I thought he was in the tavern.” Gwaine chuckled, “Y ou know he was rarely ever in the tavern.” “I realize that now . All the times I thought he was drinking himself stupid he was using magic to save me and Camelot.” Percival returned then, having gone to gather more wood. He dropped it on the ground and sat down. “Y ou’re telling me, that old sorcerer in the battle was Merlin?” he asked. “Yes, Dragoon, he was Merlin…and the Dolma,” Arthur laughed. “The Dolma?” Gwaine asked. “The sorceress at the Cauldron of Arianrhod where we took Guinevere to free her of Morgana’ s dark magic. Merlin could not use his magic in front of me and he could not be Dragoon for obvious reasons, so he became an old woman.” “Merlin turned himself into a woman?” Percival asked raising an eyebrow . “Not sure if he actually was a woman or just looked like one, but he was convincing,” Arthur smiled, “No wonder The Dolma got upset when we nearly for got Merlin.” “You for got him,” Gwaine said. “Not exactly , well yes, but in my own defense, my mind was on Guinevere and getting her back to Camelot. I came so close to losing her . Merlin knew even before I did that something was wrong with her . He always knew .” “Because he was a servant,” Percival said. “Servants are invisible, they see things that others miss,” Gwaine shrugged. “That and he knew Guinevere well, she was his first friend in Camelot,” Arthur shook his head. “So many things make sense now that didn’ t before. How did I not realize that he had magic?” “I knew there was something about him. I even remember the man at the bridge calling him Magic, but I didn’ t put it all together until now ,” Gwaine frowned. “How many times?” Percival asked, “How many times did Merlin save you?” “I don’ t know ,” Arthur said then tossed his stick on the fire, “I guess now I’ll never know .” “I can’ t wait to get back to Camelot and drink myself into oblivion,” Gwaine said. “Yeah,” Percival nodded. “Gaius,” Arthur shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes tightly , “How am I going to tell Gaius…Merlin was like a son to him. He is going to be devastated.” “I will tell him,” Gwaine said. “No, it is my responsibility . I will tell him. Gods…Hunith…” “Merlin’ s mother . I could go to Ealdor , Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “This is going to kill her . Merlin was her entire world,” Arthur dropped his head into his hands. “We will return to Camelot with you, Sire, then Gwaine and I can go to Ealdor to inform her.” Arthur ’s shoulders vibrated as a desperate and anguished cry slipped out before he could stop it. He brought his arms up hands clasped behind his neck as the dam broke and he came apart at the seams unable to stop the deluge. Gwaine got to his feet and moved to Arthur ’s side, “Arthur , it’s all right…just let it out.” Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions under control. “I can’ t—can’ t do this. I am the king…I should be stronger ,” he said as he rocked forward closing his eyes tightly . Gwaine wrapped his arm around Arthur ’s neck patting his chest. “You loved Merlin, Arthur , no one can expect you to hold all this in and not lose it. Better to let it out now when it is just us, yeah?” Arthur leaned into Gwaine, “I need him back…I want Merlin back.” “I know ,” Gwaine said meeting Percival’ s gaze, “W e will find a way to get through this.” “Drunken stupor?” Arthur asked. “If that’ s what it takes,” Percival said, and Arthur attempted a smile. “He wasn’ t supposed to die…not for me…not like this.” “Merlin would have done anything for you, Arthur . You know that. Knowing now that he had magic, I am certain it was him that night in the square. He escaped from the dungeon and used magic to extinguish all the flames so he could slip by us in the darkness and get to you when you were dying from the poison. There is no other explanation. Merlin saved you that night then somehow made his way back to his cell without us noticing.” “I gave all the credit to Gaius,” Arthur said rolling his eyes, “Gods, Merlin…” “The point is, Merlin would always choose death if it meant that you would live on to fulfill your destiny . He saw a chance and took it.” “Mor gana…she was my sister and yet I feel nothing for her .” “After all she did to you and your people, it is understandable,” Percival said. “Merlin said he blamed himself for what she had become. Mor gana told him it was his decisions that brought us here…he had been so focused on protecting me that he brought about the very thing he was trying to prevent. When he and I went to the Disir , Merlin betrayed his own heart. He said I should not allow magic back in Camelot believing that Mordred would die. He wanted him to die because he knew he was destined to kill me.” “That is the way with prophecy ,” Percival said, “Just because it is foretold does not mean it will come to be.” “Mordred lived and Merlin was forced to remain in darkness hiding who he truly was,” Arthur said, “I knew there was tension between the two of them, I had no idea why .” Gwaine frowned, “Leon and I interrupted something between them in the corridor one day they were in heated conversation. Mordred was clearly furious, he stormed of f. Merlin just said it was nothing, but we did not believe him.” Arthur closed his eyes for a moment then tilted his head back looking up at the night sky . “The burden Merlin was forced to carry on his shoulders. He must have felt so alone all these years…isolated. He had only Gaius and the damn dragon to turn to.” “Sire, you should try to get some sleep. W e can head back to Camelot at first light,” Percival said. Arthur nodded, wiped his eyes then let out a ragged breath. Gwaine stood up, getting his bedroll laying it out next to the fire and Arthur laid down on it. It took hours for him to finally fall asleep. And in his dreams, he saw Merlin smiling. “Merlin,” Arthur said in his sleep. Remember me, Arthur…r emember me and I will always be. Arthur jolted upright pressing the heels of his hands to his eyes. Gwaine was awake keeping watch for Saxons that might still be in the area. “Arthur?” “I’m all right, just…” “What?” “Merlin…he spoke to me in my dream.” Gwaine smiled, “Y ou see, he will always be with you.” “I know he will be.” “The sun is coming up, Y our Highness, we should return to Camelot,” Percival said as he got up to pack their few belongings and take care of the horses. “Ready?” Gwaine asked placing a hand on Arthur ’s shoulder . “No,” Arthur said getting to his feet anyway , “The thought of returning to Camelot without Merlin…it’ s just so hard to imagine not having him there. He became such an important part of the kingdom. People loved him.” “Then it is our job to make sure they never for get him and the sacrifices he made,” Gwaine smiled. Arthur nodded his lips parting in a soft smile, “Let’ s go home.” “My Lady ,” Leon said as he burst into the council chambers, “The king…he has been seen approaching Camelot. He is with Gwaine and Percival. He is alive!” “Oh, thank God,” Gwen gasped then followed Leon out, heading for the courtyard. She descended the steps just as Arthur rode through the gates coming toward her with Gwaine and Percival riding just a step behind. She watched the gates fully expecting to see Merlin. He had done it…he had saved Arthur . When Merlin did not appear , she met Arthur ’s gaze and her heart dropped. “No, no, not Merlin,” she cried, shaking her head. Arthur dismounted and she immediately flew into his arms. He held her tightly burying his face in her dark hair to hide his grief from the people. She cupped the back of his head holding him, feeling every shudder…every barely restrained sob. “Arthur ,” Gwen said, “Shh, my love. Y ou are home…you are alive.” “Merlin…” Arthur choked. “He saved you.” “Guinevere, he was a sorcerer .” “I know ,” Gwen smiled through her tears, drawing back to frame his face with her hands, “I know he had magic. He was always by your side, protecting you. What happened, Arthur?” “Mor gana caught up to us, she…Merlin killed her , she is dead. He brought us peace, but it cost him his life. In destroying her , he destroyed himself. It wasn’ t supposed to be…it was not his destiny . I was meant to die, Guinevere.” “But you did not, and I am so happy and grateful. I could not live without you, Arthur . Merlin gave his life for you and for that he will be honored.” “I want him back.” “I know , so do I, Arthur . Come inside, let’ s get you some food and you can rest.” Arthur shook his head, “There is something I must do first. I need to tell Gaius. And I need to write a letter to Hunith. Gwaine and Percival are going to ride to Ealdor to…to tell her that her son is dead.” “Sire,” Leon said, “I will go. Gwaine and Percival need food and rest as well. I will leave immediately .” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her…tell her that I am sorry . Gods, I should go…I should be there. Merlin was my best friend. I should be the one…” Leon put a hand on Arthur's shoulder , “You are clearly exhausted, My Lord, let me do this for you. I will bring Hunith back with me then you can speak with her in person.” “All right, Leon, thank you. T ake a few men with you. I do not want you going alone.” “We will leave within the hour , Arthur ,” Leon gave a nod then watched as Arthur climbed the steps with Gwen’ s arms around him. Percival and Gwaine gave Leon a grateful nod and then followed. Hearing the commotion in the square, Gaius was just coming around the corner when Gwen and Arthur came up the stairs and Arthur stopped when he saw him. The old physician looked past them and shook his head. “Where is Merlin?” he asked. “Gaius…” Arthur said his voice soft, eyes shining with tears, “Merlin…” “No, no, it can’ t be,” Gaius gasped, “Not Merlin…” “I’m so sorry , Gaius. He saved me. Merlin—Merlin is gone…he’ s dead.” Gaius stumbled back a step to lean against the wall, clutching his chest. Gwaine and Arthur both rushed forward to steady him and ease him down onto a bench. His hands were shaking violently as he closed his eyes. “What—what happened?” he asked. Arthur crouched down in front of him and grasped his shoulder . “Mor gana caught up to us. Merlin did something, I am not exactly sure what, but Kilgharrah said that his magic and Morgana’ s was returned to the earth the sea, and the sky . Merlin gave up his magic and his immortality…for me. I am so sorry , Gaius. It was not supposed to happen like this. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gaius shook his head, “I should have known. Merlin always said he would gladly die for you, Arthur . He loved you.” “I know—I know he did. He told me,” Arthur said, gently squeezing Gaius’ shoulder . “Did he suf fer?” Gaius asked his voice breaking. Arthur shook his head, “It all happened so fast. I tried to get to him, but this wave of magic…it washed over the land. It healed me and Kilgharrah and it brought Gwaine back to life. God knows what else it did. I have never seen anything like it, Gaius.” “I had no idea Merlin even knew of such a spell,” Gaius said. “Leon is riding out with some men within the hour to Ealdor .” “I should go with them,” Gaius said, “Hunith trusted me to protect her son and I failed.” “No, Gaius, it was I who failed,” Arthur said, “Not you. I should have known long ago…I should have seen the burden Merlin carried. No one is to blame but me.” “Arthur , it was I who ur ged Merlin to hide his magic. I wanted to keep him safe.” “And you did, Gaius. Y ou took him in, and you were there for him when no one else was. You treated him like a son, and I know he was grateful for that. I know the truth now , about his magic, about Balinor . I for gave him, I accepted him, and I told him as much before he died. My only regret is I did not tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I loved him. For Merlin, I am going to lift the ban on magic. And while I know it is of little consolation, I want to honor him and his sacrifice. Merlin will never be for gotten, and the people will know who he truly was and what he meant to their king.” “Thank you, Arthur ,” Gaius nodded, tears in his eyes, “Merlin wanted so badly for you to see him for who he was, and you should know that it pained him to keep his secret, from you especially .” “Merlin once asked me if I would call him a hero if he died. I should have told him then, but I was a fool. I failed to appreciate him. He was always there for me. Magic aside, he was the one person I knew I could always count on. He was a hero in every way .” “For what it is worth, Sire, Merlin felt the same. Even though he kept his secret, he did trust you. He gave all that he was for you.” “I know ,” Arthur nodded then looked at Gwaine and Percival, “Could you two please take Gaius to his chambers then once he is settled get some rest yourselves.” “Yes, Sire,” Percival nodded. “If you need me,” Gwaine said to Arthur . “I’ll be all right, go now ,” Arthur nodded then watched the three men walk away before turning to Guinevere. She stepped into his embrace kissing him tenderly . “Come, Arthur let’ s get you cleaned up and fed then you will rest,” Gwen smiled cupping his cheek, “I am so glad you are home.” “So am I,” Arthur said then let her lead him toward their chambers. Truth and Honor Arthur stood at the wall where he and Merlin had stood so many times. The place where he had said goodbye to his servant before he left to return to Ealdor all those years ago to save his village from Kanen and his bandits. He smiled as he remembered walking across the grass, acting like children pushing and bumping shoulders as they took of f running… friends…best friends. The sun was just coming up, Arthur had been awake all night. Every time he closed his eyes to sleep he saw Merlin dying over and over again. He missed him, his laugh…but then Merlin had not really laughed in so long. How had he not noticed? It was not just the magic Arthur had been oblivious to, but the loneliness, pain, and loss. The overwhelming weight of their shared destiny had been carried by Merlin alone. Arthur bowed his head. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a piece of cloth, faded blue, shabby yet beautiful. Merlin’ s scarf…he had found it in his room, it was the one his servant had been wearing the night he nearly died after throwing himself between Arthur and the Doracha. It still smelled like wood, herbs, and Merlin. The king smiled clutching it in his hand as tears slid down his face. “Arthur…” Arthur flinched, turning to see Gwaine standing behind him his face etched with worry and understanding. Arthur shook his head. “The queen sent me to look for you,” Gwaine said. “You found me,” Arthur responded, his voice sounding hollow even to his own ears. “You’ve been up here all night?” “No, just a couple of hours. Couldn’ t sleep.” “Gwen said you never returned to your chambers.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I sat in his room for hours. Been wandering the castle most of the night. Merlin was such a presence here…everything just feels wrong without him. He touched so many lives. How are we supposed to just go on without him? It’ s not right.” “I heard Gaius is staying in a room at the inn,” Gwaine said, and Arthur nodded. “He is heartbroken. I fear for his health.” “And you?” Gwaine asked. Arthur met his gaze and shook his head, “How did I not see it? He was always there for me. How did I not see that he had grown so callous, so focused on keeping me safe? Gwaine, he changed, and I missed it. I should have been there for him. Maybe…maybe if I had, he would still be here…instead of lying on the bottom of that godforsaken lake.” “Arthur , you are not the only one who failed Merlin,” Gwaine said, “He was my best friend too, and I did not see it either . I was so focused on my duties as a Knight of Camelot, drinking in the tavern, gambling, and pretty girls. I should have been there for him too, and I wasn’ t.” “Yet it was you he turned to for help when he lost his magic, and when Gaius was kidnapped, because I refused to listen. Lancelot…you…he could not come to me for help because I was an arrogant prat who refused to take his worries and his warnings seriously . He was forced to fight his battles in secret.” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , folding his arms across his chest as he turned and leaned back against the wall. “Why didn’ t you listen to him?” “Because I was a fool. I took him for granted. I could not see past my own pride to accept that Merlin was far more intelligent and discerning than I was. He was always better at observing and reading people. People like Agravaine…Merlin knew he was working against me. He tried to warn me, and I did not listen.” Arthur shook his head fighting his emotions, “I have a sick feeling that Merlin was forced to deal with him when it should have been me.” “What do you mean?” Gwaine asked. “Looking back now , when we were in the tunnels near Ealdor , Merlin went back to create a distraction, to give us time to escape. I think Merlin killed him.” Arthur leaned forward resting his hands on the top of the wall and shook his head. “How many times was Merlin forced to kill for me? His innocence was lost…his morals became blurred, his smile faded, and I failed to notice.” “We all did, Arthur . Merlin was very adept at hiding, not just his magic, but his pain and fear as well. When he found me in Engerd and asked for my help when you had gone to the Perilous Lands, I saw then how devoted to you he was…how far he would go to make sure you survived whatever threat you faced.” “The Doracha,” Arthur said softly , “Merlin threw himself at them. He was terrified, but he did not even hesitate…you know he of fered to take my place, to sacrifice himself. If Lancelot had not stepped through first, Merlin would have.” “I guess now we know how he survived their attack…his magic and his immortality ,” Gwaine huf fed and shook his head. “Y ou think Lancelot knew about his magic?” “I am certain of it. Y ou weren’ t here when he first came to Camelot. He killed the Grif fin that was threatening the kingdom, now I know Merlin must have had a hand in it. Gaius said the only way it could be killed was with magic and the two of them were thick as thieves from the beginning.” “Makes sense.” “So many things make sense now . Falling branches, wild winds coming out of nowhere, bandits falling of f horses for no reason or getting tripped up, the impenetrable forest, the immortal army just exploding into nothing.” “The damn W yverns,” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin was a Dragonlord.” Arthur nodded, “Merlin, found and lost his father within a day and I had no idea. He hid his grief, buried it, and was still by my side when I faced the dragon. He stopped Kilgharrah from continuing his attack on Camelot. Gods, I was an idiot. I could not figure out why Merlin was so upset over the death of Balinor , a man he had only just met. I still remember the look on his face when he turned around…” “Arthur , you can stand out here and continue to mentally flog yourself for mistakes that can never be fixed, or you can pull yourself together and do what you promised. Honor Merlin’ s memory…free magic so people like him can finally come out of the shadows and stop living in fear . That is the best way you can begin to make amends.” “You’re right, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Thank you.” “No problem.” “You are a good man and a loyal friend. I know I gave you a hard time over the years, but I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done for me, for Merlin, for the kingdom.” Gwaine smiled and shrugged, “I wouldn’ t have it any other way .” “Are we still on for that drunken stupor?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Absolutely , we will have a few…or a dozen for Merlin too.” “That night in the tavern, before Camlann, when Merlin took all my money ,” Arthur chuckled, “Do you think he cheated?” “Oh, most definitely ,” Gwaine laughed, “I know I would have if I had his gift.” “Will we ever know all he did?” “Doubtful, but then it doesn’ t really matter . Merlin was a hero.” “Would you join me for breakfast, Gwaine?” “I’d be honored,” he smiled. They turned and walked across the grass. It was just before sunset when the bonfire was lit outside the walls of the city . People came from the lower town, outlying villages, and even neighboring kingdoms. Arthur stood beside the fire with Guinevere on his arm staring into the flames as they grew higher and higher reaching into the sky . Knights, squires, servants, merchants, and peasants all gathered around, little children brought flowers and precious stones, placing them on top of a low wall that stood close to the flames. “Arthur ,” Gwen choked back a sob and he wrapped his arms around her , “It’s so beautiful.” “If only Merlin could see this,” he said fighting his own tears. Merlin deserved this honor and more. He was stunned when people began to come forward telling stories about Merlin, his good deeds, his courage, his strength, and his loyalty . Some told stories of how he had saved the life of a loved one, and others had funny stories about Merlin’ s antics and his clumsiness. The cook told everyone how Merlin always helped her in the kitchen even though he had his own duties. She admitted giving him extra sweets hoping to put some meat on his bones and everyone laughed tearfully . It was at that moment when Arthur saw Hunith step into the circle of light, her eyes red from crying, her hands trembling. Leon was beside her , his hand on her elbow as they approached. Arthur let go of Gwen, moving toward Merlin’ s mother then gathered her into his arms. “Arthur ,” Hunith gasped and broke down crying again. “I’m so sorry , Hunith, for give me,” Arthur choked as she drew back, cupping his cheek and shaking her head. “There is nothing to for give, Arthur ,” she smiled through her tears, “Merlin…my boy , he loved you more than anything. I do not blame you.” “It should have been me. Merlin should be here.” “No, Arthur…Merlin’ s magic was for you. He was born to serve you.” “He told me as much,” Arthur laughed softly even as tears slid down his face. “Merlin gave his life so you could be the great king he always knew you would be,” Hunith said then glanced over at Gwen, “Camelot will thrive, and Merlin’ s death will not be in vain.” “I am going to lift the ban on magic, Hunith, so no one will have to live in fear the way Merlin did…the way you did, always trying to keep him safe. I am just sorry I did not do it sooner . I let my father ’s hate, fear , and indoctrination blind me to the truth about sorcery . I can see now that it is not magic that is inherently evil, that evil is in the hearts of man. Merlin taught me that.” “All that matters is what you do from now forward, Great King,” Hunith said, “Remember Merlin, remember his sacrifices and how much he loved you. He may be gone, but he can still guide you.” She looked around at all the faces and smiled, wiping her eyes, “Thank you all, thank you for coming to honor my son’ s memory .” Holding on to Hunith’ s hand, Arthur took a deep breath, he looked at her then at Guinevere and his knights. “Many of you know that Merlin and I did not get of f to a great start,” Arthur said with a slight grin, and many people chuckled and nodded, “The fool wasn’ t even in Camelot a day and he chose to challenge the Prince of Camelot, called me out for bullying my servant. I found myself strangely drawn to this peasant with a death wish. There was just something about Merlin that I couldn’ t put my finger on. I am ashamed to admit that I challenged him to a mace fight in the market, not one of my finest moments. Merlin nearly beat me too, though he admitted to me very recently that he used magic to do so. Then unbeknownst to anyone, he used it again to save my life and ended up as my manservant as a reward.” Arthur laughed softly , looking around at his people. “Having Merlin in my life changed me, made me a better man, a better prince, and ultimately the king that I am today . Despite the dif ference in our status, he never once treated me differently . He saw through my façade, let me know all of my flaws and just what he thought of my title and my arrogance,” he grinned, rolling his eyes as he glanced up at the night sky for a moment. The people laughed and Arthur shook his head struggling to get his emotions in check before he could continue. He let go of Hunith’ s hand taking a few steps forward as she nodded reassuringly , and in that gesture, Arthur found the strength he needed to say what was truly in his heart. “Merlin, lived in fear every day , battled foes we never knew about and some that we did. Camelot would not be standing if it weren’ t for his courage, strength, and tenacity . Merlin was forced to hide who he truly was for far too long. I myself only found out about his magic when he told me after the battle at Camlann. At first, I was angry and hurt that he had not trusted me with his greatest secret, but I realized that he only did it to protect me and the people he loved, the people of this kingdom and beyond. He gave all of himself, risking life and limb and even his humanity for all of us. I hope I can be the king Merlin saw in me, even when I was, as he so loved to point out, an arrogant, pompous dollop head,” he grinned, and everyone laughed. “Don’ t forget Clotpole,” Gwaine shouted. “And cabbage head,” Leon laughed. “Royal prat,” Percival chuckled. “Yes, how could I for get,” Arthur smirked. “I want to thank each and every one of you for coming here tonight. It means a lot to Merlin’ s mother , to me, to Gaius, and all his friends. Merlin will not be for gotten. He will live on in all of us. I know I will never for get him, and I will never stop missing him. He was the other half of my soul, and his loss has left a gaping hole that will never be filled.” “Two sides of the same coin,” Hunith smiled through her tears then brought Arthur ’s hand up to her lips. Arthur nodded and hugged her tightly . The rest of the evening was filled with tears, laughter , food, drink, and endless stories. Hunith went to be with Gaius as the old physician lingered silently on the edge of the firelight clearly struggling with his grief. Gwen excused herself and Leon accompanied her back into the castle, but not before she made sure that Arthur knew he did not have to follow until he was ready . Arthur was stunned to see Princess Mithian walking toward him, tears in her eyes as she shook her head. “Arthur , I am so deeply sorry , I know what Merlin meant to you. He was a good man.” “Mithian, I didn’ t expect that you would travel all this way to be here. Thank you for coming.” “Merlin was special to me as well, Arthur . I did not say anything at the time because obviously did not want to get Merlin into trouble, but I know for certain that it was he who caused the tremor that saved all of us. I caught a glimpse of his eyes as he uttered words of a spell then struck the ground with his hand.” Arthur nodded, “Unexplainable things happened around Merlin all the time and I was too stupid to see it.” “Not stupid, Arthur ,” Mithian said then kissed his cheek, “I will be forever grateful to Merlin and to you for all you did. My father and I, we owe you both our lives.” “How is King Rodor?” “He is doing as well as can be expected for a man of his age. He sends his regards.” “I hope you will stay on a few days,” Arthur said, “I would love to talk to you about lifting the ban on magic and get your input. I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and your people.” “I would be delighted,” Mithian said, “I should like to get to know your beautiful queen better , as the last time we were here…” “Yes, Guinevere will be happy to have a woman to talk to.” “It is good to see you again, Arthur . I just wish it were under better circumstances. I can see how hard it is for you to lose Merlin.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I miss him.” “I know ,” she said then clasped his hands, “If there is anything I can do for you, please ask. “Thank you, Mithian,” Arthur smiled, kissing her cheek then she moved toward the fire. He glanced over and spotted Queen Annis riding in with her knights. He approached them as she slid to the ground and reached for his hand. “Arthur ,” Annis said, “I heard what happened. I am so deeply sorry .” “Thank you for coming, Annis,” Arthur smiled. “Of course,” the queen said, “I want you to know that I am behind you on lifting the ban on magic. It is time for the ways of Uther Pendragon to change. Magic should be accepted again and people able to live in peace, without fear . “I appreciate that, Annis,” Arthur said then motioned toward the food. Y ou have had a long journey please eat, drink, and I will have the servants prepare rooms for you and Princess Mithian.” “Ah yes, I am starving,” the queen winked at him then waved to her knights to take care of the horses and joined in the festivities. Arthur walked amongst the people and then returned to the bonfire. He added more wood as Gwaine came to stand next to him. “I always knew that Merlin was well loved,” Gwaine smiled, “But this is just amazing.” “I wish he could see it,” Arthur said swiping at his eyes. “Maybe he can.” “I want him back.” “So do I, Arthur…so do I.” “Are you all right?” Gwaine shrugged, “I’m alive.” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “And I am glad of that. I could not have gotten through this without your help, thank you.” “You’re welcome.” “Come on let’ s get a drink,” Arthur said, draping his arm around Gwaine’ s shoulders. The days that followed were filled with council meetings, kingdom negotiations, and citizen concerns with the prospect of magic being allowed in Camelot again, some of whom had magic and were still afraid to use it openly . Arthur could not help but think about Merlin and how hard it must have been for him to hide, especially considering just how powerful he was. T o suppress his magic, to control it, and use it without being caught. “Arthur ,” Gwen said. “Yes?” “Do you want to talk about it…about Merlin?” Arthur shook his head, “I’m sorry .” “You do not have to apologize, Arthur…not to me.” “How did you handle it? When Gaius told you…” he asked, his voice trailing of f. “Merlin was your friend too. Y ou must have felt betrayed on some level, as I did.” Gwen sat down at the table, reaching out to take hold of his hand. “Gaius merely confirmed what I had already suspected. I knew Merlin would never have left your side unless there was something of vital importance. He loved you more than anything and anyone, Arthur . When I saw that old sorcerer on the clif fs and Gaius admitted to knowing who he was, I started to piece together the past. My father ’s miraculous recovery , all the times you were pulled back from the brink of death, the times I was saved from execution, so many things began to make sense once I added the element of magic. Merlin had magic.” “When he told me,” Arthur said, “I reacted badly . I ordered him to leave me.” “And yet he didn’ t,” Gwen smiled. “The way I treated him…I did not deserve his loyalty , his friendship…he should have hated me.” Gwen laughed softly , and Arthur looked at her curiously . “Arthur , you for get I was there in the beginning. I saw how you and Merlin were instantly drawn to each other . Tell me, that day on the training field, when you two first met…if Merlin had been any other peasant, what would you have done?” Arthur nodded and smiled, “I would have hauled him in front of my father . Probably made sure he was banished or at the very least locked up for a month.” “And yet you didn’ t. Not even when he stood his ground in the market the next day and fought you. Arthur , you, and Merlin were always meant to stand together , side by side as equals.” “That’ s just it though, Guinevere, I never treated him as an equal. Even that last day , before I left for Camlann when he told me that he would not be coming with me, I called him a coward. I am ashamed of the way I belittled him, and I refused to listen when he tried to tell me that Agravaine was working against me. When Cedric was possessed by Sigan and countless other times. All the years he fought for me and for Camelot and received nothing, asked for nothing.” “Arthur , Merlin served you, protected you, and guided you out of a strong sense of duty , destiny , and most of all out of love. I may be your wife and your queen, but I always knew there was a deep bond between the two of you that I could never hope to compete with. He loved you and you loved him,” Gwen smiled taking hold of both his hands. Arthur shook his head and let out a breath, “I couldn’ t…” “But you did. I have known that ever since the night you risked everything to find the Mortaeus flower . To save the life of a young man you could not bear to lose. He became a part of you. I saw the look on your face when he fell to the floor after drinking that wine. You did not stop to think about station or status, all you cared about was Merlin. Everyone saw it and they were proud of you for doing what was good and right.” Arthur got up from his chair and walked to the windows looking out over the courtyard as the sun set, watching his people heading for their homes, to join their families around the hearth. He lowered his head, running his fingers through his blonde hair . “Arthur , you can talk to me. I will not judge you.” “I know , Guinevere, I am trying. It is just so hard because I kept these feelings buried for so long. I never allowed myself to…” his voice broke of f. Gwen got up moving to embrace him. She cupped his cheek and smiled. “Just say it,” she whispered, “Say what is in your heart.” Arthur ’s eyes filled with tears, and he nodded, “I loved him, Guinevere…I loved him so much and I don’ t know how to be me without him at my side.” Gwen smiled, “I know , Arthur .” “How can you not feel betrayed?” “I have no right to feel betrayed. Y ou for get that I too know how it feels to love someone so deeply that you cannot be with.” “Lancelot,” Arthur nodded lowering his gaze, “He was a better man than me.” “That is not true, Arthur . You were strong, noble, brave men who loved so fully . You both gave everything for Camelot and its people. I love you and I always will love Lancelot. Just as you will always love me and Merlin.” Arthur hugged her close, “I do love you my queen…my beautiful, understanding, and wise wife.” “Arthur , I have news,” Gwen smiled brightly , “I wanted to wait to tell you when I was sure. Arthur , you are going to be a father…I am with child.” “Guinevere…” Arthur shook his head, his eyes wide, he let out a joyous cry and kissed her deeply . “That is wonderful!” “I wasn’ t certain how you would take the news with everything…I know it is a lot.” “I am going to be a father!” Arthur laughed. Gwen beamed up at him, stroking his cheek, “Y es, you are.” “I love you, Guinevere, so very much.” “I love you, Arthur .” “This is a new beginning,” Arthur said with a slight nod, “Albion will live, and our child will be brought into a world of peace and prosperity . A world that I could not have achieved without Merlin. I need to find a way to honor him.” “Perhaps you could start by learning just how much he did for you…for me, and for Camelot.” “How do I even begin to do that?” Gwen smiled, “Start at the beginning…with Hunith. She is here in Camelot. And I believe that Gaius knows far more than he was ever able to reveal before.” “The Great Dragon…” Arthur said, and Gwen’ s eyes went wide with fear and confusion. “What does the dragon have to do with Merlin?” Arthur laughed, “Ah, yes, I guess I left that part out. The Great Dragon’ s name is Kilgharrah, and he is the one who told Merlin of our destiny . Do you remember when Merlin and I went in search of the Last Dragonlord to seek his help when Kilgharrah was attacking Camelot? Balinor was Merlin’ s father . When he died his gift was passed down to Merlin. Now that I look back, I think it was Merlin who released the dragon. The idiot.” “Arthur , the dragon is dead, isn’ t he?” “No, Merlin let me believe that I had mortally wounded him back then. The dragon was dying of old age though, and whatever Merlin did to destroy Mor gana it released a wave of magic over the land that not only healed me, but Kilgharrah as well, and it brought Gwaine back from the dead.” “Oh, the day before you returned?” Gwen asked her eyes going wide. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “Merlin saved all that is precious to me when he ended Mor gana's reign of terror . He gave up his magic and his immortality for me.” “Immortality?” Gwen gasped. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “I was meant to die, to return when Albion needed me most. Merlin was to live forever waiting for my return so he would be there to guide me and protect me as he did in this life.” “Oh, Arthur ,” Gwen said softly . “Now you can understand this guilt I feel. I was meant to die, not Merlin.” Gwen sat down hard on the chair and shook her head, “Arthur , if you were meant to die and one day return. Could that mean Merlin will one day return?” “I don’ t know . I need to find someone who can tell me. The dragon may be my only hope of finding out. Which means I need to find a way to bring him to me. I must talk to Gaius…or perhaps the Druids. Or I can speak to Merlin!” Arthur said, his eyes going wide. “How?” Gwen asked shaking her head. “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” he said, “It is in the vaults. I could ride to the Great Stones of Nemeton and use it to summon Merlin.” “Are you certain that is wise, Arthur? Y ou remember what happened with your father .” “I will speak to Gaius, have him show me the proper way to do it,” he looked at Gwen, “I love you. I am so happy about our child.” “Go, Arthur ,” she nodded and laughed, “Go speak with Gaius now .” “Are you sure,” he asked. “I am sure. Y ou need to learn all you can about Merlin’ s sacrifice. I want our child to know him and all he did for us.” “I love you,” Arthur said then kissed her tenderly before leaving their chambers. “My Lord,” Gaius said as he opened the door to find Arthur standing on the other side his hands clasped behind him. “What brings you to my chambers?” “I came to see how you are doing and to ask a favor ,” Arthur said as he stepped inside the room which seemed darker than normal. Perhaps it was the lack of light or the lack of a certain someone’ s presence within its walls. “Gaius, I know what Merlin meant to you and I know that you protected him all these years.” “I did, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down at the table, returning to his dinner . He motioned to the other bench and Arthur sat down. “W ould you like some food?” “No, thank you.” “So, what can I do for you, Arthur?” “Gaius, you told me that one day I would learn, that I would understand just how much they had done for me. It was Merlin you spoke of back then. I know that now , and I need to know everything, Gaius. I need to know all that Merlin did for me and for Camelot. The only way that can happen is if I speak to Merlin.” Gaius barely flinched at the last part, nodding wearily . “And just how do you plan to do that?” “The Horn of Cathbhadh,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, Arthur .” “It worked with my father .” “Only the spirits of your ancestors may be summoned by the horn. It will not work for Merlin.” Arthur ’s face fell and he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Then how? I must speak with Merlin.” Gaius nodded, “The Horn will not help you, Sire.” “Gaius, please, I beg of you. I cannot move on without knowing the truth.” “Very well,” Gaius nodded sadly , “I will tell you all I know . There is no reason not to, now that I no longer have to protect Merlin.” Arthur lowered his gaze, “Gaius, I am so sorry . If I could trade places with him, I would. If I could bring him back.” “Merlin would not want you to, Arthur . I think he always knew he would have to lay down his life for you in the end.” “I feel so empty , Gaius,” Arthur said, “I don’ t know how to be me without Merlin. I owe him everything. I miss him, Gods…” Gaius let out a breath and gave Arthur a slight smile. “I know you do.” “I need to know what the prophecy says now that I have lived, and Merlin died. He was meant to live…I was meant to die. How can I call the dragon to me?” “You know about Kilgharrah,” Gaius said raising an eyebrow . “Yes, he came to A valon after it all happened. He told me of the prophecy and Merlin’ s father . I figured out that it was Merlin who set Kilgharrah free all those years ago.” “He did, but only because the dragon had helped him to save you many times. Kilgharrah was exceptionally good at telling Merlin just enough and leaving out the parts he should have been told. The old dragon had his own aims. I only allowed Merlin to communicate with him because I knew they were both creatures of magic. They needed each other .” “My father kept him prisoner for two decades.” “Yes, Sire,” Gaius said, “He believed that keeping Kilgharrah prisoner would set an example for any kingdoms who would ever think they could attack Camelot.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That worked out well.” “Yes, but it did accomplish one thing, it struck fear in all those with magic. If your father could keep a magical beast prisoner , what could he do to them?” “My father was wrong,” Arthur said, “He was wrong about everything. Magic is not evil. Perhaps if I had known that then, I would have had time to save Mor gana.” “Mor gana’ s magic was far dif ferent from Merlin’ s. Her magic emer ged at first through her dreams…nightmares. She saw things in them that eventually came to be. Things that were avoided because Merlin was able to stop them.” “Sophia?” Arthur said letting out a breath, “I knew there was more to that story .” “Mor gana saw her drown you in her dreams. Merlin tried to get through to you to keep you from going with Sophia and Aulfric. They were Sidhe in human form. Condemned to live a mortal life for killing another Sidhe. Their only way back to A valon was to sacrifice you. Merlin was nearly killed when Aulfric slammed him into the wall in your chambers. When I found him, he was in pain and disoriented. Y et he still ran all the way to A valon to stop them and save you.” Arthur shook his head, “How many times did he nearly die for me?” “Too many to count I’m afraid,” Gaius frowned. “I remember , Mor gana dreamed of the Questing Beast…she was terrified.” “Yes, she saw you die.” “How did I survive? The bite was supposed to be fatal. And for that matter the beast itself, I know I did not kill it.” “Merlin did. W ith the same spell that he used on Lancelot’ s lance so he could kill the Griffin. Merlin enchanted your sword and drove it into the heart of the beast killing it. When they brought you back to Camelot, there was little hope. Merlin went to the dragon who told him he would need to go to the Isle of the Blessed. That he would need the magic of the old religion to save you. Nimueh was there. She gave him water from the Cup of Life, and in exchange, he bar gained his own life. Unfortunately , she knew who Merlin really was. She chose to take his mother instead. Hunith showed up here in the middle of a storm deathly ill and covered in sores. Merlin intended to return to the Isle of the Blessed to force Nimueh to take him instead. I tried to talk him out of it, but you know how he is—was,” Gaius said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “He never would do what he was told.” “He went to your chambers, said he needed to tell you goodbye. It was then that I decided it would be me…that I would take his place. I went to the Isle of the Blessed to of fer myself for Merlin. I was unconscious by the time Merlin arrived. He told me afterward, Nimueh tried to get him to join her , to rule by her side…he refused of course. She attacked him with balls of fire. He ended up with a burn scar on his chest from the one that hit him. He pulled lightning from the storm raging overhead and killed her . In taking her life, the balance was restored and Hunith lived…I lived.” “And I lived…” Arthur let out a ragged breath. “It was Merlin’ s duty , his destiny to protect you…his purpose…the purpose for his magic. He was born with it, Arthur . For Merlin, magic was like breathing…a part of him.” “So, when he said that he was born to serve me…” “Yes,” Gaius nodded. “Gods, Gaius, what did I ever do to deserve him? He was a far better man than me.” “Merlin would be the first to disagree with that, Arthur . Your father was a friend, but even I can admit that he was a hard man, cruel and unyielding at times. He made me take an oath to never tell you the truth about Nimueh and your birth. I am sorry , truly . I was a foolish old man, I let fear direct my actions. If I had not then Merlin and Mor gana would still be with us. Y ou have lost so much, Arthur…” Gaius frowned and shook his head. “Guinevere told me that she is with child,” Arthur smiled. Gaius smiled, “I am happy for you both. Y ou will be a wonderful father , Arthur .” “If Merlin had not done what he did, I would not be here. My child would have grown up without a father just as I grew up without my mother .” “Then Merlin fulfilled his destiny ,” Gaius said. “I want him back. I need him back,” Arthur said. “That is not possible, no matter how much I wish it were. I loved Merlin as a son.” “I know you did.” Gaius looked at Arthur intently . “Arthur , there is one place where you may be able to communicate with Merlin. I cannot guarantee that it will work.” “Please, Gaius. I will do whatever it takes.” “The reason Merlin was not able to go with you to Camlann…Mor gana took his magic using a creature of the Old Religion, called the Gean Canach. His only hope of regaining it was to travel to the place where magic was born. It is called the Crystal Cave and lies in the V alley of the Fallen Kings. Mor gana showed up and brought down the cave entrance trapping Merlin inside. He was injured and without his magic. Desperate to get to you before the battle. He told me that his father appeared to him in the cave and helped him to regain his magic. He used the crystals to send you the message about the hidden path in the mountains.” “Yes, he did.” “Perhaps if you go to the Crystal Cave there may be a way to communicate with Merlin. I will need to do some research. If you can give me a day or so.” “Yes, of course, Gaius,” Arthur said, “But will I need the help of magic?” “I will be able to tell you more once I look into it.” “Very well, it is getting late. I would like to speak with you more tomorrow , Gaius.” “You know where to find me, My Lord,” Gaius nodded, “Good night, Arthur .” “Good night, Gaius,” Arthur said then left the chambers. He walked down the silent corridor , but instead of returning to their chambers, he walked outside and down the steps. He needed a drink. Heading for the tavern he walked in to find Gwaine and Percival at a table staring at their tankards of mead not saying anything. The fire was burning in the hearth, and the barkeep looked up, surprised to see the king. “My Lord,” he bowed, “What can I get you, Sire?” “Whatever they are having, please,” Arthur said then walked over to the table and pulled up a chair . Gwaine and Percival took a moment to even realize he was there, nearly jumping out of their skin when they did. “Arthur!” Percival said in surprise. Gwaine turned to look at him, his eyes glazed over . “Every time I see you, I look for him,” he huf fed a pained laugh, his words slurred, “But then I remember , and it feels like a knife through the gut.” Arthur nodded, taking a drink of his mead as soon as Evoric placed it in front of him. “I keep expecting him to show up with some ridiculous story about falling asleep in the woods. Gods, I miss that smile and his annoying prattle. I would give anything to hear him call me a Clotpole or a dollop head again.” “Merlin never held back on his insults, did he,” Gwaine chuckled. “Arthur ,” Percival said, “Do you think it was his magic that saved him after the Doracha?” “Knowing what I know now I am certain of it,” Arthur said as Evoric brought him a second tankard of mead before he’d even finished the first. He shrugged, swallowed down the first, then started on the second. It wasn’ t proper for the king to get drunk in a tavern, but he couldn’ t find a reason to care right now . “Lancelot must have known that Merlin had magic,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, Gaius confirmed my suspicions. Merlin enchanted the lance he used to kill the Grif fin back when he first came to Camelot. The first time he was made a knight and my father stripped him of his title because his seal of nobility was for ged…which I believe a certain Warlock was responsible for as well.” “Warlock? Sorcerer? Dragonlord?” Gwaine said, “Merlin was just full of surprises.” “What is the dif ference between a W arlock and a Sorcerer?” Percival asked. “From what Gaius told me, Merlin was born with his magic,” Arthur said, “It was as much a part of him as breathing, or the blood pumping through his veins. Sorcerers may have a gift, but they study magic, it does not come naturally to them. Merlin was magic, but he learned how to use it properly from Gaius. So, I suppose, in a way , he was both.” “Was it really Mordred who mortally wounded you?” Gwaine asked Arthur . “Yes,” Arthur nodded taking a drink of his mead, “I hesitated…that is all it took. He said I gave him no other choice. When I ran him through, he smiled…he smiled like he was relieved. It made no sense. I cared about him…trained him and he turned against me over a girl he hadn’ t seen since he was a child.” “You gave her a chance, Arthur…she refused your of fer,” Gwaine shook his head. “But Mordred didn’ t know that did he,” Arthur frowned. “This prophecy…” Percival said, “Merlin knew about it?” “Explains why he and Mordred were always at odds. I thought maybe Merlin was just jealous of the attention you were paying to Mordred,” Gwaine frowned. Arthur nodded, “I see that now . It must have been so hard for him knowing that Mordred had magic like him and yet he was merely a servant and I made Mordred a knight.” “If you had known Mordred had magic you wouldn’ t have done so,” Percival said. “No, I most likely would not have. Merlin is the one who deserved to be a knight,” Arthur shook his head, “Gods, I am ashamed of the way I treated him. I still have no idea how many times he saved my life…how many times he saved Camelot.” The door opened then, and they looked around as Leon walked in, and waved to Evoric who nodded and poured another tankard of mead. “Thought I might find you all here,” Leon said as he pulled up a chair , sat down, then looked at Arthur . “Are you all right, Sire?” Arthur shook his head, “Why wouldn’ t I be? I have only lost the other half of my soul.” “I’m sorry ,” Leon frowned. “No, it is I who should be sorry ,” Arthur said patting Leon’ s shoulder , “I have been neglecting my kingly duties placing too much on your shoulders.” “The queen sent me to find you, she is worried.” “I should probably go back.” “No, perhaps this is what you need…to talk about Merlin,” Leon said, “I am certain she understands.” “What kind of man am I?” Arthur asked, his words beginning to slur as he drank a third tankard of mead, “My queen…my wife, she is with child and I am here, with you lot, grieving over my servant…best friend…protector…sorcerer…warlock…Dragonlord.” “You’re going to be a father?” Leon smiled. “Yep, I am, and if not for Merlin I would have died and never known about my child.” “Cheers,” Gwaine and Percival smiled then downed their mead. “I’m drunk,” Arthur said. “Me too?” Gwaine smirked. Arthur shook his head then let it fall back and chuckled, “Merlin used his magic in our fight in the market, he admitted it to me. I had no idea. He would have won if Gaius had not distracted him. I hit him with a broomstick.” “Low blow ,” Percival smirked. “Heard about that fight, didn’ t see it for myself,” Leon smiled. “Then he saved my life, and as a reward, my father made him my manservant.” “Sounds more like a punishment,” Gwaine grinned. “You’re not wrong,” Arthur shrugged his eyes growing wider , “Sacked him after the snakes in the shield thing with V aliant. I was an idiot.” “You obviously hired him back,” Percival said. “Yes, I couldn’ t stand the thought of anyone else replacing him…and now…” “There’ s always Geor ge,” Leon smirked. Arthur glared at him, “I would rather wash my own socks than have to deal with Geor ge.” “He is rather stif f and proper ,” Gwaine laughed. “That’ s just it, he is too ef ficient for our king,” Leon chuckled. “And he’ s not Merlin,” Arthur said finishing his mead, “I want Merlin back.” “We all do,” Leon said, “He was a friend to all of us…a brother really .” Arthur leaned forward placing his head in his hands, elbows on the table. The others looked at each other , clearly concerned for their friend and king. He huf fed a laugh then dropped his hands, his eyes shining with tears. “I am really , really drunk,” he said. “Me too, but not enough yet,” Gwaine mumbled then tipped his empty tankard upside down. “We should get you two back to the palace,” Leon said. “No,” Arthur said then turned to the barkeep, “Evoric, do you have a room available?” “Yes, of course, Y our Highness,” he nodded, “I shall give you my best room.” “One for Gwaine too…Percival?” “No, I am not that drunk, but I’ll help get Gwaine upstairs.” “My Lord, the room I have for you has a second bed for Sir Gwaine or I can give him a separate room,” Evoric said. “No need, Gwaine can share the room with me,” Arthur said as he stood up, swaying on his feet to the point where Leon had to prop him up. “Thank you, Leon. W ill you please send word to Guinevere…tell her I am sorry .” “I am certain she will understand, Arthur ,” Leon said then helped his king up the stairs with Percival following behind, Gwaine leaning heavily on him. Reaching the top of the stairs, they followed Evoric to the end of the long hallway . He unlocked the door opening it wide, stepping inside to light the candles and start a fire in the hearth. “Here we are,” Evoric smiled. Leon sat Arthur down on the lar ger bed near the fire. Percival dropped Gwaine on the smaller bed by the wall then pulled his boots of f. “You’re a good friend…a very big, good friend,” Gwaine smirked and Percival rolled his eyes placing his boots near the hearth. “Leon,” Arthur said then let out a loud burp that made Gwaine laugh. Leon shook his head, taking of f Arthur ’s boots. “Lie down, Arthur , you need to rest.” “Can’ t sleep,” Arthur said as he laid back on the pillow , “I close my eyes, I see Merlin dying…over and over and over again. I will never get that vision out of my head as long as I live. He should be here…not me. It should be me lying in that godforsaken lake.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom. Camelot would be nothing without you, Arthur ,” Leon said with conviction. “Merlin said those exact words to me on the way to A valon,” Arthur said pinching the bridge of his nose before running his fingers through his hair which had gotten too long, but he had no desire to let anyone cut it…that was Merlin’ s job…” “Arthur ,” Leon said, “See you in the morning, rest.” He headed toward the door and Percival followed him out, closing the door behind them, leaving Arthur and Gwaine in silence. “I should have been there,” Gwaine choked out, his voice rough. “Gwaine…” “It was my fault. If I had not convinced Percival that we should go after Mor gana…she would not have gone to A valon. Merlin would be alive, and he would have had time to save you.” “No, Gwaine…don’ t put that on yourself.” “I was so angry about Eira…I allowed her into my bed…I trusted her .” Arthur huf fed a bitter laugh, “I know all about trusting people I should not have. Y ou are not to blame, Gwaine. I do not blame you.” Gwaine let out a growl, kicking the end of the bed. “All of this goes back to your father . His hatred of magic did this…he took Merlin from us.” Arthur fell silent and Gwaine pushed himself up to a seated position, back against the wall, pulling his knees up to his chest, then folded his hands across the back of his head. Arthur rolled onto his side facing his knight, “I had the chance to kill my father .” “What?” Gwaine asked, looking at him. “Merlin lied to me…he lied to stop me from killing my father .” “What happened?” “Mor gause conjured the spirit of my mother , Ygraine, who told me the truth about my birth…what my father did. The reason he started the Great Pur ge in the first place. My mother could not conceive so he turned to magic for an heir . I do not know if he knew what the price would be, but in the end, my mother died so I could live…balance…a life for a life. I was angry…Gods, so angry . Upon returning to Camelot, I was out for his blood, I challenged him…demanded that he fight me. I had the point of my sword at his chest when Merlin burst in and told me that Mor gause lied, that it was not my mother I saw . That it was all a lie to tear apart the kingdom. Merlin could have let me kill my father , he would have been free, but instead, he lied, and I dropped my sword.” “Sounds like Merlin,” Gwaine said, “So unselfish. Always putting others ahead of his own needs.” “I still feel such shame for the way I reacted when he told me about his magic.” “It’s understandable, Arthur .” Arthur nodded, “I thought I knew him…and the whole time he was hiding this huge part of himself. I should have known. W e were…” “You loved each other .” “Yeah,” Arthur said with a soft laugh then sat upright and looked at Gwaine, “He was your best friend too, you really didn’ t feel hurt?” “No, not at all,” Gwaine shook his head, “Merlin kept his secret to protect himself. He lived in fear every day of his life. That is something you and I could never possibly understand. Even before he came to Camelot, he grew up in Essetir…Cenred was well known for imprisoning and enslaving those with magic. He had no chance…stay or leave, he would always be in danger . Coming to Camelot was his best chance at survival. Becoming your servant was his destiny .” Arthur nodded, tears pooling in his eyes, “Y ou’re a wise man, Sir Gwaine.” Gwaine huf fed a laugh, “I’m really not.” “True…but thank you…thank you for being here for me.” “And we owe Merlin for that as well don’ t we.” “What did Mor gana do to you?” “Ah, that nasty snake thing…the same one she used on Elyan to find out you all were going to Ealdor ,” Gwaine shivered. “Gods, I hate snakes.” “I hate spiders…giant hairy spiders,” Arthur muttered. “Definitely hate spiders and snakes. Don’ t mind dragons so much now .” Arthur laughed, “Me neither .” “Still hate W yverns though.” “Gaius thinks I might be able to communicate with Merlin from the Crystal Cave.” “Really?” Gwaine asked his eyes going wide. “I need to try ,” Arthur said, “I need to see him…talk to him.” “Then I am going with you.” “Gwaine,” he shook his head, “I need to go alone.” “You are the king, Arthur , you cannot venture into the V alley of the Fallen Kings alone. Morgana may be dead, but there are still enemies out there who would love your head on a pike.” Arthur looked at Gwaine then nodded, “All right. But only you and me. No one else.” “When do we leave?” “Gaius said he needed to do some research. He has to find a way that I can communicate without magic of my own. There is a chance it will not work at all.” “You were born of magic, do think there is a chance you have some sort of magic?” Arthur laughed, “No, I don’ t think so.” “What is it you really want, Arthur?” “I need to know the part of Merlin he kept hidden. I need to understand.” “So, you can find a way to for give him?” Gwaine asked. “No, I have already for given him.” “Then what are you after?” “Ideally , I want to bring him home,” Arthur lowered his gaze to the floor for a moment then looked at Gwaine. “But if that is not possible, I at least want my child to grow up knowing him. T o know the man who brought peace to Camelot. Is that so insane?” Gwaine shook his head, “No, Arthur , not at all.” “We should sleep, we are going to feel like death in the morning.” “I will go with you to see Gaius. He will give us his remedy then we can work on a plan.” Arthur laid back down on his side staring into the flames and laughed, “The fire.” “What?” “The fire in Jarl’ s fortress, when we faked that fight…the fire that mysteriously started and covered our escape.” Gwaine chuckled, “Merlin…” “Remember what he said, that if it wasn’ t for that fire, we would have all been pushing up daisies.” “Of course. Also explains your recovery from the poisoned arrow in your leg. Y ou were burning up with fever…” “I was dying. And Merlin saved me…again.” Gwaine looked at Arthur intently , “Whatever it takes, we will do right by him. W e will make sure that Merlin is remembered…always. And maybe one day he will return.” “I hope so,” Arthur said then finally drifted of f to sleep. Gwaine passed out soon after . To See Him Again “Gwaine, are you alive?” Arthur asked shaking his knight gently . “What? Oh, yes…alive…still alive,” he jolted awake nearly rolling of f the bed. “That makes one of us,” Arthur winced sitting down on the bed to put on his boots, “My head…” Gwaine stumbled to the hearth stepping into his own boots with surprising agility considering how much he’d had to drink. “Let’ s get to Gaius, he will fix us right up,” he chuckled. “Sounds like you have gone to him many times for the remedy ,” Arthur smirked. “Regular customer .” They blew out the candles and then made their way downstairs where Evoric had breakfast prepared for them. They sat down and ate. Arthur placed a handful of gold coins on the table. “Please, Y our Highness, I cannot accept payment,” Evoric said. “I insist,” Arthur said, “For the mead, the room, and this delicious breakfast.” “Very well, My Lord. Y ou are welcome anytime,” Evoric said then lowered his head, “W e all miss Merlin. He helped me out often with remedies and fixing things. He was a good man.” “Yes, he was,” Arthur nodded. They finished eating and then headed for the palace. After a slight detour to let Gwen know , he was all right and to apologize for abandoning her , they reached the door of the physician’ s chambers. Gwaine knocked and then opened the door . Gaius waved a hand toward the table. “Leon told me to expect you two, remedy is there on the table.” “Thank you, Gaius,” Arthur said drinking his down quickly trying not to smell it first. “Y ep, still as nasty tasting as ever .” “Nectar of the Gods,” Gwaine chuckled, downing his with a flourish. “Gaius, have you found anything?” Arthur asked as he approached the older man. “I was up most of the night and I was able to confirm that the Horn of Cathbhadh will not work for someone who is not a direct blood ancestor .” Arthur said down on the bench, “And the Crystal Cave?” “There is a way to use the crystals to communicate with spirits, but you will need help.” “Magical help?” Arthur asked. “I’m afraid so,” Gaius said, “Y ou will need to retrieve the Crystal of Neahtid from the vaults of Camelot and return it to the Crystal Cave from which it came.” “That doesn’ t sound too dif ficult,” Gwaine said as he sat down on a bench across from Arthur . “Yes, well, that is the easy part, I am afraid. Before you return it, you must enhance its power .” “And just how do I do that?” Arthur asked. “It must be infused with magic from a high priestess.” Arthur ’s face fell, “That is obviously out of the question.” “The only other option is the Great Dragon,” Gaius said. “Good, I need to speak with Kilgharrah anyway . Is there a way that I can call him to me?” “There is a spell, but I am not certain I have enough power . I am willing to try , Arthur .” Arthur knew from the look in Gaius’ eyes that this spell would take a lot out of him to perform. “Gaius, would it harm you? I will not ask you to do it if it will.” “It will not be easy , but I will do it for Merlin…for you.” “Is there another way? I will not do anything that will put you at risk.” Gaius thought for a moment then his eyes widened, “Of course, your sword, Arthur . It was forged by Kilgharrah. It holds his power . You can use it to call him.” “Great, tell me what I need to do.” “Arthur , please don’ t go alone,” Gwen said as Arthur packed his bags. “Guinevere, Gwaine is going with me, I won’ t be alone,” he said stopping what he was doing to embrace her . “There is no need to worry . With Mor gana dead and the Saxons scattered there is little threat right now . I must do this. Please understand. If I have a chance to see Merlin, to speak with him, I need to try . There is so much I need him to know and things that I must know to protect Camelot. T o keep the peace for our child.” Gwen shook her head, “I just do not want to lose you, Arthur . I cannot raise our child alone.” “I love you, Guinevere, I will return. I promise you.” “All right,” she finally relented, “Just promise me that if you speak to Merlin, tell him how much he means to me and how grateful I am for everything he did.” “I will tell him,” Arthur smiled then kissed her before resuming packing. There was a knock on the door . Gwen went to answer it. Gwaine stepped inside the room and she gave him a look... “Y ou will take care of him,” she said. “Upon my life, I will protect Arthur , My Lady ,” Gwaine said then he approached Arthur with an object in a leather pouch. “Is this what we need?” he asked as he opened it and pulled out the Crystal of Neahtid. Arthur had not laid eyes on it since they brought it back to Camelot all those years ago. “That’ s it,” Arthur sheathed his sword, kissed Gwen then nodded, “Let’ s go.” They made their way out of the castle to find Leon and Percival waiting in the courtyard with their horses. “Thank you,” Arthur smiled, climbing onto his horse while Gwaine secured the crystal in his saddlebag then mounted his own horse. “Arthur , are you sure this is wise?” Leon asked. “It is something I have to do, Leon. Please understand.” “I do, just it isn’ t safe out there.” “I will take care of him, I promise,” Gwaine said. “Courage and Strength,” Percival said with a nod then reached up to grasp Arthur ’s forearm, “Godspeed, both of you.” Arthur nodded then turned his horse, heading for the drawbridge with Gwaine close behind. They crossed over it and then headed toward the clearing Gaius told them about. The place where Merlin used to sneak of f to call Kilgharrah for help. It was already mid-morning and they still had far to go to reach the Crystal Cave. As soon as they reached the clearing, Arthur dismounted, drew his sword, and stepped into the clearing. He held the sword out in front of him, resting flat across both hands then closed his eyes focusing all his light and ener gy into the blade then, tilting his head back, he shouted. “Kilgharrah, Great Dragon, I wish to speak with you. In the name of Merlin, The Last Dragonlord, please come to me. Hear your king, Kilgharrah…” “Did it work?” Gwaine asked keeping his voice low . “I don’ t know ,” Arthur shook his head. “Maybe you should say it again.” “What if he is too far away?” Arthur asked. Gwaine held up a hand, “Listen…” They both heard the familiar sound of massive wings and looked up as Kilgharrah came over the hill. He landed in the clearing just a few feet from the king. “King Arthur…Sir Gwaine, you called for me,” the dragon said. “I did,” Arthur said then sheathed his sword, “I have a favor to ask of you.” “A favor?” Kilgharrah asked a curious glint in his golden eyes. “Yes, I must speak with Merlin. Gaius said there is a chance that I can reach him in the Crystal Cave, but I need you to enhance the magic of the Crystal of Neahtid so that I may do so.” “I see,” the dragon said, “Might I ask why you wish to speak with Merlin?” Arthur nodded, “There are things I need answers to, and things I need him to know . Will you help me? Please.” “Very well,” Kilgharrah said, “Bring me the crystal, but you should know , Arthur , Merlin may not want to be summoned.” “Why?” Arthur asked, shaking his head, “Why would he not want to come to me?” “Arthur , Merlin gave his life for you. He would want you to live, to move on.” “I can’ t do that,” Arthur shook his head, his voice breaking, “Not until I say what I need to say to him. I need to see him one last time. He died not knowing how I feel about him.” Kilgharrah raised his head and looked at Gwaine then back to Arthur . He let out a breath, a puff of smoke and flame. “Great King, there are things Merlin did that he may not want you to know .” “If you’re referring to the fact that it was Merlin who set you free? I figured that out for myself. So, you see I am not a complete idiot.” Kilgharrah let out a chuckle, “Y ou definitely are not.” “Will you help me then?” “I will help you, King Arthur ,” Kilgharrah said. He watched as Gwaine stepped forward with the Crystal of Neahtid in his hand. “Place it on the ground then step back.” Gwaine did as he said before moving to stand next to Arthur . The dragon lowered his head and opened his mouth breathing a heatless golden flame over the crystal. It began to glow with a light so bright that Arthur and Gwaine had to look away . “It is done.” “Thank you,” Arthur said. “In the center of the Crystal Cave, you will find a pool of water . Place the crystal in the water and focus on Merlin. I trust Gaius told you what to say .” “He did,” Gwaine nodded. “If Merlin chooses not to appear to you, Arthur , you will not try again. Promise me.” Arthur lowered his gaze to the crystal for a moment then looked up at Kilgharrah again. “If Merlin chooses not to come to me, I will let him be. I promise.” “The magic I have infused into the crystal will destroy it if you attempt the summoning a second time. It will shatter , obliterating everything within its reach. It will sever any connection between the Crystal Cave and A valon, the repercussions of which would be far worse than the tear in the veil that released the Doracha.” Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other as that memory took hold. Neither of them wanted to relive that nightmare. They had nearly lost Merlin, then they did lose Lancelot. “I swear to you, I will perform the summoning only once,” Arthur said. “Good, then I bid you farewell, King Arthur…Sir Gwaine,” Kilgharrah said then moved away preparing to fly . “Wait, please, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said. The dragon turned back to look at him. “Please, tell me, do you know what happens now that Merlin changed our destiny by dying in my place? I was meant to return one day . Does that mean Merlin will too?” Kilgharrah shook his head, “I do not know , Arthur . The prophecies were written centuries before you and Merlin were even born. They all ended with your death and Merlin being immortal. What he did forever altered not only your fate but the fates of all those around you. What will happen remains to be seen. No one can say if he will return.” “Perhaps I can call on you again,” Arthur said, “I am certain you miss him too.” “I would like that, Arthur ,” the dragon said then launched into the air and flew away , vanishing over the hills. Gwaine picked up the crystal placing it back inside the leather pouch. They made their way back to the horses in silence until they were in the saddle, heading toward the V alley of the Fallen Kings. “Arthur , did Merlin ever tell you what happened to him after the two of you were separated by the rock fall that day? When the bandits took him. When we found him, he was not himself.” “He never spoke of it again.” “I could not help but wonder if Mor gana had him and he escaped. Especially knowing now that he had magic.” “He would not have risked using magic to escape from her . She would have realized he was Emrys. I am certain she did not know who he was until Mordred told her after he left Camelot. That is why she sent that creature to steal his magic.” “Makes sense,” Gwaine nodded, “I cannot begin to imagine how terrified he must have been to lose something that was such a part of him…something he had always been able to rely on from the day he was born. It is no wonder he panicked when those bandits attacked us in the Valley of the Fallen Kings when I was taking him to the Crystal Cave.” “I always wondered why , even when he was so clearly scared, he never lost faith that we would prevail no matter what we faced. I guess now I know why…he had his magic.” “No, Arthur ,” Gwaine smiled, “He had faith in you. Magic needed you as much as you needed Magic. Merlin’ s mother said it best…you were two sides of the same coin.” Arthur glanced over at Gwaine and nodded, “Thank you for coming on this journey with me.” “Nowhere else I would rather be.” “Do you think the dragon is right? That Merlin may not want to come to me?” Gwaine thought for a moment then shook his head, “All I know is Merlin loved you. I think he will want to see you again as much as you want to see him.” “There is so much I need to say , and I have no idea how long I will have to say it. When I summoned my father , I had little time before he told me I must go or risk being trapped in the world of the dead. Then I made the mistake of looking back as the veil closed releasing his spirit into this world. It was his ghost that hurt Percival and Guinevere, damaged the Round Table. Merlin and I had to hunt him down to send him back. He nearly killed Merlin, pinned him to a door in the armory with two spears. I blew the horn and right before he vanished, he tried to say something about Merlin. I think he was going to tell me about his magic. He must have used magic to fight my father after he knocked me out.” “Ah yes, poetry ,” Gwaine chuckled. “What?” “Oh, Leon told us how he found you and Merlin alone, sneaking around the castle in the dark. Arthur scof fed, “What did you all think we were doing?” “Poetry of course,” Gwaine grinned, wagging his eyebrows. “I never…could never let myself have…” Arthur said his voice trailing of f. “You are an honorable man, Arthur . You would never betray Gwen or hurt Merlin.” “Yes, but it did not stop me from wondering what it would be like,” Arthur blushed. He fell silent as they rode through a narrow ravine following the brook. Gwaine knew he needed to keep him talking. “Tell me more about when you and Merlin first met.” “You’re just trying to keep me talking,” Arthur said narrowing his eyes. “Well, either you talk, or I will, and we both know how much you enjoy my mindless chatter ,” Gwaine laughed. “Come on, tell me. I really want to know .” “Fine,” the king smirked. “I was not of ficially the Crown Prince yet, and needless to say I was a bit of a bully…an ass, as Merlin called me that day .” “Sounds about right,” Gwaine chuckled. “You want to hear this or not?” “Sorry , Sire, do go on.” “My servant prior to Merlin, his name was Morris…dull, spineless, and what Merlin would call a bootlicker . I was on the training grounds with my equally bootlicking friends at the time. I was showing of f and I may have been throwing knives at the tar get my servant was carrying as he tried to place it for me. He lost his hold on it and the tar get rolled across the ground and fell at Merlin’ s feet, he placed his boot on it and says to me that’ s enough that I’d had my fun.” You’ve had your fun, my friend… Those words brought both a smile and tears. Arthur swiped them away and told Gwaine the rest of their first interactions leaving his knight laughing so hard that he could barely breathe. “You asked him if he knew how to walk on his knees?” Gwaine asked, fighting of f another wave of laughter . “I did,” Arthur said unable to hold back a smirk. “You really were an ass,” Gwaine chuckled. “Yes, and Merlin was quite adept at pointing out my flaws and telling me when I was being an idiot. He was the only person to ever do so and get away with it. T ruthfully , it is the reason I kept him around. He never failed to challenge me when I was doing the wrong thing or encouraged me when I was doubting myself. He created a damn sword for me of all things. Gods, Gwaine I did not deserve him.” “The way I see it, you needed him in your life. Y ou were surrounded by people who only told you what you wanted to hear and would never stand up to you when you were being a prat.” “Yes, and then you came along,” Arthur laughed, “Y ou and your hatred of nobles. Why is that anyway? Y ou never told me.” “No one knows, save for Merlin.” “You may as well tell me now .” “If I tell you I will have to kill you,” Gwaine said, and Arthur laughed. “My father was a knight in Caerleon’ s army . A noble. Fought and died for the king and yet when my mother went to him for help, he turned her away . As soon as I was old enough, I left home and made a living doing whatever I could. I would go back home and leave money with her every chance I got. Until the day I went back to find that she had died, and my heartless sister was gone…married some noble in another kingdom.” “I am so sorry , Gwaine.” Gwaine shook his head and smiled sadly , “That day I met you and Merlin in the tavern…I had just come from there. I had planned to drink myself into a stupor . Instead, I met this courageous and stupid man who started a fight he could not win and his best friend who dragged my wounded arse back to Camelot and gave me a reason to keep fighting.” Arthur nodded, “And ended up saving my life again. I could have made you a knight if you had told me the truth. My father would have overturned his decision easily if he had known.” “I could not have served under a king like Uther ,” Gwaine said, “I am proud to serve you, Arthur . You stood up for me against your father and I have never for gotten that.” “When Merlin went to you for help after I left for the Perilous Lands, you agreed to help because of him, not me. I knew that. Y ou were a good friend to him. I think you serve me because of him more than out of duty to me.” “Merlin was the first and only true friend I’d ever had,” Gwaine said, “I think we bonded over the fact that neither of us really knew our fathers and grew up without them in our lives. What was Merlin’ s father like?” Arthur let out a breath, “I didn’ t get a chance to really know him before he was killed by one of Cenred’ s men. But what I saw was a man who had survived against all odds and was strong, brave, and far more powerful than I ever could have imagined…like father like son…” “Yes,” Gwaine nodded, “What would you have done…if Merlin had told you about his magic sooner?” “I have asked myself that question a hundred times, Gwaine, and I am ashamed to say I still do not know the answer . All I know for certain is that I could never have let him die. Even in the beginning, I would have protected him, or at least I would like to believe I would have. Gods, my father has been so wrong about so much. I wish I could repair all the damage his hatred has done.” “The Great Pur ge began when you were born and your mother died,” Gwaine said. “Yes,” Arthur said. “And Merlin…he was born of magic…was magic…and he was a few years younger than you.” “What are you getting at?” “When Merlin destroyed Mor gana, what his magic did, healing us and Kilgharrah. God knows what else it touched…all that power , it had to come from somewhere. The magic released in the Great Pur ge, from the slaughtering of sorcerers…what if Merlin was born of that magic?” “If that is true,” Arthur ’s eyes widened, “Then why would he be destined to protect me, the son of the king who was responsible for the Great Pur ge…essentially the reason for it?” “You were born of magic, Merlin was born with magic,” Gwaine said, “T wo sides of the same coin…together you would bring balance. Build a world of peace and end the war on magic.” Arthur stared at his knight for a moment. “When did you become such a deep thinker ,” Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow . Gwaine chuckled and shook his head, “I’m just putting the pieces together .” Arthur frowned, “I did not deserve him. I was blind to his deeds and his suf fering…just as I was to Mor gana’ s. I could have saved her…I should have saved him.” “Mor gana was beyond saving, Arthur . Her hatred was born of fear . That changes a person to their very core. She held me captive enough, I got to know her quite well. Behind those beautiful, haunted eyes was a soul filled with pain, bitterness, and rage that no one could have overcome. I would bet my life that Merlin tried, and if he could not save her , what chance did you have?” “You’re probably right,” Arthur said, “They were once friends, you know . Merlin and Morgana…there was a time when I thought, they were more. But then something happened that caused a rift between them. Something changed after Mor gause and the Knights of Medhir attacked Camelot. She put all the people to sleep, only Mor gana was still awake… now I know why . Then something happened, the knights stopped and Mor gause took her away . We searched for more than a year . When we finally found her and brought her home, Merlin was visibly shaken. It was as if he did not want her back in Camelot.” “I’m sure he had good reason.” “Yes, I am certain he did. I just wish I knew the truth. I will probably never know everything.” “Probably not, and the dragon did say there were things Merlin did...that could be one of them.” “I didn’ t know at the time that Mor gana was my half-sister ,” Arthur shook his head, “I am not certain when she learned the truth, but I believe it was that knowledge that made her turn against our father . She became so twisted, a dark vengeful witch, determined to take back her birthright.” “Uther was at fault, not you, Arthur . And definitely not Merlin. Whatever he did, he did out of love for you and Camelot. The choice he made that day to stop her , it was made for the very same reason. He saw no other way out.” Arthur swiped at his eyes again and nodded, “I know .” “We will reach the Crystal Cave soon. It is not much farther . We should set up camp for the night and wait until morning to use the crystal?” “That’ s probably wise,” Arthur said, “I want to be rested and thinking clearly when I do this. We only have one shot at it.” “I know a good spot, not far from the cave. W e can set up camp there and take a look inside before we do anything.” They rode down into a ravine that looked vaguely familiar to Arthur . As they got of f the horses, he remembered. It was the day bandits had chased him and Merlin. He’d been shot in the back with an arrow , the bandits were on top of them. Y et Merlin had not only fended them of f somehow but healed him from what easily could have been a fatal wound. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he got the fire going, “Are you all right?” “Yes, it’ s just I have been here before…with Merlin. W e were running from bandits, and I was shot in the back with an arrow . Merlin told me it did not pierce my armor , but I remember now .” “What else can you remember?” “I could hear Merlin talking to me. Just flashes of memory , I remember hearing him crying. At one point I heard him talking to someone, but there was no one else there. It makes no sense,” Arthur said shaking his head. “When I woke up the next morning, I was healed, and Merlin was behaving oddly . He seemed traumatized by something.” “Something he saw in the Crystal Cave,” Gwaine said knowingly . “It is said that the Crystal of Neahtid had the power to show the future. If it came from the cave…” “Merlin’ s magic allowed him to see the future through the crystals in the cave. It would explain why he was so upset.” “Merlin must have seen something about Mor gana. It was shortly after we returned to Camelot, she left her chambers late one night and somehow ended up falling down the stairs fracturing her skull. She was dying then inexplicably healed…Merlin must have healed her . He healed her despite knowing what she would become. He could have just let her die.” Gwaine looked down at the fire, “Merlin still had hope that he would be able to help her . He must have known that she was your sister .” “I remember telling him that I would give up my place on the throne for her to see another sunrise,” Arthur said, “He saved her life because I wanted her to live. W e grew up together and I loved her as a sister . I could not bear the thought of losing her . Everything Merlin did was for me. He tried to save my father too. But Mor gana interfered in the spell, he died and Merlin…the guilt he must have felt. He risked so much.” “I still can’ t believe that old sorcerer was Merlin all along,” Gwaine huf fed a laugh. “It is no wonder he kept his secret from me, even after my father was gone. I lashed out and tried to kill him. Then later , when he came to me as himself, I told him I had lost both my parents to magic…that it was pure evil, and I would never lose sight of that again. I was essentially telling Merlin that he was pure evil.” “And if your father had lived…do you really believe things would have changed for Merlin?” “No, I would not have been able to free magic until I became king. He would have still had to hide who he was.” “And yet Merlin still tried to save Uther knowing full well that either way he would have to continue to live in the shadows,” Gwaine said shaking his head. “He could have done nothing and just let my father die…it would have been easier and safer for him to do so. Merlin risked everything to help me because I asked him to. Just as he did with Mor gana. I was angry at him for keeping his magic a secret and yet I never gave him a reason to trust me with that secret.” “All that matters is that you accepted him in the end. Now , sit down here and eat something, then get some rest,” Gwaine said. “No, not yet. I need to see the cave. Where is the entrance?” Gwaine got up, grabbed his sword then headed down a path. “This way ,” he said, and Arthur followed him. They walked into the mouth of the cave. Gwaine found a discarded torch and lit it. They climbed up over the rocks, moving deeper into the cavern until they emer ged into a wide-open area filled with glowing crystals. “Gwaine, return to camp, keep watch I need to be alone,” Arthur said. Gwaine nodded and went to pass him the torch, but he refused it. “You won’ t be able to see your way out of here.” “And neither will you if I take the torch.” “Fine, I will come back for you in a little while,” Gwaine said. “Thank you again, Gwaine…for being here with me. I am not sure I could have faced this on my own.” “You’re welcome,” he said then made his way back out of the cave leaving Arthur alone. Arthur sat down on the ground in the center of the crystals and closed his eyes. Even without magic, he could feel the power emanating from them. Merlin had come here to regain his magic after Mor gana’ s creature stole it from him. Arthur could imagine him there, injured, and scared…trapped because of the cave-in caused by Mor gana. “Merlin, can you hear me,” Arthur asked, tears pooling in his eyes, “I miss you. I need to see you again, to talk to you. There is so much I need to say . So much I have to make up for . Merlin, please…” Arthur sat in silence listening. He heard the trickle of water as it ran down the wall of the cave into the crystal-clear pool where they would place the Crystal of Neahtid for the summoning. He was tempted to go back to camp, get the crystal and perform it now , but his mind was foggy . He wanted to be rested and focused. “Is anyone there,” he asked receiving no response. “I will return tomorrow ,” Arthur got to his feet and headed toward the mouth of the cave. He was able to see well enough without the torch and reached the entrance just as Gwaine came through. “Are you all right?” he asked. “I will be tomorrow , if this works,” Arthur said stepping out into the night. Gwaine hesitated a moment glancing back up toward the crystals. He feared what would happen if Merlin refused to appear . Arthur would be devastated. “Merlin, Arthur needs you, my friend. Please, do not refuse him when he summons you,” Gwaine said then followed his king. Arthur woke at dawn, but he let Gwaine sleep a little longer while he went over the words Gaius had written down. At least it was not the language of the Old Religion. He wondered if it would even work. What if nothing happened? W ould that mean it failed or that Merlin refused to come through? “Did you get any sleep at all?” Gwaine asked as he sat up rubbing his eyes. “I did…a few hours here and there.” “You are exhausted.” “I’ll sleep for a week after I see Merlin and talk to him.” Gwaine studied him closely . “Are you sure you will be able to move on if Merlin refuses to show?” “I cannot think about that possibility right now ,” Arthur said then got up, retrieving the Crystal of Neahtid from Gwaine’ s saddlebag. “I’m going to do this now .” “I’m coming with you,” Gwaine said then pulled on his boots, grabbed the torch, lit it in the fire, and followed his king. The sun was just coming over the crest of the hill, its golden rays filtering through the trees, illuminating the mouth of the cave. They stepped inside and then climbed up to the crystals. Looking around, Gwaine nodded toward the pool. “That must be it,” he said. Arthur nodded approaching it as he slipped the crystal from the leather pouch and dropped to his knees in front of the pool. He placed it in the water and then looked at Gwaine. He took a breath before reading the words on the parchment. When he finished, he stood up and stepped back. At first, nothing happened, but a moment later a low hum began. It grew louder , the crystal began to vibrate in the water causing ripples on the surface. “Merlin,” Arthur said his voice pleading. He did not care if he had to beg, he would do it. “Merlin, I need you…please,” he said. He saw Gwaine step back a bit. “Scared?” he asked him with a slight smile. “No, not at all,” Gwaine smirked, though his eyes were wide. “Arthur ,” a deep voice reverberated of f the walls that was definitely not Merlin. Arthur turned around to see a familiar bearded figure standing a few feet away . “Balinor…” he said. The man was solid but had a bluish light around him. “King Arthur ,” Balinor smiled fondly , “He said you would come.” “Merlin? Where is he? Please, I need to see him…speak with him.” “In due time,” Balinor said, “There is something you need to see first.” “If Merlin is afraid, he does not have to be.” Balinor nodded, stepping closer , “Great King, there are many things my son was forced to do of which he is not proud. After you see what I am about to show you, if you still want to speak to him, he will come through the veil.” Arthur nodded, “So, be it, but there is nothing you can show me that will change my mind.” “Very well,” Balinor said then stepped back waving a hand toward the lar gest of the crystals and suddenly there were images. Gwaine put out the torch and then moved to stand with Arthur . “W atch, Arthur…” the older man nodded, and the images moved through the crystals. Arthur inhaled sharply as he saw moments from Merlin’ s life flashing before his eyes. From before he came to Camelot, his mother ’s letter to Gaius. He smiled as he saw a happy , carefree Merlin walking along the road, arriving in Camelot only to witness a beheading of a sorcerer first thing. “I would have turned tail and run if that were my first experience in Camelot, and I don’ t even have magic,” Gwaine said. Arthur shook his head, “But he stayed.” He kept his eyes on the crystals taking it all in. Their first meeting…their fight, then the banquet hall, the falling chandelier , and time visibly slowing while Merlin pulled Arthur out of the path of the witch’ s dagger . Valiant and the snakes, Nimueh and the poison that Merlin drank to save him, the light orb in the cave, Lancelot and the Grif fin, Edwin trying to kill his father , and Merlin saving him. Sophia, Aulfric, Kanen, and the bandits in Ealdor…the wind that turned the battle. Arthur saw the unicorn and Anhora, The Questing Beast, and the battle with Nimueh, Merlin was hit by a ball of fire, lying on the ground only to get to his feet and draw lightning from the sky , killing Nimueh. He was shocked to see the beast he had wounded, had actually been Freya…Freya from the Lake of A valon. Merlin had loved her . She died in Merlin’ s arms on the shore of the lake. Arthur had taken away the one person Merlin found who could understand him…accept him for who he truly was…love him the way he deserved to be loved. Even that did not compare to the shock of seeing the image of Merlin poisoning Mor gana and his releasing of the Great Dragon and the moment he learned who his father was before they set out on their quest to find Balinor . The moment Balinor learned who Merlin was and seeing them together by the fire while Arthur slept. The depth of emotion in Merlin’ s face when his father said good night to him for the first…and last…time in his life. Balinor ’s death and the overwhelming grief in Merlin’ s eyes…how he had struggled to hide it from Arthur who’d told him no man was worth his tears. Then the confrontation with the dragon and Merlin realizing his powers as a Dragonlord, speaking to Kilgharrah in a voice that sent shivers all through Arthur ’s body . The images continued and Arthur had no idea how he managed to absorb all of it, it had to be the magic enabling him to grasp and understand each and every moment as they flashed quickly . He laughed aloud when he saw Merlin release the Goblin. Then remembered his donkey ears and braying and his father ’s bald head the flatulence… “Should have known he was responsible for that,” he smirked. “Sorry I missed that one,” Gwaine chuckled. The images continued through the years everything from Elena being a changeling, to yet more of Mor gana’ s deception and the bizarre and quite frightening Manticore which Merlin fought. It was the stuf f of nightmares. Then the discovery of Arthur and Guinevere’ s relationship and Merlin changing into the old sorcerer to clear her name only to nearly end up burned on the pyre himself. The young sorcerer who fought Uther in the tournament. Merlin befriending the boy and trying to teach him the right way to use magic. It's...lonely . To...be mor e powerful than any man you know and have to live like a shadow . To...be special and…and have to pr etend you'r e a fool. I know how it feels, I understand. “Merlin,” Arthur shook his head watching the scene. Merlin with a flame burning in the palm of his hand, revealing his true self to this boy in an attempt to convince him not to fight. “Gods, you should never have been made to feel that way .” The next scenes were of their quest to find the Cup of Life. Then the loss of Camelot and Morgana crowned queen, slaughtering its citizens in her lust for power . Her telling their father that she hated him. Merlin retrieving the sword from the Lake of A valon to save Camelot from the immortal Army by spilling the blood from the Cup of Life, the Doracha, the death of Uther , and Merlin saving the dragon’ s egg from the tomb of Ashkanar and hatching the white dragon into the world…her name was Aithusa. The battle with Queen Annis and her giant and watching Merlin’ s eyes flash gold as he helped Arthur in the fight when Mor gana’ s spell made his sword impossible to wield. Then came the moment both he and Gwaine had wondered about. Merlin restrained, hanging by his arms in Mor gana’ s hovel in pain and soaking wet. Mor gana putting the head of a damn snake in the back of his neck commanding him to kill Arthur . Followed by Merlin’ s many failed attempts to obey her . It was then that something occurred to Gwaine. “Arthur , when we found him, he was covered in mud from head to toe and you hugged him anyway . Was that the only time you ever showed him af fection? Every time prior , at the Fisher King’ s castle, after he survived the Doracha, you never embraced him like that.” “No,” Arthur shook his head, “He tried to hug me once and I refused.” “You do realize that the one and only time you ever hugged him he was under Mor gana’ s control. It is likely that he never even remembered it.” Arthur lowered his gaze and let out a breath, “Y ou are right, Gwaine. I kept him at arms- length, but not for the reason you think.” “Oh, I know why ,” Gwaine smirked. “Enlighten me then,” Arthur said. “Because you knew , if you gave into those feelings, that there would be no turning back.” “I loved him…” “And he loved you. He was Mor gana’ s prisoner ,” Gwaine said, “She was controlling Merlin, and yet every assassination attempt failed almost comically . That tells me Merlin’ s magic was protecting you even though he was not in control.” Arthur nodded, “I have no doubt. He was incapacitated and dying when he sent that light to me in the cave when I went in search of the Mortaeus flower .” The battle between Mor gana and Old Merlin was brutal. Arthur was stunned to see the raw power of his sister and his best friend and knew full well that Merlin could have killed her at any time. He had been holding back. Gwaine was surprised too, letting out a gasp when Merlin swept her up in a mighty whirlwind tossing her like a ragdoll. Then destroying the Fomorrah freeing himself from her control only to return to Camelot and find himself forced into a training session with Geor ge. “Oh, now that was just plain cruel, Arthur ,” Gwaine laughed, “Poor Merlin.” “I thought it was funny at the time,” Arthur said, “But not so much now that I know what he went through. I feel like such a fool…a selfish idiot.” The images flashed faster , the Lamia then the return of Lancelot who had not actually been Lancelot, but a shade sent by Mor gana to interfere in his and Guinevere’ s wedding. Arthur was relieved to know the truth…to know his friend Lancelot had not actually betrayed him. He chuckled as he saw Merlin’ s little pranks on him while Mithian was in Camelot. The spilling of the soup, the uncontrollable burping. “Jealous, Merlin,” Gwaine laughed heartily . “Jealous, no, he was just upset that I was moving on from Guinevere.” “No, my friend, that was pure jealousy because he was watching the man he loved with yet another beautiful woman,” Gwaine smirked. “Don’ t be ridiculous, Gwaine,” Arthur shook his head then watched the images from the hunt and the deer which had been an enchanted Guinevere. He saw Merlin’ s eyes flash gold and the arrow he had shot went wide only for Mithian to fire and hit her . He felt sick to his stomach. Merlin had ridden out in the night alone to find her…healed her with his magic. “Merlin…” Arthur choked. Then came the deception of Agravaine, Arthur wanted to punch something as he saw all that his uncle had done. He had been working with Mor gana from the start. Undermining his authority at every turn. The kidnapping of Gaius, yet another time when Arthur should have listened to Merlin and did not. Merlin using magic to turn him into a simpleton and putting him in those ridiculous clothes. Then an image of Merlin calling Kilgharrah and the dragon wiping out the majority of Agravaine’ s army . Gwaine let out an impressed whistle and Arthur wanted to see it again… there was just something about Merlin’ s dragon powers…the deep, resonating, almost animalistic tone to his voice. Next came the image that confirmed Arthur ’s fears. Merlin in the tunnels, facing Agravaine and what was left of his army and being forced to use his magic to kill them all. “Merlin did kill Agravaine,” Arthur said. “I should have listened to him when he tried to tell me that my uncle was working against me. Merlin should not have been put in that position…I let him go back there alone. It should have been me to face him. I should never have trusted my uncle.” “Agravaine was your family , it is understandable that you would trust him.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “I should have learned from Mor gana’ s betrayal that family means nothing. Even my father betrayed me in so many ways. It was Merlin, all these years… Merlin who I should have trusted fully , he was my other half…my friend, my family , and more.” “More?” Gwaine grinned. “Shut up,” Arthur rolled his eyes. The next image was Arthur pulling the sword from the stone, the golden light, and the pride in Merlin’ s eyes as he’d helped Arthur to believe in himself again. Merlin sneaking back into the citadel planting some magical object under Mor gana’ s bed that had rendered her temporarily powerless. Now , he knew the meaning behind her comment about Emrys. How wrong she had been, because Emrys was right there in front of her all along, protecting Arthur . Merlin had saved them yet again and they had retaken Camelot and Mor gana disappeared. As the images moved on into the last year , before the battle at Camlann, Arthur saw for the first time just how hard it had been for Merlin. How weighed down and unhappy he had become, rarely smiling. T ears filled his eyes as he saw Merlin fighting every single damn day to keep him alive. The worst was seeing him dying alone on the forest floor after being poisoned by Mor gana and thrown over a clif f only to recover with the help of that boy and then they returned to Camelot in time to save Arthur from the Sarrum’ s assassin. An assassin Guinevere ordered. Seeing her now , knowing it was her all along trying to kill him because of Mor gana’ s ritual. He could barely breathe as he saw Merlin’ s tears after he had uttered the deep guttural words to heal Arthur from the poison, once again saving his king. Then saving Guinevere from Mor gana’ s curse, becoming The Dolma to do so, because he could not use magic in front of Arthur . “Oh, Merlin,” Arthur gasped. The rest was a blur , the betrayal of Mordred, the creature that stole Merlin’ s magic, his goodbye to Gwaine, the confrontation between him and Mor gana in the cave, and Merlin healing. Regaining his magic in time to warn Arthur using the crystals. When it was all over, Arthur and Gwaine stood frozen in place struggling to grasp it all. “Gwaine, I saw the look in your eyes when you and Merlin parted. Y ou knew…” Arthur turned to him and shook his head. “Not exactly , I wondered if he had magic, but I never knew for certain. Just something inside me knew that would be the last time I would see Merlin. I felt it, deep in my soul, that one or both of us would not survive.” Arthur watched the last of the images. The moment Merlin told him he had magic…that he was a sorcerer . He was ashamed as Gwaine watched his reaction expecting to feel his knight’ s judgment. “You took it better than I thought you would,” Gwaine said with a huf f. “Yes, well, I am not proud of that. I should have been more understanding…what it took for him to finally tell me his deepest secret.” The last scene was the moment Merlin sacrificed himself and as it faded away they both stood there silent and stunned. “Do you understand,” Balinor asked as he stepped forward, “Why Merlin is afraid?” Arthur shook his head, “It does not matter…none of it matters, Balinor . I want…I need to see Merlin…to talk to him.” “Then you can for give my son?” Balinor asked. “No,” Arthur said, “There is nothing to for give. It is I who needs to make amends for what I did, for how I treated him. I need to ask him to for give me.” “Arthur…” Merlin’ s voice came from all around them, and Arthur smiled. “Merlin, thank God,” he let out a breathy laugh, “Merlin, please, I need you to show yourself to me…you have nothing to fear .” Balinor stepped back revealing Merlin standing just behind him, an uneasy smile on his face. Arthur stared at him unable to believe he was really there. Merlin came closer , like his father , there was a bluish glow around him, but he was solid…he was there. He reached out a hand to touch the face of his king, but all Arthur could feel was a warm tingling sensation. His heart sank as he had hoped to be able to touch Merlin. “I am so glad to see you,” Arthur breathed out. “You really came,” Merlin said, “I mean, I hoped, but I wasn’ t sure how you felt about magic after everything.” “I need to feel you,” Arthur choked. It was a struggle to find the words, to get out what he needed to say before Merlin went away again. “I’m afraid that’ s not possible, but I am here, Arthur .” “Merlin, for give me…there is so much I did not know . Things you went through. The loss of your father , Freya, W ill…I am so sorry I was not there for you all those times you needed me. I am sorry I let you be captured and tortured by Mor gana. I am sorry for the hurtful thing I said to you before Camlann, you are not a coward, and you were always the bravest man I ever met. I was stupid and selfish; I should have seen that you were in trouble.” “You had a war looming, I never blamed you for that. If it makes you feel any better , I cheated at dice in the tavern that night when I took all your money ,” Merlin gave him a cheeky grin. “Not the first time is it,” Arthur chuckled. “Gaius told you what happened? Why I had to leave?” “We pieced it together ,” Arthur glanced at Gwaine, “Gaius just confirmed it.” Merlin then looked at Gwaine, “Hello, Gwaine!” “Merlin,” Gwaine smiled through his own tears, “I miss you, my friend. Thank you for bringing me back from the dead.” “Anytime,” Merlin smiled then turned back to Arthur . “I tried so hard to get to you before Mordred could…” Merlin said lowering his gaze, “Kilgharrah warned me long ago when Mordred first came to Camelot…he said I should let him die or kill him myself and I just could not do it. Mor gana…what she became was all my fault.” “None of it was your fault and I am proud of you for not acting on the dragon’ s warnings. Mordred deserved to live…he deserved a chance to choose his own path and he did so. If anything, I pushed him right into Mor gana’ s waiting arms.” Merlin nodded, “Y ou…me…Mor gana…Mordred…our destinies were entwined. Everything happened because I lost sight of my humanity and made choices that I should not have made. If I had reached out to Mor gana and Mordred…if I had told you about my magic sooner… Arthur shook his head, “W e haven’ t much time, Merlin, I do not want to dwell on the past. The magic in the crystal will not last much longer . Gods, I want so badly to hold you in my arms right now , to tell you…” “I know , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled fondly . “No, I need to tell you,” Arthur said with tears sliding down his face, “I love you, Merlin. I love you more than I can ever say . I am sorry I buried my feelings for you. I was scared…” “Arthur ,” Merlin grinned, “I love you too. From the moment we met, I think.” “You called me an ass,” Arthur chuckled through his tears. “And a prat,” Merlin smiled, “But there is no one I would have rather served. I told you, I was born to serve you, Arthur , and I am so damn proud of that. I would not change a single thing.” “Oh, Guinevere is with child,” Arthur said, “I’m going to be a father . She wanted me to thank you for all you did for her as well.” Merlin beamed, “That makes me very happy . Knowing your child will grow up with both parents in a kingdom of peace. Just promise you won’ t name him after me…or her .” “There will always only be one Merlin in my life,” Arthur smiled, tears pooling in his eyes. “You are the other half of my soul and I feel so lost without you by my side. I should have told you long ago what you mean to me, Merlin.” “I think I knew . Sometimes the way you looked at me…I felt it. Even when you were throwing things and calling me names. Arthur chuckled, “Horseplay…” “I didn’ t mind really .” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, what you did…what you lost…your magic and your life. I was meant to die, not you. Do you even know what your sacrifice did to the prophecies? What will happen now? W ill you return one day , as I was meant to?” “Arthur , I did what I had to do to make sure you lived. Y ou are the king; I was but a servant. I would make the same decision all over again. My magic will never be completely gone as it is a part of my soul. As far as the prophecies…I do not know any more now than I did in life, except that you will live on to be the king I always dreamed you would be. And you have Gwen and soon a child. Remember me, live for me, be happy and tell everyone back in Camelot that I am all right. I am at peace.” Arthur brought his hands up trying to feel Merlin there, but he was just ener gy…magic. “I want you back,” he said softly . Merlin’ s eyes glistened as he appeared to be crying, “Arthur , please do not feel sadness or grief any longer . I am and always will be a part of you. Look after Gaius for me, tell him I’m sorry for leaving him. T ell my mother that I love her and that I am with my father . Tell Kilgharrah that I expect him to do all he can to protect you and Camelot in my absence. Merlin stepped closer pressing his forehead to Arthur ’s even though they couldn’ t actually feel each other . “I will make sure that you are remembered by everyone in the kingdom and beyond. I want to honor you the way you should have been in life.” “That is not why I did it, Arthur . I do not need honor or recognition. I just need to know that you are alive and well and happy ,” Merlin said then drew back slightly , “Arthur , Mor gana is with me. All this time she was under a curse placed on her by Mor gause during the year she was missing. It twisted her anger and fear turning her into a monster . She wanted me to tell you she is sorry for everything, though she knows that means little after all she did.” “Mor gana was cursed?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “She is free of it, it released her when she died. She is at peace now , Arthur . Remember Morgana as she was before, kind, beautiful, and full of life. I am going to look after her as I should have done in life.” “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur nodded, “Please, tell her that I understand, that I for give her . That I still love her , I always did.” Merlin smiled, “I will tell her .” Then he looked at Gwaine and smiled, “Y ou will look after this dollop head for me?” “Always, Merlin,” Gwaine nodded, “It was good to see you again.” “You too, old friend,” Merlin said then turned back to Arthur , “I must go now . The magic of the crystal is fading.” “No, not yet,” Arthur said his voice catching in his throat, “Please…” “I have to go, but before I do…I need you to promise me that you will not use the Crystal of Neahtid to try to summon me again.” “No, Kilgharrah made that quite clear ,” Arthur shook his head. “Good,” Merlin smiled, “T ell me you haven’ t replaced me with a bootlicker .” “I can never replace you, Merlin…with a bootlicker or otherwise.” “Time to go, Arthur ,” Merlin said taking a step back, “Goodbye…be well and be happy .” “Merlin…” “Always…” Merlin said as he and his father stepped back vanishing in a bright bluish-white light. Arthur stood where he was for several minutes then collapsed to his knees, bowing his head. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked, “Are you all right?” “No,” he huf fed a laugh, “But I suppose I will have to be.” “Come on, let’ s get you out of here,” Gwaine retrieved the crystal slipping it back into the leather pouch that Arthur had dropped on the ground. He relit the torch and nodded. “W e will get some food and rest then we can head back. W e should be able to reach Camelot before nightfall if we hurry .” Arthur got to his feet and with one last glance at the place where Merlin had stood, he turned and followed his knight out of the cave. He paused for a moment at the entrance when he heard Merlin’ s distant voice. Goodbye, Clotpole. He laughed aloud and Gwaine turned to look at him. “What?” “Nothing…let’ s go home,” Arthur smiled then putting his arm around the other man’ s shoulder , they walked back to their camp. The Circle of Life Six months later… Arthur paced the floor just outside of Gaius’ chambers his hands clasped behind his head, worry etched on his face, and tears pooling in his eyes. He was terrified. He kept seeing over and over in his head, his Guinevere collapsing to the floor in the middle of the feast, clutching her swollen belly , crying out in pain. She had looked up at him as he tried to comfort her after sending for Gaius. Arthur…our baby…something is wr ong… The sheer terror he felt at that moment. His mother had died giving birth to him. W as fate so cruel that it would cause history to repeat itself? W ould he lose his beautiful Guinevere and their baby? No, this cannot happen…not again. He glanced at the closed door again hearing whimpers and cries from his wife. Gaius had forced him to leave, he needed room to work, and Arthur was in the way , but he wanted to be with her . Needed to be with her . He turned and stopped short of punching the stone wall, instead pressing his palms flat against it then bowed his head. “Please…please, do not take them,” his voice came out in a stuttered cry of sheer pain. “Y ou took my mother…you took my father…” He let out a ragged breath then looked up, “Y ou took Merlin from me. Please, I beg of you,” Arthur choked, “Do not take my Guinevere… our child. I will do anything…anything…” “Arthur ,” Hunith said from the doorway , “You should come in now .” “Hunith I can’ t…I can’ t lose them,” he closed his eyes to hold back the tears as she caressed his cheek. “Arthur , come inside,” she nodded the grief in her eyes and her reassuring touch forced him to pull himself together he stepped into the room where Guinevere lay on the bed next to the fire. She reached her hand out for him and he dropped to his knees kissing it and then her forehead. Her hair was wet, and her face twisted in pain. “Arthur…” she gasped. She was so weak that she could barely lift her head. “Guinevere, please don’ t leave me,” he whispered, “I love you…” he looked up at Gaius meeting the old physician’ s gaze. His eyes held the same grief as Hunith’ s. “Gaius, save them, please…you have to save them!” “I’ve done all I can, Arthur ,” Gaius said, “The baby is coming, but I am afraid there is much bleeding inside. The baby is turned the wrong way…a breech. I cannot risk trying to turn the baby with Gwen already bleeding so heavily . To do so would risk both their lives.” Arthur nodded in understanding then looked into Gwen’ s eyes, “I am so sorry .” “Arthur , I don’ t want to leave you,” she cried. “There has to be something…magic…” he lowered his head. “My magic is not powerful enough, Sire,” Gaius said as he sat down on a bench. “If Merlin were here…” “Arthur , I’m afraid this would not even be within his power .” Gwen screamed, her fingers gripping the edges of the bed. She was shaking uncontrollably , and her skin was cold to the touch. Arthur was lost, he did not know what to do, and he was afraid to touch her and cause her more pain. He looked down seeing the blood and he knew…he was losing her . Hunith put her hands on Arthur ’s shoulders, “Arthur , let me take care of her .” He looked up at her and gave a slight nod then got to his feet moving to sit on the steps leading to Merlin’ s old room. Drawing his knees up, he pressed his hands to his face and wept silently . Merlin stood on the shore of A valon a heavy feeling had settled over him. Something was wrong…very wrong. Arthur… He bent down and placed a hand over the water , his eyes flashing gold. He saw Arthur lost and alone as Gwen screamed in pain. He heard Gaius and saw his mother helping to take care of her . “No!” Merlin yelled as he saw the blood and he knew . “No, please!” he screamed into the sky, “Stop this, please…Arthur cannot lose them!” “My child…” a woman wrapped in a soft white glow appeared over the water , “What distresses you so?” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur has lost enough. Do not take his wife and baby . I beg of you, White Goddess. Spare them.” “You insist on challenging the fates yet again for your king?” she asked with a raised eyebrow and a soft smile. “Have you not yet learned your lesson…what happens when you go against destiny?” “Save them, please! I will do anything. Y ou can take back my magic…” “Ah, Merlin, even in this world you continue to sacrifice yourself for King Arthur . He has moved on, as should you. I will not take back your magic.” “I cannot stand by and allow him to suf fer the loss of Gwen and their child. Not when there is something I can do to save them!” Merlin shouted. “What makes you think you can save them?” The Goddess studied him with narrowed eyes then lifted her head slightly and smiled. “V ery well…choose one,” she said bluntly . “What?” he asked, his eyes going wide. “Choose, Merlin, Guinevere, or the child. Choose, or both will die.” “How can I possibly make such a choice?” “You must do so now , my child. The queen or the heir? Which will live?” Merlin dropped to his knees on the shore, tears streaming down his face. He lowered his head focusing on the images in the water . Gwen or the baby , he could not choose…but if he did not, Arthur would lose them both. The kingdom would lose its queen and the heir to the throne…Arthur ’s legacy . “Merlin, you must choose,” the White Goddess said. Looking up at her , his eyes wide and filled with tears, “Arthur will be devastated.” “Yes, he will be, but you can spare him the loss of his wife or his child. I am only of fering you this chance out of love for you, my proudest creation…my gift to the world.” Merlin looked down at the images on the water's surface again then got to his feet. He swiped at his eyes and looked at her . His voice came out rough and deep. “I choose the child. Save their baby , please.” “Very well,” the goddess nodded then she took the tip of her silver staf f and swirled it through the images in the water and her eyes glowed bright white. Merlin stumbled back a step. A moment later she was gone, and he was alone. Arthur sat on the steps holding the tiny bundle in his arms, tears sliding down his face. His son…he had a son. He pressed his lips to the tiny head, a sob escaping his chest. His beautiful Guinevere was gone. How would he ever be able to go on without her? “Arthur , would you like me to take him?” Hunith asked. “No, not yet,” he shook his head. “I want you to know , that I will stay in Camelot and help you all I can,” she said softly . “Thank you, Hunith,” he gave her a sad smile, “He’ s beautiful, isn’ t he.” “Yes, he is,” she said pulling a small stool over so she could sit next to them. “Have you thought of a name?” Arthur nodded, “His name will be Gavin…Gavin Thomas Pendragon.” Hunith smiled, “That is the perfect name. Gavin is a bird…like a Merlin.” “Yes, it is. How do I do this alone?” Arthur asked, “How did you raise Merlin all alone?” “We do whatever it takes to keep them safe and happy , Arthur . That is all we can do.” Arthur glanced over at the bed where a sheet covered the body of his Guinevere. “I failed her…I cannot fail him.” “These things happen, it was not your fault. The fact that Gavin survived is a miracle. I have helped to deliver many babies who were breech and they did not make it.” “Gaius…” Arthur said. “He will return soon. He went to inform the court and to make arrangements…” “I just…I can’ t believe she is gone,” Arthur shook his head. “I know , I am so deeply sorry . She was a wonderful woman and queen.” “Thank you for all you did for her through the last months. She loved you so much.” “And I her , we grew close during the time she lived with me in Ealdor . Arthur , she loved you deeply . She wanted this baby…she wanted you to have a son to carry on the Pendragon legacy . She told me many times that meant everything to her .” “I just never thought I would be raising him on my own.” “You will not be alone, you have so many people who love you, Arthur . You are like a son to me. I could not have gotten through Merlin’ s death without you and Gwen. I will always be here for you and Gavin, I promise.” “Thank you,” Arthur smiled reaching over to grasp her hand, “Having you here helped me too.” “Perhaps you should take Gavin to your chambers and get some rest, Arthur . I have arranged for a cradle to be placed in your room. I will come for you when she is ready , and I will stay with him while you say your goodbyes. I must go to the kitchen to prepare more of the milk for his next feeding.” Arthur stared at the bed and then nodded. “All right,” he said then got up carefully supporting the head of his infant son. He kissed Hunith on the forehead then left the room walking down the corridor . He was glad that he did not meet anyone along the way . It was after midnight. W alking into the chambers he had shared with Guinevere he felt the weight of her loss. Glancing down at the child in his arms he smiled. “I won’ t let you down, Guinevere,” he said softly , “I will raise our son. I will never let him forget his mother . He will be loved and cherished, and I promise he will never doubt his worth.” Merlin smiled through his tears as he watched the scene in the water . “Arthur , I am so sorry ,” he whispered. He turned as he heard a noise behind him. He saw Gwen coming toward the lake, looking as she did when she was a servant, wearing the pink dress she had worn the day he took her to the woods to meet Arthur for their picnic. He shook his head as she looked up and saw him. “Merlin!” she gasped and ran into his waiting arms. “Gwen, I am so sorry ,” he choked, tears running down his face. “Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for .” “I wanted to save you both…but the White Goddess forced me to choose.” “I don’ t understand,” Gwen said softly cupping his cheek. “I asked her to save you and the baby , but she made me choose between you. I chose to save the baby ,” Merlin said his voice breaking. “Oh, Merlin,” Gwen smiled brightly , “Thank you…thank you for saving my child. All I wanted was for my baby to live. That is all a mother can ask for .” “Arthur…” “Arthur will be all right,” she said, “He will be a wonderful father . I have no doubt.” “I was afraid…” Merlin shook his head, “I felt Arthur ’s despair , I just wanted to help.” “And you did, Merlin. Y ou saved my life many times, you saved my father , and now you have saved my beautiful baby . I owe you a debt I can never repay .” She stepped back and looked at him, “Y ou look good, Merlin. I have missed you.” “My magic has been slowly returning.” “So, this is where we go when it is over ,” Gwen said, “Y ou are here to greet me?” “Yes, well…it’ s the gateway ,” Merlin nodded, “I just like it here. It is peaceful.” “Where do I go next?” “Come with me,” he smiled then led her out onto the water . He waved a hand and a doorway appeared. It opened and she looked at him with a fond smile. “You’re coming with me then?” “No, but you won’ t be alone,” he nodded as Elyan and T om appeared in the open doorway . “Father! Elyan!” Gwen beamed then embraced Merlin, “Thank you for being here for me.” “I love you, Gwen,” he said then kissed her tenderly , “Go on, now , your family is waiting.” Gwen stepped through the door , and it vanished. Merlin stood there for a moment then looked up as the White Goddess appeared to him again. “It seems you made the right choice, my child.” “Thank you for your help. What will happen now?” “The child will live, it seems he has his own destiny ,” she smiled. “What do you mean?” “That is not for you to know…not yet,” the goddess said then vanished in a white light. “Great,” Merlin muttered, “Y ou’re worse than Kilgharrah.” Three years later… “Gavin!” Hunith called after the young prince, “Gavin, come here child. Are you trying to give me a fright? T ake pity on this old woman.” “Sorry ,” the little sandy-haired, blue-eyed boy gave her a sheepish grin, “I want to see father .” “A training field is no place for a little one,” Hunith beamed as she scooped him up in her arms. He kicked his legs gently , pressing his hand to her cheek. “Please, Hunith…” Letting out a breath, she shook her head, “Fine, but just for a little while. Then you are going to eat your lunch and take an afternoon nap. Promise?” Gavin nodded, “Promise!” Hunith carried him to the training field where Arthur was working with his new knights. Gwaine and Percival lingered of f to the side drinking from the water bucket, covered in sweat. It was already hot, and it was only late morning. Arthur glanced over , spotting them, and ran over to kiss his son’ s chubby cheek. “Y ou want to watch?” he asked, and Gavin nodded emphatically . “One day you will join us, my boy .” “That is a long time away ,” Hunith chided Arthur with a wink. “Yes, of course,” he chuckled then kissed Gavin again before jogging back to his men. Hunith moved to a bench and sat down putting Gavin on his feet while keeping her arm around him so he would not run out onto the field and get in the way . She watched as Arthur fought three knights at once and as usual, he defeated each of them with strength and stamina. She smiled as she remembered Merlin telling her how he and Arthur met. Her boys…all three of them, she thought as she kissed the top of Gavin’ s head. She lost Merlin, but she loved Arthur and Gavin as her own, feeling as proud of them as any mother would. As Ygraine would. A second group of knights, this time four , surrounded Arthur . She noted that one of them wore leather armor which she thought was odd. Arthur did not seem concerned about it as he began to spar with the four men. Hunith caught a glimpse, a flash of metal that was out of place. Before she could react the man with the leather rushed forward slicing at Arthur ’s throat with a dagger only to hit an invisible force his eyes widening in surprise for a split second before Arthur ran him through with his sword. He turned to look at his son, breathing hard and shaking. Gavin was standing with one arm raised and his eyes shimmering gold. Hunith looked from him to Arthur in shock. Neither of them said anything not wanting to draw attention to the boy. She had suspected for a while now that Gavin had magic…now there could be no doubt. He just saved his father ’s life without uttering a word of a spell. “That’ s enough,” Arthur growled at his men, “Get this rubbish of f the field.” He walked over to Gavin picking him up in his arms. “Gavin, you did that?” The boy nodded. “Couldn’ t let that bad man hurt you,” he said then his face fell, “Am I in trouble?” “No, no, my boy ,” Arthur kissed his forehead, “Y ou’re not in trouble, love.” He looked at Hunith questioningly then they walked back to the castle together . “I guess now we know .” “Yes,” she said, “Are you all right?” “Yes, thanks to my son.” “I was referring to what he did. Are you all right with the magic?” Arthur shook his head, “I am not scared of it, if that is what you’re asking. How did you feel when you realized Merlin had magic at such an early age?” Hunith laughed, “Merlin was much younger when I first saw his magic.” “Really?” Arthur asked. “Yes, the first time his eyes turned gold I was so frightened I nearly dropped him. He was only a week old at the time.” “So, he was literally born with it,” Arthur shook his head, “And now my Gavin has magic. What I do not understand is how . Guinevere did not have magic and I definitely do not have it. I wish Gaius were here, could really use his help.” Gaius had passed on just a year earlier . Hunith had taken over as healer and caretaker for Gavin. Arthur would have been lost without her in their lives since Guinevere died. “Who else can I go to?” “Maybe reach out to the Druids, they may know . Or Kilgharrah…” Arthur nodded, “If anyone would know the answer it would be the dragon.” It had become a regular occurrence for Arthur to go to the clearing and call to him. He would come and they would talk about Merlin and how much they missed him. Kilgharrah had explained the prophecies and his and Merlin’ s parts in them. He still did not know the lasting ef fects of Merlin’ s death. The Gods, or Fates, or whoever had not seen fit to reveal what lay ahead for them all. “I will go to him before nightfall.” “I want to go,” Gavin said, “Please, father .” “All right,” Arthur smiled, “I will take you, but only if you do what Hunith says and eat your lunch and take a nap.” “All right,” he grinned. “I should come along too,” Hunith said, “That way I can bring Gavin home when he gets too tired out. I know you will want to stay longer .” “You’re so good to us,” Arthur smiled then kissed her cheek. “I have to take care of my boys,” she winked then took Gavin from his father , “All right, food then nap, then we will go see the dragon.” Arthur stood there watching his giggling son and the woman who gave up everything to take care of them. He now knew exactly where Merlin inherited his deep compassion and his intelligence. Hunith reminded him so much of her son in the little facial expressions and the way she could look at him and know exactly what he was thinking. Arthur could not have survived the last three years without her support, her steadfast courage, and strength. Having her there was the next best thing to having Merlin himself. “Arthur ,” Leon said as he came toward him, “What happened back there on the training field?” “That new knight…Magne…he attacked me with a dagger . I killed him.” “I’m talking about the magic, Sire,” the taller man said. “Yes, that,” Arthur said as he turned and started walking up the steps. “Arthur?” Letting out a breath, Arthur glanced around and then moved closer to Leon. “It was Gavin.” Leon’ s eyes went wide, “Gavin has magic? How?” “I have no idea, but I need to find out. I will be going to the clearing before sunset with Gavin and Hunith,” he said, “I need to speak with Kilgharrah.” “I should come with you, or Gwaine,” he said. “We will be fine, but thank you, Leon.” “Magne was a traitor . We searched his quarters and found evidence that he was working for someone, but we do not know yet who it was.” “Could be anyone,” Arthur shook his head and continued walking up the stairs to the next floor . He turned the corner and headed for the council chambers. “There are many who are resisting the uniting of the five kingdoms under my rule.” “But the kings and queens have all sworn their allegiance and agreed to the terms.” “True, but there are others who are not so accepting of their decision. Many lords feel entitled to their kingdom’ s wealth and power which will now fall under Camelot’ s control and protection. In doing so it limits their ability to become wealthier of f the backs of the citizens. Keeps them from abusing their titles.” Leon smiled, “If your father could see what you have accomplished, Arthur…” “He would still find fault in it, as he always did. I no longer care about my father ’s approval or acceptance. He was wrong in all his decisions. W rong for his hate and bigotry and the genocide of hundreds…if not thousands of innocent people with and without magic.” “Well, for what it is worth, I am proud of you, Arthur ,” Leon said, “Y ou are a far better man and king than Uther ever was.” “And I owe it all to Merlin,” Arthur said softly , “Without him…Camelot would not be standing, and I would not be king.” “That may be true, but it was you that Merlin fought for , not the kingdom. It was his belief… his love that made him choose to fight by your side.” Arthur nodded and let out a breath, “I still miss him, and I miss my beautiful Guinevere.” “I know you do,” Leon said, “At least you have Gavin.” “Yes, and Gavin has magic,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Should make life interesting.” “To say the least.” “It is good you have Hunith to help. The voice of experience when it comes to magic.” “I am eternally grateful for her . I would be lost without Hunith’ s guidance and support.” “Like her son,” Leon said knowingly , and Arthur smiled. “I must go now , Gwaine is speaking to people trying to find out if anyone knows where Magne came from.” “Keep me informed,” Arthur said and watched as Leon walked down the corridor . He reached the door of the council chambers and went inside to find Percival studying a map. “Arthur ,” he said, “I was just looking over the finished map of the newly united kingdoms. It is amazingly well done and detailed.” “You always did love your maps,” Arthur grinned. “When you have traveled as much as I, maps are interesting.” “I never imagined I would one day be the ruler over all five kingdoms as one.” “After you defeated Mor gana, they felt you were the leader they all needed.” “I did not do it alone,” Arthur shook his head and sat down at the head of the table. “No, but it was you who inspired every man, woman, and child to fight for freedom. It was your love for your people that drove you, unlike some kings who only cared about themselves and no one else.” “It was my knights, my army , my queen, and…” Arthur ’s voice trailed of f. “Merlin,” Percival said. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “If not for him I could have easily turned into one of those kings. He and Guinevere taught me so much about compassion and strength…putting others first no matter what their station. They showed me that a person’ s title or position in life does not determine their worth, as did Gwaine. Lancelot taught me to stand for what I believed in… for what was right and good. Y ou, Percival, showed me that strength and bravery were not enough and that I needed to be open-minded and listen to people. Gaius’ skills as a physician, Leon’ s loyalty , and Elyan’ s determination…all of you have made me the king I am.” Percival smiled, “And none of us would be here if not for Merlin.” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “Y es, you are right. Sometimes I think Gwaine and Lancelot were more loyal to Merlin than to me.” “Gwaine told me some of what you two witnessed in the Crystal Cave,” Percival said as he took a seat to Arthur ’s right. “Merlin should have a statue erected in the square in his honor .” Arthur grinned, “Merlin would hate it. All he did, he did not want rewards or to be celebrated…just to be accepted for who he was…to be free.” “Free to use his magic,” Percival nodded. “Every time I think about the danger he faced every single day he lived in Camelot. All the hangings, beheadings, the pyres in the courtyard…all those people, they could have been him at any given moment and I would have been powerless to stop it while my father lived.” “You would have found a way . You would never have let Merlin die like that.” “No, instead he sacrificed himself for me.” “Merlin did what he had to do to save you and the kingdom.” “His dream of being free…it is not fair that he died never knowing freedom. He lived his entire life in fear of persecution, slavery , and death. He deserved that chance.” “Yes, he did,” Percival nodded, “But you were more important to him than his freedom…his life. He proved that over and over again. Do you think there is a chance that one day he will return?” “I do not know . He didn’ t know either . The prophecies said I would die, and he would live on.” “His magic made him immortal.” “He told me that his magic will never totally be gone because it is a part of him, part of his soul.” “Then perhaps once his magic is at full strength, he will be able to return. He will be immortal again,” Percival said. “I am not sure that is how it works. He no longer has a body anyway; it was burned by Kilgharrah on A valon. Even if he could return, his soul would have nowhere to go.” Percival nodded, “W e all miss him. He was like a brother to all of us.” Arthur ran a hand through his hair , “He was everything to me.” “I know , Arthur . I may not have been here in the beginning, but I saw enough to know that you loved him as much as he loved you. Even if you could not show it.” Clearing his throat awkwardly , Arthur leaned forward pulling the map closer , “Let’ s have a look at this map.” Percival smiled, “Y es, Sire.” “It’s a beautiful evening,” Hunith said inhaling the fresh air as she rode the dark gray mare next to Arthur on his white stallion Apollo with Gavin in front of him. “Yes, it is,” Arthur smiled. Gavin looked up at him and grinned, “Going to see Killy!” Arthur laughed, “Y es, we are. Though I’m not sure you should call him that.” “He likes me,” Gavin said. “Yes, he does. He said you were special. I guess now we know what he meant.” “Like Merlin,” the boy grinned. “Just like Merlin,” Arthur wrapped his arm around Gavin pulling him closer , kissing the top of his beautiful son’ s dark blonde head. “Y our mother would be so proud of you, little one… so brave and smart.” “Like his father ,” Hunith smiled, and Arthur laughed. Reaching their destination, Arthur dismounted and put Gavin down on the ground watching as the boy ran to the center of the clearing, looking up into the sky . He then turned to help Hunith down and tethered the horses to a tree while she went to join Gavin. He looked around, taking in their surroundings. He reached for his sword as a sudden feeling of unease washed over him. Shaking his head, he drew the sword and called to Kilgharrah and waited. “Arthur ,” Hunith turned to look back at him, her eyes wide as she seemed to be sensing something as well. Arthur took two steps toward Gavin. He heard a sound behind him and spun around as a heavy fog came out of nowhere, enveloping them making it impossible to see anything. He heard the sound of men rushing toward them, obscured by the fog, and ran to where he knew that Hunith and Gavin had been standing. They were gone. “Gavin! Hunith!” he yelled, “Where are you?” “Arthur!” he heard Hunith cry out and turned heading toward the sound of her voice. “No, get away from him!” Hunith screamed. “Leave him alone!” “Hunith!” Arthur caught a glimpse of five men dressed in leather and chain mail moving through the fog, wielding swords, and maces. They had not seen him, and he moved silently his heart pounding in his chest as he forced himself to focus. He looked up at the sky hoping to see the dragon and nearly tripped over Hunith who was on the ground a deep gash on her forehead. “Arthur ,” she gasped, tears streaming down her face as she grabbed his tunic, “I tried to stop them…they have Gavin!” “Hunith, take this,” Arthur said handing her the dagger from his boot. “Can you walk?” he asked. “I think so,” she nodded, and he helped her up leading her over to a stand of trees. “Stay here, I have to go after them,” he said, “Which way did they take him?” “That way ,” Hunith motioned to her left, “Arthur…” The sound of heavy wings somewhere above made them both look up and Kilgharrah swooped down letting loose a hot breath that cleared the fog around them then he landed. “Kilgharrah, they have my son!” Arthur said, “I need your help.” The dragon launched into the air once again and circled overhead burning of f the fog until they could see the area. Arthur spotted two men and rushed them killing one. The other he shoved up against a tree the blade of his sword pressing against the man’ s throat. “Where’ s my son?” he roared. “Where you will never find him,” the man grinned, his dark eyes cold. “Tell me now!” Arthur growled his blade drawing blood. “Never!” Arthur stepped back and drove his sword through the man killing him instantly . Looking up he saw Kilgharrah burn a trail taking out three more men. “They are heading east,” Kilgharrah said then headed in that direction with Arthur following on the ground. He ran down an incline and through a ravine stopping as he heard Gavin crying in the distance. “Gavin!” Arthur called out and started running toward the sound of his son’ s voice. He scrambled over a rise and ran through a brook following tracks in the mud. He reached a ridge and looked down spotting a group of twelve men mounting horses one of them struggling to hold on to a squirming and kicking Gavin who was fighting with everything he had. “Gavin! Release him now!” Arthur shouted half running half sliding down the steep slope. “Let me go!” Gavin screamed, then bit the man holding him, on his upper arm. The man roared and slapped him hard and Gavin went limp. “No!” Arthur yelled, jumping over a fallen tree. Kilgharrah swooped down the men scattered firing crossbows at him to no ef fect. “Give me back my son!” he locked swords with three men who rushed him, he fought them of f killing two and wounding the third. When he looked around the man holding Gavin was nowhere in sight and Kilgharrah was laying down a trail of flames through the woods. “Gavin!” Arthur yelled his heart crushed in a vise of panic and desperation as he turned in a complete circle running a hand through his hair. Smoke from the fires and the still lingering fog made it impossible to see anything especially with the sun going down. Kilgharrah landed near Arthur . “I am sorry , Great King,” he said, “I lost sight of them when they split up in the woods. I could have burned everything, but I was afraid I would harm the boy.” “They took him…they took my son,” Arthur said fighting tears. He could not think, his hands were shaking. “Kilgharrah, I need you to go to Camelot and get help, please. I will go back and check on Hunith at the clearing. T ell my men to meet us there as soon as possible.” “I will go,” the dragon said then leaped into the air flying for Camelot. Arthur pulled himself together and somehow made his way back to the clearing. He found Hunith sitting by a fire hugging herself, rocking back and forth with tears streaming down her face. She looked up as Arthur approached her , eyes going wide and full of hope that vanished when she did not see Gavin. “I am so sorry ,” she choked shaking her head, “I tried to hold on to Gavin, but they hit me.” Arthur crouched next to her , cupping her cheek, “It was not your fault. There’ s nothing you could have done. I chased them, I saw him, but they got away…I—I sent Kilgharrah for help. Did you hear or see anything that could help us find him?” Hunith thought for a moment then nodded, “I heard someone mention King Alined.” “Alined? Why would he take Gavin? Those men were not wearing Deorham colors.” “I also heard the name Amren,” she said, and Arthur nodded. “Alined’ s son, Prince Amren…that makes more sense. He is the sole heir to the throne of Deorham and railed against the uniting of the kingdoms under my rule. He was to inherit the throne when Alined dies and was not pleased that his father signed the agreement that essentially gave away his birthright.” “But he will still be king, just under Camelot rule…your rule,” Hunith said. “Yes, but he will not have the power his father had during his reign. I should have known he would retaliate. Dammit.” “He won’ t hurt Gavin, will he?” Hunith asked tears shining in her eyes. Arthur shook his head, “I do not know . The man holding Gavin slapped him to make him stop fighting him. He stopped moving.” “Dear Gods,” she gasped, “Oh, Arthur , I’m so sorry .” “Hunith, stop blaming yourself,” Arthur said, “If anyone is to blame it is me for coming here without protection.” “How did they even know you would be here?” “Obviously , there was someone else other than Magne in Camelot. They must have overheard us talking. The knights will be here soon. W e will get him back.” “What caused that fog?” Hunith asked. “Magic, I have seen it before. Only that time it was Merlin trying to help the Druids.” “They have magic…” “It seems so.” “What are you going to do?” “I’m going to find my son, and God help anyone who gets in my way ,” Arthur said, his eyes fierce and dark. The Calling Merlin felt it, the call of his magic…not from within but coming from the other side. Reaching, pulling, dragging him toward the edge of the lake. He ran through the woods, the sun’s rays filtering down through the branches. W ithout slowing his pace, he dove into the water swimming hard and fast until he saw the bright blinding light beneath the surface. He headed right for it and busted through the center exploding to the surface. His lungs burned his body suddenly felt heavy and awkward. He stumbled from the water collapsing to his knees on the shore digging his long fingers into the sand. Sucking in air , he looked up at the dark sky at the bright stars shining through gaps in a heavy fog that felt unnatural. He tried to stand, but his legs did not want to work. He let out a groan rolling onto his back. He was cold, trembling, and weak…he was alive. Alive and naked. “Ow,” he moaned pressing his hand to his forehead. The magic was even stronger now , calling to him. He inhaled deeply trying to focus. He felt his magic sur ge within him in answer to the call. Whatever it was, it was bad…really bad. He needed to get up and move. Being slammed back into this body , his own body , he would have to figure out later how that was even possible when his body was burned to ash by dragon fire over three years prior . Merlin crawled up the shore and then stood on legs as wobbly as a newborn colt. His eyes flashed bright gold, focusing everything on finding his equilibrium and strengthening this new body . Running a hand through his dark hair he looked around. Please, help me… Hearing the words so clearly startled him. It sounded like a small child. He reached out with his magic, eyes burning gold as he sent his vision out into the woods over hills and through ravines, along a brook searching for the source. He found it in a camp hidden deep in a gully . Surrounded by fifteen men with three campfires, a small child sat huddled in a blanket his hands and feet tied. I hear you, little one. Merlin waited and listened for a response. Who was this child and why did his magic feel so familiar , like a part of his own? Merlin… How do you know my name? My father… Your father…what is your name? Gavin…Prince Gavin Pendragon… Merlin’ s knees nearly gave out again as the realization hit him. Gavin…Arthur and Gwen’ s son and he had magic…Merlin’ s magic. He was in trouble. I’m coming for you, Gavin. Do not give up. Hurry , Merlin… Keep talking to me, little one. I’m her e. Don’ t be scar ed. I want to go home…want my father… I will get you back to him, I pr omise. Merlin ran through the woods until he came to a village where people were settling in for the night. He skirted the edge until he found a house with nearly dry laundry hanging on a rack. He grabbed a worn brown tunic and a dark gray cloak with a hood, and brown trousers. He dressed quickly and then called a pair of boots to him from inside the house whispering a word to make them fit him. He then uttered an apology and a few words of magic to warm their hearth and stack their firewood. It was all he could do for now , he had to get to Gavin. The village didn’ t have any horses, so he focused on Gavin and started to run. He considered calling Kilgharrah, but from what he could tell the area was heavily wooded and the dragon would not be able to land nearby . He wasn’ t even sure if his Dragonlord powers would still work since he died and he had no son to pass them down to. Gavin, ar e you still with me? I’m her e…the man with strange eyes made me want to sleep. Someone with magic… Merlin… It’s all right, you r est. I will be ther e soon. I won’ t let anyone hurt you. Okay… Merlin clambered up a hillside, his eyes shining in the darkness helping him find his way . He was finally feeling at home in his own body again, his long legs strong and sure, his balance and focus returning. He couldn’ t help smiling it felt so good to be alive again and at the moment he wasn’ t about to question such a gift. W as this permanent or would he be forced to return to A valon? Taking every shortcut that he could remember , Merlin finally reached the camp. The men were sleeping except for two positioned at each end of the gully to watch for any sign of trouble. He lifted the hood of the cloak and lowered his head before walking boldly into the center of the camp. The guards jumped up drawing their swords. “Declare yourself,” one of them said. Merlin saw Gavin sleeping up against the tree wrapped in a heavy blanket. He smiled and then turned to the guards. “Forgive my intrusion, I am a Druid, separated from my people,” Merlin said. “Be on your way then,” the taller of the guards growled. “I will, but first, may I warm myself by your fire?” “You may not!” Merlin shook his head and then lowered his hood. The guards rushed him, but he raised one hand and shouted a word. They hit a wall of magic and froze, their eyes wide with fear . Merlin felt movement behind him and turned as their sorcerer threw a spell at him. Almost as soon as the spell was cast the man froze as he recognized Merlin. “I know you! Merlin, isn’ t it…” “Alvarr ,” Merlin smirked. “You…you have magic!” “I was born with it.” “Are you him…are you Emrys?” Merlin shrugged, “Might be.” “What do you want? There is nothing here for you.” “Oh, you see there is. Y ou and your men kidnapped someone very important to me.” Alvarr looked over at the sleeping child. “It is not of my doing. Their orders came from someone in Deorham…from King Alined’ s court.” “Working for a warmonger king who prospers of f the backs of dead soldiers?” Merlin glanced around, “Casting sleeping spells on a frightened little boy . You should be ashamed of yourself.” “You have no right to judge me…you protected the Pendragons,” Alvarr hissed closing the distance between them, “If you are truly the great Emrys why do you care about one young prince?” “Because I was born to serve the Once and Future King and you have taken his son. I cannot allow you to get away with that. I just spent the last three years in A valon, I am stronger now than I ever was before. If you want to live you will walk away and let me take him home to Camelot.” “Even if I do, they will not allow you to do that,” Alvarr smiled smugly nodding to the now wide-awake mercenaries surrounding Merlin. “They will be more than happy to send you back to A valon.” Merlin’ s smile grew , “I’d like to see them try .” Alvarr ’s eyes flashed, and Merlin uttered a word throwing his arms out to the side. Every man in the camp except Alvarr dropped dead where they stood causing the latter ’s face to turn a few shades paler as he realized the truth. “Emrys,” Alvarr said, “Please, do not harm me. W e are the same…” Merlin shook his head, “No, I am nothing like you. T o take an innocent child from his father . Using Mor gana all those years ago the way you did. Corrupting Mordred. I should kill you, but I am going to do something far worse and allow you to live, only without the one thing that makes you the monster you are. Y our magic. “No, please!” Alvarr shouted bringing his arms up. Merlin raised a hand and shouted a spell his eyes turning silver . Alvarr fell to the ground as his magic was ripped from his chest, shot into the air , and scattered like falling stars over the land as he cried and begged. When Merlin finished, he released him. “There now you will know what it is like to be powerless and frightened,” Merlin said coldly , “Get up, run away…now!” Alvarr scrambled to his feet and ran into the woods without another word or even a glance back. Merlin then turned and gathered Gavin up in his arms uttering a spell to wake him. The boy looked so much like Arthur it brought tears to his eyes. He smiled, gently caressing his cheek as his eyes fluttered open. “Merlin?” he asked. “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Are you hurt?” “You really came for me,” Gavin said. “Of course,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou have magic.” “Like you,” the boy said, “My father…told me you were gone.” “I was, but I’m not anymore. What do you say we get you back to him?” “He’ s far away ,” Gavin said his eyes welling up with tears. “We will find him…I found you, didn’ t I?” Merlin grinned, hugging him close and the boy wrapped his arms around his neck. “Hunith tried to stop the bad men from taking me. They hit her ,” Gavin choked, his little body trembling. Merlin’ s eyes widened, “My mother was with you and Arthur?” “She takes care of me,” Gavin nodded, “W e were going to see Killy ‘cause I can do things.” “Killy?” Merlin asked with a grin. The thought of Kilgharrah allowing Gavin to call him that was quite amusing. “W ell, don’ t you worry , my mum is a tough woman. I am certain she is fine.” “She tells me stories about you,” Gavin smiled through his tears. Merlin laughed as he sat the boy down by the fire to warm his hands and check him over for injuries finding only a few cuts and bruises, “I’m sure she does.” He whispered a word and the ropes fell away from his wrists and ankles. “There, you’re free now .” “You’re really not gone anymore?” “I’m here, Gavin. I do not know how , but your magic and mine are the same. It called me home.” “I’m glad…father misses you.” “And I missed him so much.” “Can you stay with us now?” Merlin had no idea whether he would be able to or not. W as this temporary or was he back for good? W as he immortal again? It was obvious that his magic was much stronger than before. “I’m not sure it is up to me, but I want to.” “Please stay…” Gavin said softly . “Come on, let’ s get you back to Arthur .” Gavin wrapped his arms around Merlin as he picked the exhausted boy up resting him on his hip. Reaching out with his magic he felt Arthur and smiled. “He’ s not far , he’s looking for you,” he said, and Gavin buried his face in the crook of Merlin’ s neck. “Sleep little one, you’re safe now .” He smiled and then headed west, his magic guiding them through the woods. Arthur was barely able to focus, stumbling over the rough ground holding onto the reins of his horse. His vision blurred and he had not eaten anything. Once his men had arrived at the clearing, he sent Hunith back with Leon. Gwaine and Percival were fanned out on either side of him. They had been searching in the darkness all night using torches carried by his soldiers to light the way . The magical fog lingered, and Kilgharrah flew overhead searching the countryside, but even he was exhausted, so Arthur sent him away . The dragon had reluctantly left, clearly worried about Gavin. It was so strange to think about a magical creature being such an important part of their lives now . His father would definitely have something to say about that. “Arthur ,” Gwaine said handing him a waterskin and a hunk of dried meat, “Y ou look like you are going to drop any minute. Y ou need to rest and eat, drink some water .” “Cannot rest until I find my son,” Arthur shook his head. “Gwaine’ s right,” Percival said as he approached, “Y ou’re not going to be able to fight if you can’t even stand up.” “He’ s alone and cold…surrounded by strangers,” Arthur said then forced himself to take a drink of water and a bite of the meat, “I can’ t stop.” He handed the waterskin back to Gwaine and started walking forward again. Gwaine and Percival looked at each other both feeling helpless. Their king…their friend was hurting and lost. He would push himself to his limits to get Gavin back. And what if the worst happened? Arthur had already lost Merlin and Gwen…to lose Gavin would kill him. Arthur crouched down looking at a track in the torchlight. The men who took Gavin had split into three groups and they had no idea which of the three had him. For all he knew they could be following the wrong tracks and Gavin could be miles in the opposite direction. “Gavin,” Arthur choked, dropping to his knees, and lowered his head. “What is that?” Gwaine asked and Arthur looked up turning to see where he was looking. The fog seemed to be alive, swirling and dancing through the trees like spirits, ghosts of the dead, silent and eerie. A bluish-white glow illuminated the trees, pushing back the fog. Arthur ’s heart stuttered, that light… He got to his feet as a hooded figure emer ged from the woods, wrapped in a heavy gray cloak. Percival and Gwaine drew their swords, but Arthur waved a hand. “Stand down,” the king said as he walked toward the figure. “My Lord,” Percival said. “They mean us no harm.” “How can you be so sure?” Gwaine asked. “Call it a funny feeling,” Arthur said then sheathed his own sword. He watched as the figure stopped walking. He drew back his cloak revealing a sleepy but very much alive Gavin. “Oh, my God, Gavin!” The figure put Gavin down on the ground as Arthur dropped to his knees. “Father!” Gavin yelled and ran toward him. “Thank the Gods,” Arthur dropped to his knees gathering him into his embrace holding him kissing his cheek and forehead, stroking his hair checking him over for injuries. “My boy ,” he said, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Don’ t cry, father ,” Gavin said, hugging his neck. “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said holding him tightly . He looked up at the hooded figure who was still standing a few yards away . “Thank you, whoever you are…for bringing my boy back. How will I ever repay you? Y ou shall receive a reward, anything you want…name it…land, gold, anything.” “I’d settle for my old job back,” the figure said then slowly lowered his hood. “Holy…” Gwaine said, his mouth dropping open in shock. Arthur stared at the man before him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Merlin?” Merlin gave him a wide grin, “Hello, Arthur…” “Merlin…you’re alive!” Arthur scrambled to his feet bringing Gavin with him. “My God, you’re back! How?” he asked shaking his head as he closed the distance between them. “I’m not exactly sure, but it was Gavin. His magic…I do not know how , but it is part of my own. It…he called to me, brought me back and I was able to find him. The men who took him are all dead except Alvarr . I let him live, but without his magic. Personal experience taught me that is a fate worse than death.” Arthur shook his head, “As glad as I am to hear that, right now I just want to look at you.” Merlin chuckled, “Are you saying you’re glad to see me?” “Gods, yes,” Arthur grinned, “W elcome home, Merlin.” He put his arm around Merlin’ s neck and kissed his temple as they walked back toward Gwaine and Percival who were grinning from ear to ear . “Boys, we have Gavin, and we have Merlin back.” “Merlin!” Gwaine said and he stepped forward embracing him tightly , cupping the back of his head, “It is so damn good to see you, my friend.” “You too, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned then turned to Percival who wrapped him in a bear hug that made it dif ficult to breathe. “Merlin, we missed you,” he said as he drew back finally releasing him. “It is good to have you back, brother .” “It’s good to be back.” Arthur looked at Gavin smiling and kissed his cheek. “Set up camp for the night,” he told the men and they hurried to do as he ordered. Merlin reached out to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “He looks like you,” he grinned. “I know , poor child,” Arthur smirked. “Are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am now , thanks to you. I will never be able to repay all you have done for me, Merlin.” “Then it’ s a good thing you don’ t have to.” “I’m hungry ,” Gavin said tucking his face into Arthur ’s neck. “Then let’ s get you something to eat.” Arthur tucked Gavin into his bedroll wrapping him up warmly and kissing the top of his head. Merlin sat by the fire watching with a crooked grin. “What?” Arthur asked. “Nothing, just you’re pretty good at that.” Arthur sat down next to Merlin, “Y es, well, considering who my father was it is a miracle.” “You were always better than your father ,” Merlin said. Arthur looked at him intently and shook his head, “I can’ t believe you’re here.” “Neither can I. One minute I was in A valon the next I was back…naked on the shore and completely disoriented and weak. I don’ t know how I am even me…my body .” “How do you feel now?” Arthur asked. Merlin smiled, “Happy .” “What was it like…A valon?” “Beautiful, peaceful, surreal…lonely…” Merlin frowned. “You were all alone?” “I chose to be,” he said. “Why would you?” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin…” “I guess I just felt like I didn’ t belong in the next world any more than I belonged in this one.” “Merlin, that’ s not true…” Merlin looked into Arthur ’s eyes and smiled, “It really is. Y ou saw the truth in the Crystal Cave. Y ou know what I have done…the people I hurt and killed. I am sorry for lying to you all those years. I wanted to tell you so much. Y ou were the one person I wanted to see me for who I truly was and to accept me fully .” “I see you now , and I do accept you. Gods, Merlin, I am so damn happy to have you back,” Arthur smiled. “And you brought my son back to me.” “Did you really kiss me?” Merlin asked with a raised eyebrow , “Percival told me that after I died you kissed me.” Arthur blushed and nodded, “I did.” “Sorry I missed it,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. “Really?” “Only time I ever got a real hug from you was when I was under Mor gana’ s control and cannot even remember it. Then you wait until I am dead to kiss me,” he grinned. “I never knew you wanted…” “Yes, well, you were always a bit thick,” Merlin chuckled. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “It’s all right, I always knew you loved Gwen, and she loved you. All that mattered to me was that you were happy and safe and that you would be the king that Camelot needed.” “Yes, but you needed me too and I wasn’ t there for you.” Merlin shook his head slowly , “It doesn’ t matter now .” “It really does,” Arthur said, “Everything you did for me…it was not out of duty or for some prophecy , it was out of love. Y ou sacrificed yourself for me.” “And I would do it all over again.” “I know you would and before you go and do something so foolish again, I want you to know that I love you…I love you, Merlin.” Merlin’ s head shot up as he met Arthur ’s gaze. His lips parted wordlessly , and Arthur laughed. “Speechless, are you?” he asked. “Arthur…” “I should have told you before, but I was an idiot and scared. I meant what I said in the Crystal Cave. Y ou are the other half of my soul; you always were, and you always will be.” Merlin smiled, “T wo sides of the same coin…” Arthur reached up placing his hand on Merlin’ s face, his thumb brushing lightly over his cheekbone. “It’s time I do this properly ,” he said then leaned forward pressing his lips to Merlin’ s in a tender searching kiss. Merlin kissed him back a tear slipping from his eye. Arthur drew back brushing it away with his thumb. “Are you okay?” he asked, and Merlin nodded. “Just never thought…” he said with a hitch in his voice as he averted his gaze looking over at the others around another fire. “Arthur , I don’ t know if this is permanent…if I can even stay.” Arthur nodded, “Then I do not want to waste a single moment with you. Merlin, I want you to return with us to Camelot. Y ou can do or have anything you want. Y ou can take over as physician. Y our mother has been doing both Gaius’ job and taking care of Gavin. I would have been lost without her these last three years.” “Gaius,” Merlin said softly his eyes filled with sadness. “You did know…” “Yeah, I saw him when he passed over into A valon. He tried to talk me into going through with him, but I stayed where I was.” “Losing you, Gwen, and Gaius…it was a rough few years. And Geof frey too.” “Geof frey died?” Merlin asked. “Yes, shortly after Gaius. I still have not replaced him either .” “Arthur , I want to stay with you and Gavin,” Merlin said, “As long as I am able.” “You said Gavin’ s magic is like yours?” “It is.” “Makes sense,” Arthur nodded, “Gwen was already pregnant when you did what you did to destroy Mor gana. Y our magic was released. It healed me and Kilgharrah and brought Gwaine back from the dead. It is possible that it somehow reached Gwen and our unborn child.” “I did not know it would do that. I just knew that the spell was my only chance of saving you.” “You said Mor gana was with you?” “She was, she passed over into A valon as well. It took her a long time to come to terms with everything that happened. She was certain that she belonged in hell, but I told her that it was not her fault, that it was Mor gause. W e forgave each other and she moved on…she is with Mordred now .” Arthur nodded, “Mordred, he didn’ t deserve his fate either .” Merlin lowered his head, “If I had followed my heart and helped him and Mor gana…” “Merlin, enough now , what’ s done is done. I do not want to waste any more time dwelling on the past. I have my son, I have you and I am high king over all of Albion. All five kingdoms united under one rule, peace and prosperity , and freedom. None of it would be possible without you.” “All I did was keep your arse alive,” Merlin grinned. “You really want your old job back?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yes, unless you already have a servant of course.” Arthur shook his head, “No, I haven’ t had a servant since you died. Other than the basic duties. Y ou always said I needed to learn to do things for myself. So, I did.” “Amazing,” Merlin laughed, “Y ou dress yourself and everything?” “I even do my own laundry .” “Oh, now I know you are lying,” Merlin chuckled. “Ok, I send my laundry out to be done,” Arthur shrugged, “But I get myself up in the morning. Of course, my speeches are not as good as the ones you wrote for me.” “If you no longer have need of a manservant perhaps, I could take over Gaius and Geof frey’ s jobs and begin to rebuild the collection of magic books now that you have lifted the ban.” “That would be good,” Arthur nodded, “Perhaps you could write your own books to hopefully begin to undo the damage my father did. So, people will understand that magic is not evil.” Merlin looked at his king with tears in his eyes, “I used to dream of the day that you would see the good in magic…to be free to use the gifts I was born with.” “You are free now , Merlin. I will give you anything you want, just ask.” “Right now , I think you should get some sleep,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou’re exhausted.” “I am, I guess I’m just afraid I’ll fall asleep and wake up and you will be gone.” “Sleep, Arthur , I promise I will be here when you wake.” “You should rest too.” “I have been resting for more than three years. I am enjoying the feeling of being alive again. I think I will go join the others for some food.” “You’ll come back,” Arthur said. “I will,” Merlin smiled and then started to get to his feet, but Arthur took hold of his wrist. “Merlin…I just want to do things right this time. I don’ t want to deny my feelings anymore. But I will not do anything unless it is what you want too. The last thing I want to do is hurt you again.” “Arthur , I want to be with you. It is all I have ever wanted.” Arthur drew him close and kissed Merlin again, “Good because now that I’ve kissed you…I don’t think I can stop.” “Mmm, I wholeheartedly consent,” Merlin grinned then kissed him back. “Now get some sleep, Sire. Physician’ s orders.” Arthur laughed and then laid down on his bedroll next to Gavin. Merlin waved a hand and covered him with a blanket. His eyes flashed and the fire grew warmer . He then got up and walked over to where Gwaine and Percival were sitting around the fire pretending they had not been watching them the entire time. “May I join you?” Merlin asked and Gwaine grinned. “Merlin, damn it is good to see you,” he said pulling him down to sit on the log next to him, “Are you all right?” “I’m good I think,” Merlin nodded, “Still trying to get my bearings. Nothing like having your soul yanked out of A valon and slammed back into a somehow reformed body to leave you feeling a bit disoriented and overwhelmed.” “I cannot even imagine…” Percival said shaking his head. “Is there any food left?” Merlin asked. “Lots…here you go,” Gwaine said and handed Merlin a plate of stew and some bread, “It is not as good as yours. I missed your cooking.” “How’ s Arthur?” Percival asked. “Exhausted, but relieved to have his son,” Merlin said. “How on earth did you find him?” Gwaine asked. “He called to me, his magic…Arthur thinks that what I did, my magic being released somehow it found its way to Gavin while Gwen was pregnant.” “That’ s possible,” Gwaine nodded, “It brought me back from the dead. Who knows what else it did? Thank you, by the way .” “You’re welcome,” Merlin grinned. “You and Arthur…” Percival said raising an eyebrow . “We’ll see…I am not even sure that this is permanent.” “Avalon is not getting you back without a fight,” Gwaine said his voice rough, “Not losing you again. Even if I have to of fer myself up to appease the Goddess.” “I’ll never let you do that for me. Gwaine, you should know , I met your father ,” Merlin smiled, “He said he is very proud of you.” “My father?” Gwaine asked, tears filling his eyes, “He knows…” Merlin nodded, “I told him all about you. I used my magic to let him see you.” “Thank you, Merlin, that means a lot.” “Apparently , he and my father knew each other when they were young boys.” “Really?” Gwaine asked, “Guess that explains why you and I got on so well from the moment we met. I felt a connection to you.” “Being in A valon many things became so clear ,” Merlin said. “What do you mean?” Percival asked. Merlin glanced over at Arthur , “I met Arthur ’s mother .” “What was she like?” Gwaine asked. “Beautiful, sweet, loving, she had me tell her everything about Arthur and she told me the truth about Uther and what he did. She was happy and relieved to know that he was safe and happy .” “Did you tell Arthur?” Percival asked. “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “I will though. He is exhausted, I want him to rest. I am going to take over Gaius’ position as physician and Geof frey’ s position as librarian.” “Arthur never even bothered to replace you,” Gwaine said, “No one measured up. Though I think it had more to do with grief and loneliness than anything else. He really struggled after losing you, Merlin. It changed him. Then he lost Gwen and if it had not been for Gavin…” “I did not think my death would af fect him like that. What is the life of a servant compared to that of a king? W e were friends but I thought he would be all right in time.” Percival and Gwaine looked at each other knowingly . “Merlin, anyone who spent any time at all around you and Arthur knew that there was some deeper bond. Y ou were far more to him than a servant or even friend,” Percival said. “Arthur told me things after your death,” Gwaine said, “Things I will not repeat because it is not my place to do so. Merlin, you have this second chance you need to talk to him…really talk. Get him to tell you himself. And by the Gods, do not let anything or anyone come between you again.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “I just wish I knew what all of this means. If I am back permanently or if I was released from A valon just to help Gavin.” “There is someone who might be able to tell you,” Gwaine said then looked up to the sky . “If my Dragonlord gift still works. When my father died it passed to me. When I died, I had no son for it to go to.” “Only one way to find out,” Percival smiled. “If not, then Arthur can call him,” Gwaine said. “Arthur?” Merlin asked eyebrows lifting. “Through his sword, he can call Kilgharrah,” Percival nodded. “Yeah, he and old Killy have a bond and Gavin just loves the giant lizard. Kilgharrah helped in the search until he was ready to drop from the sky . Arthur sent him away to rest. The dragon missed you too, Merlin,” Gwaine said. “I will call him in the morning, before we leave for Camelot,” Merlin said, “I should also check on Aithusa. God knows where she is now , what happened to her after Camlann.” “Aithusa?” Percival asked. “The white dragon…the egg I rescued from the T omb of Ashkanar and hatched,” Merlin grinned. “So that’ s where Mor gana got the dragon,” the lar ger man said. “Yes, I was so focused on protecting Arthur that I abandoned her and Mor gana…” Merlin said, his voice trailing of f and he let out a rough breath. “I made so many mistakes.” “And you did so much good as well, Merlin. Always remember that,” Gwaine embraced him then drew back, patting his cheek. “This is a new beginning, my friend. Let go of the past and live now or you will miss out on so much. When you brought me back from the dead, I was so damn grateful for a fresh start. A chance to do better , and I think I have.” Percival nodded then chuckled, “Still drinks too much though.” “That doesn’ t surprise me,” Merlin laughed. “We can’ t all be perfect,” Gwaine laughed heartily then he looked into Merlin’ s eyes, his mirth fading, “It is really good to have you back, Merlin. How do you feel…I mean do you feel like you?” Merlin shook his head, “It is hard to explain. I mean, this body is mine, but all the scars are gone. Is it strange that I miss them?” “Not strange at all,” Percival said, “Y ou earned every one of them. They told your story .” “I don’ t even know if I am still immortal. My magic is more powerful.” “Well, I think it is safe to say you are still human,” Gwaine said, “Y ou can still be hurt, Merlin. So, maybe this time, you will be a little more careful and not take so many risks.” Merlin smiled, “Let’ s hope I won’ t have reason to this time around.” “What do you think Arthur will do to Alined…his son?” Percival asked. “Unless we can find absolute proof that they were involved in Gavin’ s kidnapping there is little he can do. He cannot accuse them without it, or we will have a war on our hands,” Gwaine said. “I let Alvarr go, he might have provided proof,” Merlin frowned. “Not likely ,” Percival shook his head, “The traitor Magne, he is our only link and he’ s dead.” “There has to be someone else, someone who knew Arthur planned to visit Kilgharrah and that Gavin would be with him,” Gwaine said. “Then we need to find out who it was,” Merlin said. “Tomorrow…right now , we need sleep,” Percival smiled then reached out to squeeze Merlin’ s shoulder . “W elcome home, Merlin.” He got up and moved over to his bedroll flopped down on it and let out a sigh closing his eyes. “You should sleep too, Gwaine,” Merlin said. “Aren’ t you tired? “A little, I guess.” “Are you sure you’re okay?” “Yeah, it’ s just a lot…” “Here’ s a bedroll for you, go get some rest. W e have a long ride back to Camelot tomorrow and you are going to cause quite a stir when we get there.” “The people probably won’ t even remember me,” Merlin said accepting the spare bedroll. “Wait and see,” Gwaine winked then laid down on his own bedroll, “Good night, Merlin.” “Good night, Gwaine,” Merlin hesitated for a moment then got up walking back over to where Arthur and Gavin were sleeping. He laid out his bedroll then sat down by the fire and added more wood. He glanced over at Arthur and smiled as he saw Gavin curled up in his father ’s arms, both sleeping soundly . With a whispered word he adjusted the blanket over them, and Arthur stirred, his eyes fluttering open. “Gavin,” he whispered reassuring himself that his son was still there. He then looked at Merlin with a smile, “Merlin…” “Go back to sleep, Arthur . I am not going anywhere,” Merlin grinned. “Sorry , I didn’ t mean to wake you.” “Are you all right?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Y ou all keep asking me that. I’m good…really .” “Come here, Merlin,” Arthur said rolling onto his back, holding his hand out. “Arthur?” “Come here, please,” Arthur reached over and pulled Merlin’ s bedroll closer , “Lay down.” “Yes, Y our Majesty ,” Merlin grinned and sat down taking of f his boots and cloak then Arthur tugged his sleeve sliding an arm around his shoulder and drawing him close, covering him with part of the blanket. “Just let me hold you,” Arthur said softly . Merlin did not ar gue he let out a breath and shifted onto his side resting his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . He smiled and Arthur ran his fingers through his hair . “There, much better .” “You sure this is a good idea,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, Merlin. Now go to sleep.” Merlin closed his eyes, listening to the beating of Arthur ’s heart. He felt the warmth of his breath and wondered for a moment if they could really be like this from now on. Could they really be together the way he always wanted, but never thought possible? “You’re thinking, Merlin,” Arthur said sleepily . “Sorry…” “Everything will be all right.” “If you say so, Sire.” “I do and I’m the king, so I am always right.” Merlin lifted his head to look into Arthur ’s eyes. “Are you ever going to change?” “No, you’d get bored,” Arthur grinned drawing Merlin’ s head back down, “Sleep.” Homecoming Arthur woke up to Gavin patting his cheek. “Father , wake up.” “I’m awake,” Arthur said looking around his heart jumped as he realized Merlin was not there. His boots and cloak were gone. W as he gone? “Merlin!” “Merlin is going to call Killy ,” Gavin smiled. Arthur sat up, slipped on his boots, grabbed his jacket, and got to his feet. He scooped up Gavin and carried him through their camp. Merlin was standing in a clearing with his cloak on, the hood down. His dark hair sticking up. “Merlin?” Arthur asked. Merlin turned to look at him, eyes shining with tears, and shook his head, “What if it doesn’ t work? What if I have lost that part of me…the only thing I had of my father?” “You won’ t know until you try , Merlin,” Arthur shook his head shifting Gavin’ s weight onto his hip. “Go ahead.” Merlin nodded wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his cloak and took a deep breath. “Here goes,” he said, then tilting his head back he focused and let out a roar followed by the ancient words he knew so well. His magic sur ged carrying the call higher and further over the land. “It worked…at least I think it did,” he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him in awe. “Merlin, that was incredible,” the king said. “Can I do that?” Gavin asked with a giggle. “Afraid not, little one,” Merlin grinned. It was several minutes before they heard the familiar sound of leathery wings in the air . Kilgharrah circled and then landed with a thud, bowing his head to Merlin. “Young W arlock, you have returned,” the dragon said his eyes bright. “Hello, old friend,” Merlin said, “I was not sure you would hear me. If I had lost my Dragonlord gift when I died.” “Your Dragonlord power is yours, Merlin, a part of your soul,” Kilgharrah said with a toothy smile, “I missed you.” “I missed you too,” Merlin said, “I need to know if this is permanent. W ill I live now , or must I return to A valon?” “You will live, Merlin, you are once again needed in this world. Not only to protect Arthur but to help Gavin learn to use and control his magic.” “His magic…did it come from Merlin, because of what he did that day?” “Yes, King Arthur ,” the dragon said, “When Merlin’ s magic was released, it absorbed and transformed Mor gana’ s eclipsing her darkness, purifying her in a way , as she died. It healed you and I and as you know brought Sir Gwaine back from the dead. Gavin is a special child, for not only is he the son of the Once and Future King, who himself was born of magic, but he is the balance. For when Merlin died the world needed him to be that balance. T o keep magic alive in the world until such time that Merlin would return to guide him.” “Is that what happened during the Great Pur ge?” Arthur asked. “Yes, it resulted in rampant magic with no balance. That balance was Merlin. Born into the world to both contain and sustain the magic. He was born with magic as you were born of magic, two sides of the same coin.” “Balance,” Merlin said looking at Arthur intently . Kilgharrah nodded, “Y ou may have defied the prophecies, Y oung W arlock, but prophecy always finds a way in the end. Y ou altered the path, and they merely found a new route to the same destination.” Arthur smiled, “Then Merlin can stay…he’ s home for good?” “He is,” Kilgharrah nodded. “And my immortality?” Merlin asked. “That part of the prophecy no longer exists because Arthur did not die, and you have returned. So, that I cannot answer .” “Who can?” Arthur asked. “Perhaps you can summon the Goddess herself for answers,” Kilgharrah said. “Maybe one day , right now I am just glad to be alive and back with the people I love.” “Killy ,” Gavin giggled, and Arthur placed him on the ground. Kilgharrah chuckled and lowered his head. “I am so relieved to see you are safe, little prince.” “Thank you for all you did, Kilgharrah,” Arthur said, “I owe you a great debt.” “It is I who owed you a debt for the crimes I committed against Camelot long ago. I was blinded by rage and sought revenge against your father . I should never have attacked the innocent.” Arthur nodded, “Y ou helped the kingdom as well, Kilgharrah. And I cannot honestly say that, if I had been kept prisoner in that cavern for twenty years, I would not have done the same.” “Kilgharrah, do you know where Aithusa is? Is she alive?” Merlin asked. “She is alive, your magic healed her as well. She is no longer deformed and crippled and lives in the White Mountains.” “Does—does she hate me?” “No, Y oung W arlock, she could never hate you. Y ou brought her into the world…called her from her egg. Y ou are her Dragonlord.” “And I abandoned her ,” Merlin said his voice edged with regret and sadness. “Aithusa understands. I am certain if you call for her , she will come to you.” “Perhaps I will go to her one day ,” Merlin smiled. “I am certain she would be pleased to see you. For now , you need to focus on settling back into your life here in Camelot. Much has changed since you died. Y ou are needed.” “Thank you, Kilgharrah for everything,” Arthur nodded. “You are most welcome, Great King,” the dragon bowed, “I must go now . It is so good to have you back Merlin. Enjoy this life.” “I will,” Merlin smiled, and they watched as he launched into the air and circled overhead a few times before flying away . Then he turned to Arthur and laughed, “I think that is the first time I ever heard him give a straight answer . All I ever got before were riddles.” Arthur nodded, “W e spoke a lot after you died. He told me how much he regretted some of the decisions he made. That he should have told you everything from the beginning.” “I’m not certain it would have made a dif ference,” Merlin shook his head. “Are you ready to go home?” Arthur asked?” “Gods, yes,” Merlin grinned. “Pack up, men, let’ s get back to Camelot,” Arthur ordered. They rode into the square a few hours later and Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he saw his home for the first time in over three years. Arthur smiled as he watched him take it all in. The city and the lower town had expanded a great deal in the time he was gone. Much lar ger and nicer houses had replaced tiny hovels and huts. Gwen’ s house had been expanded and fixed up for Hunith because she felt more comfortable there than in the palace. Though she did have a room in Gavin’ s chambers. The people came out of their houses to greet their king and the young prince as they returned. They had all been devastated to hear that Gavin had been taken, they were relieved, and overjoyed to have him back home. But it was Merlin who created the most jubilation. Arthur grinned as the people began to notice him and started calling out his name. Merlin! Merlin has r eturned! Merlin! He is back! Merlin is home! “I don’ t understand…I didn’ t expect…” Merlin shook his head and looked at Arthur . “I promised to honor you and your sacrifices for me and for Camelot.” “You did,” Merlin’ s eyes narrowed, and his eyebrows raised, “What did you do?” “Well, it started with the celebration outside the walls after you died, people came from all around including royalty . Annis and Mithian and so many others who wanted to remember you and to honor your sacrifice and to say their goodbyes to a young man they had always known was special. I got to hear endless stories of people you had helped…people you had saved. It turned into a yearly celebration growing lar ger every time. Druids came here to tell the stories of the great Emrys,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou believed people would have for gotten about you, but Merlin, you touched far too many lives for that to happen. Y our people love you.” “My people,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Your people, Merlin. They have held out hope for your return and now here you are,” Arthur grinned. “But I don’ t deserve…” “Yes, you do.” Riding up to the steps they dismounted. Merlin was immediately swarmed by people. Hunith came down the steps with Leon and they both froze seeing who was at the center of the commotion. “Merlin!” Hunith cried out and ran down the steps the crowd parted to let her through, “My God, Merlin! Y ou’re home!” she choked back tears as she threw her arms around his neck holding him so tight. Merlin had tears in his eyes rocking her gently . “Mother ,” he said, his voice breaking. “My beautiful boy ,” Hunith gasped cupping his cheek, “Y ou’re really here.” “I am, mother , I love you,” Merlin grinned then hugged her tighter . Arthur climbed the steps with Gavin in his arms and looked around at all the people. He smiled and called out over the crowd, “Please, give Merlin some time to adjust and to spend with his mother . I promise in the coming days we will have a celebration. Spread the word and join us in welcoming home Camelot’ s most beloved servant, friend, and warlock…as it was he who rescued Prince Gavin and returned him to me.” The people cheered and chanted Merlin’ s name as they patted his back and shoulder and slowly moved away leaving him standing with his mother his eyes wide and his mouth open in stunned silence uncertain what to say . “Merlin,” Arthur said then motioned for him and Hunith to follow . Leon met Merlin halfway up the steps, “Merlin…” “Sir Leon,” Merlin smiled. “It’s really you,” the knight said shaking his head then with a wide grin he embraced Merlin cupping the back of his head. “Thank the Gods, you were missed around here, brother .” “I wasn’ t expecting this reception,” Merlin chuckled, and Leon smiled. “Best prepare yourself then because there is more to come.” “He’ s right, Merlin,” Hunith beamed. “I guess I’m just not used to everyone knowing who I really am…what I’ve done.” Gwaine and Percival came up the steps behind them. Gwaine put an arm around Merlin, “And you said people wouldn’ t remember you.” “Come along,” Hunith said taking Gavin from Arthur , “Let’ s get you boys fed and this little one needs a bath and sleep.” “Thank you, Hunith,” Arthur said then kissed Gavin’ s head. “I need to go with Arthur first,” Merlin said. “Very well, it is so good to have you back.” “I love you, mother .” Arthur headed up the steps and Merlin followed him. He glanced back at Merlin and grinned. “What?” Merlin asked. “Nothing, just so damn happy ,” Arthur said then he grabbed the sleeve of Merlin’ s cloak and pulled him into the empty council chambers, and shut the door . “I know it is a lot and you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Merlin, I want…” Merlin silenced him with a deep kiss, his hands tugging Arthur closer . “Overwhelm me, please,” he said huskily , and Arthur deepened the kiss. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur whispered against his lips. “You really want me,” Merlin said. “Yes…” Arthur moaned kissing him deeper and harder his hand sliding around to the back of Merlin’ s neck holding him there as he backed him up against the door . “Always, Merlin…” “Ah, Arthur ,” Merlin gasped tipping his head back and Arthur chuckled. “Sorry , I got a bit carried away .” “No, I started it,” he grinned. Arthur looked into his eyes, “Merlin, did you ever…were you ever with anyone?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “When did I have time? Besides, there was always only you, and if I couldn’ t have you then I didn’ t want anyone. I loved Freya, but that was doomed from the start.” “I’m so sorry ,” Arthur said pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. Merlin smiled, “Don’ t be.” “I am going to do everything in my power to make it up to you, Merlin. I promise you.” “I understand if you don’ t want to be together in public.” Arthur shook his head, “Merlin, I want everyone to know what you mean to me. What you have always meant to me. I wish I had known how you felt about me.” “It wouldn’ t have mattered,” Merlin said. “I do know one thing,” Arthur said, “If I had known how you felt about me, I am not sure I could have resisted. I was always so afraid…scared that if I had approached you, you would give yourself to me out of duty only and nothing more. I could not bear to use you in such a way.” “Arthur , I am yours, I have always been yours,” Merlin grinned kissing him tenderly . “And I am yours, Merlin.” A knock on the door startled them and they laughed. Merlin stepped aside and Arthur opened the door and the room filled with the people of the court ready for their king to inform them of the events of the past couple of days. Arthur moved to the front of the room and told everyone what happened. “We should retaliate against King Alined,” one of the lords spoke up. “I have reason to believe that it was not King Alined, but his son, Prince Amren who orchestrated the kidnapping. He is bitter and angry that I now have dominion over the kingdom he is due to inherit once Alined is gone,” Arthur said. “As he sees it, his father signed away his birthright to me. In taking Gavin, I believe he wanted to force my hand and start a war . I will not give him the war he wants. I will send a messenger to Deorham to inform the king what his son has done and let him decide what shall be done. My son is safe thanks to Merlin,” Arthur smiled meeting Merlin’ s gaze then motioned for him to join him. Merlin held his head high as he moved to stand next to his king causing gasps and muttering from the court. “As you can see, Merlin has returned. He rescued Gavin and returned him to me. Y et again proving his love and loyalty to Camelot. There will be many changes in the upcoming days. You should all be aware that my relationship with Merlin has also changed. I love him deeply and he loves me.” The gasps of surprise and some of disgust came from the court and Arthur looked at them intently . “If any of you have a problem with that, I will be more than happy to relieve you of your position in this court.” “Your majesty , you married a servant, but this…Merlin is…” a man spoke up his voice trembling. “Merlin is what?” Arthur asked his eyes narrowing. “Merlin’ s a sorcerer and, Sire, he’ s a man…” “Thank you for pointing that out, Lord Bishop, I was not aware,” Arthur glared at him, and the others smiled awkwardly . Merlin had to stifle a laugh. “Merlin is also the other half of my soul. He has given everything for me and Camelot. From now on you will show him the same respect as you show me. I am your king. Do not for get that and do not question me again. I have hidden my feelings for Merlin out of duty for far too long. I love him and we are going to be together .” “Yes, My Lord,” Lord Bishop bowed, “I apologize, please for give me.” “Good,” Arthur grinned, “If that is all you are dismissed.” After they all left Merlin turned to Arthur and lost it. He laughed so hard, and Arthur joined in. “The look on his face,” Merlin chuckled nearly doubling over in laughter , “Like he was sucking on a pickled egg.” Arthur pulled Merlin close and kissed him, “It is good to hear you laugh like that again. I missed it. I missed seeing your smile.” “But Y our Majesty , I am a man,” Merlin deadpanned then busted up laughing again. “A very beautiful and intoxicating man,” Arthur said cupping his cheek. “Can I ask you something?” “Yes…anything.” “I cannot help but feel like us being together is disrespectful to Gwen. I feel like I am betraying her . Are you sure?” “Merlin, Guinevere knew…I told her . After you died, I told her what you meant to me. She already knew . I think she would be happy for us. I think she would want us to be together .” “You told her , and she wasn’ t upset?” “Not at all. She understood because a part of her would always love Lancelot the way part of me would always love you. She loved you too, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, tears in his eyes, “I am glad…I would never want. And Gavin…” “Gavin loved you even before he met you. I told him everything about you and our adventures together .” Merlin smiled, “Y ou did.” “Yes, I am required to tell him one of our stories before bed every night before he goes to sleep.” “Maybe I could tell him a story sometime.” “I guarantee he will be demanding just that.” “Can we really do this? Be together…be a family?” “Is that what you want?” Arthur asked softly and Merlin nodded. “More than anything.” “Then that is what you shall have.” “Um, I should see about sorting out the physician’ s chambers and my old room. And if you still want me to take over Geof frey’ s duties as well…the library probably needs cleaning and organizing. Then there is the secret room…” “Secret room?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yeah, the room where I found and released the Goblin.” “Ah yes, I remember that all too well.” “There are magic books in there that need to be collected and cataloged.” Arthur smiled and placed a hand on Merlin’ s neck, “There is plenty of time for that. Y ou need to take a few days and settle in. As for your old room, you will not be needing it if you move into my chambers with me.” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want me to move into your chambers?” “When you are ready , yes,” Arthur blushed, “I mean if you want to. I don’ t want to push.” “Arthur , I want to, believe me, but for the sake of the kingdom perhaps we should ease them into this…what we are now . Some will not like that we are together .” “I guess you’re right,” Arthur said, “I should probably find a way to explain things to Gavin too before we go that far .” Merlin leaned in and kissed Arthur , “We need to tell my mother too.” “I didn’ t think about that,” Arthur shook his head, “Do you think she will object?” “I really don’ t know . I mean, I think she always knew that I had feelings for you, so that will not come as a surprise. But us actually acting on those feelings might.” “Merlin, as long as you know without a doubt that this is real and that I love you. No matter what anyone thinks about it, I do not care. I am tired of burying my feelings and denying myself the one person I need more than anyone.” “I will never doubt that…not now…not ever , Arthur .” Arthur kissed him deeply then nodded, “Y ou should go to your mother .” “I will find you later ,” Merlin smiled. “I should talk to my men,” Arthur nodded. “I’m sure Gwaine and Percival have already told them,” Merlin chuckled, “And I am fairly certain the castle gossip mill is in full swing.” “Yes, I used to hear things. People thought you and I were…that I was taking advantage of you back then. They assumed that just because I was not bedding every woman in the kingdom …” “I know , I heard the stories too,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur looked at him. “Why didn’ t you ever say anything? I would have put a stop to it had I known. If my father had ever gotten wind of the rumors, he would have removed you from my service or worse. I thought my keeping quiet about it would make them stop.” Merlin smiled, “T o be honest, I did not mind. I never set them straight. I just let them think what they wanted to think and a part of me liked having them think that because people left me alone and I guess because I wanted it to be true. When I used to get you ready for bed at night, I used to wish you would ask me to stay . To take care of those needs for you.” Arthur nodded, “And I used to fight the ur ge to ask you to. W e were both stupid. W e could have been together back then.” “But then would you have married Gwen?” Merlin asked, “Y ou wouldn’ t have Gavin.” “I do not know what I would have done. Which is why I don’ t want to waste any more time, Merlin. As soon as you are ready and we tell everyone, I want you to move into my chambers and become my consort.” Merlin’ s eye widened, “That is quite of ficial.” “Yes, it is, and I want to make sure that you are protected in every way . No one will ever again treat you as less than you are, Merlin. I swear to you.” “I don’ t need anything of ficial, just to be with you.” “Yes, I know , but if anything should happen to me before Gavin is old enough. I want you to be protected and cared for . You will rule by my side in whatever capacity you wish, but I need to know that you are safe. Y ou have been through so much and lost so much because of me. And while I know I can never undo the damage or repay that debt; this is one way that I can at least begin to make amends.” “Arthur , you don’ t owe me anything,” Merlin said, tears in his eyes. “But I do, Merlin…and I am going to make sure you are loved and happy . “All right,” Merlin nodded then looked toward the door , “I should go now .” “Go,” Arthur kissed him and then watched as he left the room a soft smile on his face. “There you are, my boy ,” Hunith said as Merlin came through the door of the physician’ s chambers his eyes taking in the room. “I kept it as Gaius had it just in case you returned and wanted to take over .” “I missed this place so much,” Merlin smiled, his eyes brimming with tears, “I left Gaius.” “Merlin, Gaius loved you,” Hunith said, “Losing you broke his heart, but he understood. He missed you so much, but he told me that it did not surprise him that you chose to sacrifice yourself for Arthur . That it was your destiny , no matter the cost, to make sure Arthur lived.” “He’ s my friend, I could not let him die. He had to live.” “Merlin, I am your mother . I know you are in love with Arthur , you have been since the beginning. And seeing you two together this morning…I am not blind. Arthur loves you too.” Merlin smiled, “W e are um…” “I know and I am pleased,” Hunith laughed and embraced him, “Now sit down and eat. T ell your old mum everything. Starting with that father of yours. I am sorry I kept the truth from you about Balinor , Merlin…I just thought it would be safer for you. W e loved each other deeply and it hurt him so much to leave me.” “I know ,” Merlin nodded. “How is he? I mean other than the obvious.” “He is at peace, he helped me so much. I am so proud of him. Honored to be his son.” “And I am certain he is as proud of you as I am.” “Mother , are you all right?” Merlin asked. “I am just happy to have my son back.” “I am glad you stayed in Camelot.” Hunith nodded, “I could not leave Arthur with a baby boy to raise. Losing Gwen was devastating for him.” Merlin rested his arms on the table as his mother placed a plate in front of him. “His own mother died giving birth to him…history repeating itself. I wish I had been able to save them both.” “What do you mean?” Hunith asked her brow creasing. “I sensed Arthur ’s despair and fear . I begged the Goddess to save them. She forced me to choose…Gwen or the baby…I chose the baby . When Gwen crossed over to A valon, I told her what happened and she was grateful, but I still feel like I should have done more.” “Well, as a mother , I can assure you that the life of her son was all that mattered to Guinevere.” “I just feel guilty .” “Have you told Arthur?” “Not yet. I need to. I’m not sure how .” “I am certain that he will feel the same as the queen. Gavin is his son and his heir . He dotes on that boy , and never fails to be there when he goes to bed so he can tell him a story and kiss him good night. Arthur is always telling him how proud he is of him.” “That is because Uther never gave Arthur the love and support that he needed and deserved. I think, deep down, he blamed Arthur for Ygraine’ s death when it was his doing. He used magic and when the price was her life, he lashed out at everyone and everything with magic instead of facing up to his own guilt. Arthur suf fered his entire life trying to please that man and he is determined that Gavin never feels the way he did.” “Arthur is a wonderful father ,” Hunith smiled, “And I think you will be as well.” “Me?” “Yes, Merlin, if you are going to be with Arthur , you will be Gavin’ s father as well.” Merlin smiled, “I guess I hadn’ t thought of it that way .” “It is good that Arthur told him all about you the last three years.” “I know I will need to help him with his magic. Kilgharrah said that his magic came from me. I don’ t quite understand how exactly . But when my magic was released, it healed him and Arthur and brought Gwaine back to life and somehow found its way to Gavin when Gwen was pregnant with him.” “That makes sense,” Hunith nodded as she began to eat, “Gwen did tell me that the day before Arthur returned to Camelot, she had a dream. She said she felt something, a calming warmth wash over her and she just knew that Arthur was alive.” Merlin picked at his food and shook his head, “I am grateful to be back. I just hope it isn’ t because of some impending doom. I just want to live here with you, Arthur and Gavin, and our friends. T o not have to fight anymore.” “Magic is legal now , there have been no magical attacks in years.” “And we have Alined’ s son trying to start a war and using Gavin to do it.” “I am fairly certain that when word gets out that you are back at Arthur ’s side, he will rethink his plans. He had little chance of beating Arthur before, with you here now…the enemies of Camelot will not dare to challenge him.” “I hope you’re right.” “So, are you going to take over for Gaius?” Merlin nodded, “And Geof frey.” “Really?” “Arthur doesn’ t need a servant anymore. I need to do my part in bringing back magic. Educating people and allaying their fears and prejudices against those with magic. Arthur asked me to write my own books to add to the library and I plan to collect all the surviving books and such that still exist in the secret room. This is what I was always meant to do and now I am back I can fulfill this part of the prophecy .” “I will be happy to assist you here,” Hunith said. “I would love that.” “I assume you will be moving into Arthur ’s chambers?” she asked with a knowing smile. Merlin chuckled and nodded, “He asked me to. I wanted to tell you first. And we need to give people time to adjust to the idea that their king is in love with his warlock.” “Merlin, don’ t you dare let anyone else keep you from the man you love.” “Mother , it is not that simple?” “Isn’ t it?” Hunith asked raising an eyebrow , “You nearly lost each other forever . Do you really plan to let what others think keep you apart just because a few might get upset? Arthur loves you and he wants to be with you. Do not waste a single second of this new life, Merlin.” “I won’ t,” Merlin smiled. “I really need to find some clothes. I stole these from a village after the Lake of A valon spit me out naked and disoriented.” “Then it is a good thing that Gaius and I kept all your belongings. Y ou will find everything in your old room. Including your magic book and the Sidhe staf f and whatever else you had hidden beneath the floorboards.” “Really?” Merlin asked, “Why was everyone so certain that I would return?” “We had faith Merlin, because to believe anything else was too painful. Arthur believed more than anyone. He would visit the lake often and speak with Kilgharrah on a regular basis. He was convinced that one day you would return.” “I didn’ t know ,” Merlin said. “The man loves you.” “Arthur said that he told Gwen, after I died, he told her what I meant to him.” “Yes, Gwen and I talked about it. She adored you, Merlin. She was so grateful to have Arthur alive and well and the kingdom was safe from Mor gana at last. She knew you loved Arthur and that he loved you.” “I am really scared that if I accept that this is all real, that I can finally have Arthur…” “You’re afraid something will happen to take it all away .” “Yes.” “Then all the more reason to live in the present, my boy .” “You’re right.” “Of course, I am,” Hunith beamed, “Now finish your food and go find your king.” “I am really glad you’re here,” Merlin smiled. “Nowhere I would rather be. Before you go, you should clean up and change your clothes.” “Wish I had a tub. I could really use a bath.” “There’ s one in your room,” Hunith smiled, “Arthur had it brought in here for me before I moved to Gwen’ s old house. Should I have water brought in?” Merlin grinned, “I think I can handle it.” “Good,” Hunith got up wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek, “I do love you, my boy . I need to take some salve to Evoric then I am going home for the evening. Give Arthur my love.” “Yes, mother ,” Merlin chuckled. “See you tomorrow ,” Hunith laughed then left the room closing the door behind her . Merlin got up cleaned their plates with a word then moved about the room touching every surface, inhaling the familiar scent of herbs and woodsmoke. T ears came to his eyes as he remembered Gaius, his snoring, and the eyebrow that struck fear in the strongest knight. “Gods, I miss you, old friend,” Merlin said softly , trailing his fingers along the stone hearth. He moved a chest from the table to the shelf where it had always been. He looked around then headed up the steps to his old room pushing the door open to find it just as he had left it except for the lar ge oval wooden tub by the wall. He tilted his head holding out a hand and the tub filled with steaming hot water and all the candles in the room flared to life casting a golden glow around the walls of the room he never thought he would see again. Opening the cupboard, he found his clothes clean and folded. His neckerchiefs and belts and his favorite brown jacket and two pairs of his boots. Hanging up on hooks were three brand- new tunics, blue, purple, and red. There were two new pairs of trousers dark blue and black, and a new pair of black boots. “Arthur ,” he smiled, “Y ou really did believe I would return.” Stripping of f his clothes and boots he slipped into the water with a deep sigh and closed his eyes. He felt a rush of emotions…grief, longing, pain, anguish…like sliding into a pit so deep and dark he could easily get lost in it. Then there was love, like a beacon, shining bright and clear showing him the way back out. His shoulders trembled, tears sliding down his face as he pressed the heels of his hands to his eyelids. Arthur climbed the steps to Merlin’ s old room, he stopped at the door as he heard Merlin’ s quiet sobs. He splayed his hand against the wood not sure whether to intrude or to walk away . Shaking his head, he let out a breath and pushed the door open. He saw Merlin in the tub, head down. He closed the door and crossed the floor to kneel next to the tub. “Merlin,” he whispered placing a hand on the back of his head then gently caressed his neck, “Merlin, you are home…you’re here with me. Everything is going to be all right.” Arthur leaned forward pressing his lips to the back of Merlin’ s shoulder . It scared him to no end to see him like this, so broken and vulnerable. “Merlin, look at me, please,” he said, and Merlin turned his head, his eyes wide and dark with pain. “Arthur ,” he said. “I’m sorry ,” Arthur said brushing his thumb over the sensitive place behind Merlin’ s ear. Merlin shook his head, “I just…everything just hit me…” “I know , believe me…I’ve had many of those moments in the last few years. I understand.” “I mean, I am so grateful to be home…” “But you feel overwhelmed by all that you have lost.” Merlin nodded, “And I’m really scared, Arthur…that all this…that we…” He shook his head then leaned back, resting it on the edge of the tub. “Me too,” Arthur said then leaned over to grab the washcloth and soap. He slowly and tenderly began to wash the dirt and grime from Merlin’ s neck and chest. “Just lie back, I’m going to look after you for a change.” “You don’ t have to,” Merlin shook his head. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said as he raised Merlin’ s right arm out of the water easing the soap and cloth over his pale skin and lean muscles wrapping a hand around his slender wrist as he washed his long fingers and palm before pressing his lips to the center of it. “Y ou took care of me, but you had no one to take care of you. That changes now .” “Arthur…” “Shh, close your eyes and just let me do this, Merlin,” Arthur said then took hold of his left arm repeating the motions. He leaned over pressing his lips to Merlin’ s chest. The scars that Merlin used to have were gone…where there had once been raised white jagged ridges of flesh, was now smooth pale white skin. “This is strange,” Merlin gave a husky moan as Arthur ’s hand slid down his stomach to his hip and down his thigh to his knee lifting it from the water to wash it. He repeated the motion with the other leg and Merlin let out a shaky breath and an even deeper moan. “Feel good, does it?” Arthur asked with a crooked grin. “It’s not unpleasant,” Merlin trembled and let out a gasp as his king slid a hand up his inner thigh hesitating just a moment before going further , slowly wrapping around his fully hard cock. “Arthur!” he growled, and Arthur laughed softly . “Finally ,” he said slowly stroking Merlin as he leaned over and kissed him. “Gods, Arthur…” “You are much bigger than I imagined,” Arthur said against his lips. “You imagined my…” Merlin’ s laugh was cut of f by a guttural groan of pleasure as Arthur ’s thumb and forefinger wrapped around the head. “Arthur…oh, that…don’ t stop, please. Gods, that feels so good.” “I have no intention of stopping,” Arthur said kissing him deeper , his tongue asking for and gaining entrance to Merlin’ s warm wet mouth, their tongues moving together as he pleasured him with his sword-callused hand. “I’m going to make you come for me.” “Arthur…I’m so close,” Merlin panted arching into the king’ s grip as he stroked his full length. He wanted it to last, he struggled to hold back, but it just felt too good. It wasn’ t just anyone touching him so intimately , it was Arthur…his Arthur . “Don’ t hold back, Merlin, just let go. I want you to.” Merlin tilted his head back and cried out Arthur ’s name. His chest heaving his hands gripping the edge of the tub as his lips parted and he shuddered violently as he came, spilling his seed in the bathwater . His eyes closed tightly; he bit down on his bottom lip. “Feel better?” Arthur asked as he nuzzled his neck and kissed the spot behind his ear while lazily stroking his cock. “Oh, yes,” Merlin gasped still quivering, the muscles in his stomach and thighs clenching and releasing with the force of his release. Arthur got to his feet and then leaned over to kiss him. “I’ll leave you to finish. Get dressed and join me in my chambers for dinner .” Merlin opened his eyes noticing the obvious bulge in Arthur ’s trousers. “But you need…” “Later , Merlin,” he said then tenderly washed his face and smiled. “W ear the purple one,” he said then kissed Merlin deeply before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. Merlin huf fed a laugh then quickly finished washing and got out of the tub to dry of f and dress. He put on the black trousers and purple tunic then slipped on the new black boots. He gave up on his hair leaving it wet and messy then headed for Arthur ’s chambers. Just as he approached the door it opened, and he found himself face to face with Geor ge who looked at him at first with surprise then a tight smile. “Merlin, welcome home,” he said stif fly then with a bow he moved past him and down the corridor . “Are you just going to stand there with your mouth open?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Did Geor ge just bow to me?” “Get used to it, Merlin, you’re not a servant anymore.” “I’ll always be your servant, Arthur . Nice clothes and a title won’ t change that,” Merlin chuckled as he walked in and closed the door . “Lock it, I don’ t want to be disturbed,” Arthur wagged an eyebrow and Merlin laughed slipping the lock into place then moved toward the table where there was a veritable feast laid out for the two of them. “Um, Arthur…what you did for me back in my room…” Arthur closed the distance between them and kissed him, “That’ s just a taste of what I have in store for you, Merlin.” He looked down taking in his appearance and shook his head, “I always did love you in purple.” “I can’ t believe you had new clothes waiting for me. Y ou really had faith that I would return.” “I did,” Arthur kissed him again, “I had to keep the faith or go mad with grief.” Merlin shook his head, “I never considered how much my death would af fect you. I never meant to bring you so much pain.” “It doesn’ t matter now , you are back. Now sit down with me and eat,” Arthur motioned toward the table and Merlin sat down in the chair while Arthur took the one across from him and poured the wine. The king looked at him his blue eyes filled with concern. “Merlin, is there something bothering you?” “There are things I need to tell you, but I’m not sure how .” “I thought we were beyond secrets,” Arthur said, raising an eyebrow . “Come on, out with it.” “Well, first, I met your mother . She was beautiful and so sweet. W e talked about you and I told her everything. She is so proud of you, Arthur . She loves you so much. She also told me everything your father did.” “So, what she told me was true?” Merlin nodded, “I lied to you back then and I’m sorry . I thought I was doing the right thing.” “You did the right thing, Merlin. It’ s all right. Thank you for telling me. It feels good knowing mother is proud of me. That’ s not all though is it?” Merlin tore of f a piece of bread and a hunk of meat then shook his head. “When I was in Avalon, the night of Gavin’ s birth, I sensed your fear , your despair , and Gwen’ s pain.” Arthur stopped eating and took a drink of wine. “Y ou did?” Merlin nodded, “I used magic to look in on you and I saw everything. I begged the Goddess to save Gwen and the baby . I told her I would do anything.” “Merlin, what did you do?” Arthur asked warily . “I wanted to save them both, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s eyes filled with tears. “The Goddess…she forced me to choose. She said I could save the queen or the child, that if I didn’ t choose, they would both die. I—I chose to save Gavin. I let Gwen die. I’m so sorry , Arthur…if I could have saved her…” Arthur stared at Merlin, his eyes wide and dark. Merlin dropped his gaze to his hands and stilled, not daring to breathe, waiting for his king’ s wrath. When it didn’ t come, he dared to look up and Arthur was shaking his head. He slammed his fists down on the arms of his chair making Merlin flinch. “I—I’m so sorry ,” he choked on the words then slid his chair back getting ready to leave the room. “Where are you going?” Arthur asked, his voice hard. “I understand why you’re angry , I don’ t blame you,” Merlin said, “I’ll just go.” “Merlin,” Arthur said then got up walking around the table to grip his forearms, “I am not angry at you. No one should be forced to make such a choice. No one. I am so sorry the Goddess did that to you. It wasn’ t fair.” “But Gwen,” Merlin said, quickly averting his gaze. “Merlin, listen to me,” Arthur cupped his chin lifting his eyes again, “What she made you do was cruel. I am not angry at you; I am angry at what she did to you. T o be forced to choose between your dearest friend and the life of her baby .” “When I said that I felt like I was betraying Gwen, this is why . I can’ t help but wonder what she would think of my being here…” Merlin swallowed hard, “I saw her in A valon, and I told her what happened. She told me I made the right choice, and that the life of her child was all that mattered to her . But now I am here, and she isn’ t…” “Merlin, you know my mother died giving birth to me. Guinevere and I talked about it at length. She told me that if anything were to go wrong that she would gladly die to save our baby . You made the right choice. Guinevere loved Gavin with all that she was. She would not have wanted to live if he had died. It was not fair that you were put in that position, but I love my son more than life and I am grateful. It was so hard to lose her , but if I had lost them both…” “I couldn’ t let you lose them both,” Merlin said softly , shaking his head. “Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur said then drew him into his arms and kissed him, “I don’ t want you to feel like your being here is a betrayal to Guinevere. Please, let it go.” “I’ll try ,” he nodded. “Good,” Arthur cupped his cheek, “Now sit and eat.” They returned to the table eating in silence for a while until Arthur pushed his chair back and went to look out the windows. Folding his arms across his chest. Merlin watched him for a moment, he knew that look, Arthur was thinking. “Arthur?” he asked. “Merlin, I’m sorry .” “For what?” “From the moment we met I treated you horribly . I took you for granted and I expected far more from you than any servant before you. I dragged you into dangerous situations that, as a servant, you had no business being in. Merlin, I put you at risk time and time again, for purely selfish reasons…because I couldn’ t bear to be apart from you. I needed you like I needed air to breathe. I think I knew even then that I loved you and because of that kept you at arm’ s length not allowing myself to admit to those feelings. I thought if I could pretend, they didn’ t exist I would be able to love someone else and no one would ever have to know that I was completely in love with my manservant. I think my father began to suspect something was going on when I chose to go after the Mortaeus flower to save your life. So, I had to be even more careful, because if he ever found out the truth he would have either banished or executed you.” Merlin remained silent sensing that Arthur needed to get his feelings out. “When you went missing after the rockfall, which I assume you caused to protect me, I was lost. All I could think about was that you were out there somewhere in danger and that I never told you what you meant to me. When you told me about your magic, I reacted badly . I was hurt and angry because you lied to me, and you didn’ t trust me with such a huge part of who you are. But then I realized that I never gave you any reason to. How many times did I tell you to your face that magic was pure evil, that it corrupted people? I belittled you and treated you like a fool. Y ou watched me follow my father ’s orders like a mindless attack dog. Y ou had every reason in the world to keep your secret from me.” “Arthur , if I could go back, I would tell you in the beginning. I wanted you to know . I nearly told you that day in Ealdor…if Mor gana hadn’ t walked in to tell us Kanen and his men had crossed the river , I would have.” Arthur nodded, “I know that now , but Merlin, I am not sure what I would have done back then. I cannot say for certain that I wouldn’ t have left you in Ealdor or turned you over to my father .” “Still, I should have trusted you.” “I know I told you that the past doesn’ t matter anymore, but it does. I cannot make up for the way I treated you and I cannot make up for all the pain and loss you suf fered because of me. Will, Freya, your father…and then you died for me.” “And I told you I would do it all over again,” Merlin said then got up from his chair going to stand in front of his king. “I love you, Arthur . I want to be with you. W e both made mistakes, but we are here now , and I don’ t want to keep things from you anymore. I want no barriers between us.” Arthur smiled and kissed him, “I want to love you the way you deserve.” “We can start right now ,” Merlin grinned then deepened the kiss. “Clothes are definitely a barrier ,” Arthur growled against his lips. “Yes, they are.” “I missed you undressing me.” “I may be out of practice,” Merlin chuckled staring into Arthur ’s eyes. “I’m sure it will all come back to you.” “Hmm, yes,” Merlin smiled backing Arthur toward the bed, tugging at the laces of Arthur ’s trousers, “I can’ t stop thinking about what happened in my room earlier . Seeing you hard for me.” “It’s not the first time,” Arthur grinned kissing Merlin harder . “You asked me if I have been with anyone, were you ever with anyone other than Gwen?” “When I was younger before you came to Camelot. I was with a woman once and experimented with fellow knights, but nothing like what I want to do with you.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a smirk. “Merlin, I want your mouth on me, please,” Arthur said with a hitch in his voice, “So many times I imagined those beautiful lips wrapped around my cock.” “Yes, Sire,” Merlin smiled dropping to his knees. He hooked his fingers beneath the waist of Arthur ’s trousers drawing them down freeing his engor ged cock. He let out a long, drawn- out moan as Merlin licked the full length from base to tip before swallowing him down licking and sucking and stroking him mercilessly until Arthur ’s knees were trembling. “Gods, Merlin,” Arthur gasped tangling his fingers in Merlin’ s dark hair , “It’s even better than I imagined. Y our mouth…” His hips stuttered as the head of his cock hit the back of Merlin’ s throat and he sucked in his cheeks. “Oh, yes…Merlin, so good.” Merlin drew back looking up at Arthur with such absolute love and desire. “Arthur , I want you to take me…please.” “Yes, Merlin…I want to,” Arthur said drawing him up to his feet and kissing him hard and deep. He pulled Merlin’ s tunic of f and removed his trousers after he kicked of f his boots. He stood before his king fully naked, his beautiful pale skin begging to be touched and kissed and marked by Arthur…claimed at last. “Arthur ,” his eyes flashed gold and he kissed him, “I’m ready please…” Arthur kicked of f his own trousers and tunic then eased Merlin back against the bed. “Y ou’re so beautiful,” he whispered as he kissed him. Merlin laid back on the bed and Arthur moved between his parted thighs his fingers finding him slick and open for him. He let out a low moan and pressed the head of his cock against his entrance biting down on his bottom lip as he struggled to slow down, to keep himself from the edge. Merlin kissed him passionately wrapping his long legs around Arthur . “Now , please, Arthur ,” he whispered huskily , “I need you inside me.” “I don’ t want to hurt you.” “You won’ t,” Merlin panted, “Please, I have waited so long.” Arthur kissed him full on the lips then dragged one hand down to Merlin’ s heavy cock stroking him slowly as he drove his hips forward into Merlin, groaning as the wet heat of his body enveloped him. “Oh, God,” Arthur whispered, “Y ou feel so good.” “Arthur , yes, please…” Arthur thrust into Merlin hard and deep and fast completely losing himself in the intensity of the joining of their bodies. It was even more incredible than he ever could have imagined. “Merlin, you’re mine at last…I love you,” he gasped. “I love you too,” Merlin breathed out throwing his head back, his eyes closed, and lips parted in a wordless cry of sheer pleasure. Arthur ’s cock filled him so completely , awakening his body in ways he never dreamed possible. His magic wrapped around them, and he laughed breathlessly as he felt it caressing Arthur ’s body and his king’ s eyes opened wide in surprise. “That feels strange,” Arthur moaned feeling Merlin’ s magic brushing over his skin like a thousand butterflies. “Incredible,” he gasped. Arthur pulled out of Merlin earning him a whine of protest. He moved onto the bed and laid down. Merlin moved on top of him immediately impaling himself on Arthur ’s cock once again. Arthur slid his hands over his shoulders and down his back to cup his arse while he rode him slowly , reveling in every movement. “Merlin…I’m close, so close.” “Touch me, Arthur ,” Merlin moaned as he rotated his hips and bore down on Arthur fully and his hand wrapped around Merlin’ s cock stroking him. “Y es, so good,” he gasped. “Merlin, now ,” Arthur moaned arching up into him as he spilled his seed deep inside him at last and Merlin followed him over the edge coating his hand in his own come. “Arthur…holy hell,” Merlin shuddered and trembled on top of him. “That was incredible,” Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Gods, why did we wait so long?” Merlin asked. “We were clearly idiots.” Easing of f Arthur , Merlin laid down next to him and they kissed. Chests pressed together , skin glistening with sweat. “I love you,” Merlin smiled. “I love you, Merlin,” Arthur grinned his thumb stroking his cheek and gliding across his bottom lip. “Always. Stay the night with me.” “I think I can be persuaded,” Merlin grinned kissing him lazily as they clung to each other . Arthur brought his hand up and removed his silver ring sliding it onto Merlin’ s finger bringing tears to his eyes. “Arthur , I can’ t…” “You can, Merlin. I want everyone to know what we are to each other now . Wear it always.” “But it was your mother ’s.” “And she would want you to have it.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Thank you,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Are you tired?” Arthur asked. “Not really .” “Feel like going to the tavern?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou want to go to the tavern?” “I think we should go. Gwaine and the others are there tonight. I know they want to welcome you home too.” “What about Gavin’ s story time?” “Already taken care of. The poor little one was exhausted. He was out before I got to the bit about the unicorn.” “In that case, let’ s go to the tavern,” Merlin grinned. Arthur kissed him then they got out of bed cleaned up and got dressed. Merlin’ s hair was all over the place and Arthur laughed trying to tame it to no avail. “I think you may need a little magic for this,” Arthur smiled, “Y ou walk in looking like that and they will know exactly what we have been up to.” “I thought you wanted everyone to know ,” Merlin grinned. “I want them to know we are together but what we do in our bedroom is none of their business,” Arthur said kissing him. “Y ou know Gwaine…” “Ah yes, I do,” Merlin smiled then with a word his magic smoothed his hair . “Better?” “I shall look forward to messing it up again later ,” Arthur said huskily then pulled him close, “You are beautiful, Merlin.” “Am I really?” “Gods, yes, absolutely ethereally so.” “I still can’ t quite believe this is happening.” “We just made love,” Arthur grinned, “And if we don’ t get going, I am going to mess up that hair right now .” Merlin laughed then headed for the door and unlocked it. They left Arthur ’s chambers heading down the corridor out of the castle and toward the lower town. The Rising Sun was full of people when they entered. Musicians were playing in the corner and there were couples dancing. Gwaine spotted them immediately and waved them over . “Didn’ t expect to see you two tonight,” he winked, and Arthur gave him a stern look, though his eyes were filled with amusement. “I figured you all would want to welcome Merlin home,” he smirked. “Aye that we do,” Gwaine said embracing Merlin, “Y ou look really good, old friend. Happy .” “I am,” Merlin smiled shyly lowering his head for a moment, “It feels good to be back.” “Look at you,” Leon said, “All dressed up.” The knight embraced Merlin. “It is good to see you.” “Merlin,” Percival said placing a big hand on his shoulder , “Welcome home, you were missed.” “Thank you,” Merlin smiled then followed Arthur to a bench on the other side of the long table where the knights were sitting. They sat down and Evoric brought them tankards of mead. “Merlin, dear boy , it is so good to see you again,” he said, “W elcome back.” “Good to see you too, Evoric,” Merlin grinned, “How’ s Greta and the kids?” “Greta is well, she is visiting her sister in Brenwell, she will be delighted to see you. The kids have all grown and moved away , but they are doing well. James will be moving home to take over the tavern in a few months I am getting too old for this. I must get back to my patrons. Again, welcome back, Merlin.” Arthur leaned close linking their fingers together . “Are you all right? If it is too overwhelming we can go.” “No, I want to stay ,” Merlin said. “Good,” Arthur smiled then kissed him earning them a series of whistles and cheers from the knights. They both rolled their eyes and smiled. “It’s about time,” Leon chuckled, and Arthur looked at his old friend and first knight. “What are you on about?” he asked him. “Poetry ,” Leon grinned. “Right,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin laughed, his blue eyes wide and filled with mirth. It was so good to see Merlin happy and alive. His heart swelled with love and quietness even in the midst of the gaiety . The other half of his soul was back where he belonged, and he would never let anything come between them again. “I love you.” Merlin kissed him, “I love you too.” Two hours, many more tankards of mead, and a lot of celebrating later , the two of them and Gwaine made their way back to the castle. The three of them were laughing and shoving each other playfully . “Gwaine…you’re drunk,” Arthur said, only slightly slurring his words. “So are you, My Lord,” Gwaine chuckled, “Good thing Merlin is still somewhat sober , or we would be sleeping in the upstairs room again.” “You two slept in the inn?” Merlin asked. “Yep, after you…we got drunk. Percival and Leon had to practically carry us upstairs,” Arthur grinned. “It’ s not appropriate for a king to get drunk in public…but I am so happy tonight. I have you back,” he said stopping to pull Merlin into his arms for a deep kiss. Gwaine laughed, “Y ou’re worried about getting drunk in public and you’re making out with Merlin in the street.” “Shut up, Gwaine,” Merlin grinned kissing Arthur back. “I’ll leave you two be,” Gwaine laughed then headed for his chambers. “Good night, Gwaine,” Arthur chuckled. “Good night, My Lord…good night, Merlin.” Arthur laughed, “Maybe we should take this back to my chambers.” “I have a better idea,” Merlin grinned then took his hand leading Arthur through a door and into the castle. He pulled him into a short corridor and through a door into a stairwell that led up to the tower . They stumbled through a door and into a round room at the top of the tower its windows overlooking the whole city bathed in moonlight. “I haven’ t been up here since I was a child,” Arthur smiled, “I used to love this room.” “I would come here often to think, to practice magic,” Merlin said leaning on the windowsill taking in the view . Arthur stared at him intently and shook his head. “It must have been so lonely , so isolating…being forced to hide who you were.” “It was, but I don’ t have to anymore,” Merlin turned to meet his gaze, his smile bright and open. Arthur moved closer wrapping his arms around him, “Never again, Merlin…never again.” He kissed him deeply then went down on his knees his fingers quickly freeing Merlin’ s half- hard cock swallowing him down. Merlin moaned loudly , one hand on the windowsill and the other on his king’ s head, his fingers tugging at his hair as his mouth devoured his full length. “Arthur , Gods, feels so good,” he gasped tilting his head back, lips parted. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered looking up at him with wild eyes reveling in the feel of Merlin, the taste of Merlin. “Arthur , your mouth,” he breathed out, chest heaving, as he resisted the ur ge to thrust into that wet heat. “My Lord…Sire…Gods, please…” He leaned back against the stone, his knees trembling. “Arthur , I’m close…” Arthur moaned around him and sucked in his cheeks his tongue curling around Merlin’ s cock and a moment later he came with a violent shudder spilling his seed in the mouth of his sovereign. His knees gave out and he collapsed in Arthur ’s arms holding on to him like a lifeline. “Merlin,” Arthur said with a breathless laugh, “Are you all right?” “Ask me that when I can remember my name,” Merlin chuckled. “I love making you come,” Arthur whispered in his ear , “The look of utter bliss on your face…and your eyes…they turn gold for just a moment when you reach the threshold.” “Do they?” Merlin asked with a grin as he looked into Arthur ’s eyes. “Yes, it’ s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely stunning.” “I’ve never felt like this, Arthur…all my life I was never able to truly be myself with anyone.” “I’m glad you can now…with me,” Arthur smiled kissing him tenderly . Merlin’ s hand stroked the length of Arthur ’s hard shaft through his trousers as they kissed. “Shall I return the favor , Sire?” he asked with a grin. “Stand up,” Arthur said, and Merlin got to his feet. Arthur followed suit and unlaced his trousers. “T urn around and lean on the windowsill.” Merlin obeyed looking back over his shoulder as Arthur ran his hands over the soft flesh of his arse his fingers delving inside him. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back against those fingers as he worked him open with only a little aid from magic. “Hold on to something,” Arthur grinned then pulled his fingers out freeing his cock, and stepped forward thrusting into Merlin in one smooth motion, burying himself inside to the hilt. Merlin let out a cry of pleasure his fingers gripping the stone as Arthur rolled his hips making him shiver from head to toe. “Gods, you feel good, Merlin.” “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together both breathing hard and desperate for more, needing to get closer , to mer ge their bodies and souls for eternity . “Harder , please,” Merlin gasped thrusting back against his king the head of his cock brushing against the spot inside him that made him see stars and his knees go weak. “I love you,” Arthur growled pounding into Merlin harder and faster until he spilled inside him with such force that he swore he nearly lost consciousness. “Gods, Merlin…” Merlin could not speak, he was so lost in the moment, the ecstasy of release. He barely touched himself and he was coming, spilling his seed over his hand. He pressed his forehead to the cool of the stone wall and Arthur curled around him. “Never like this with anyone else,” Arthur whispered against the back of his head, “Only you, Merlin…only you.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “Are you all right? I didn’ t hurt you did I?” “Oh, I am good…amazing in fact,” Merlin said leaning back into his arms. “I wonder if I can let Leon run the kingdom for a week or two and we can stay in my chambers and make love over and over .” Merlin laughed, “As brilliant as that would be, I’m not sure it would be a good idea. People will think I enchanted you or something to distract you from your duties.” “You are a wonderful distraction,” Arthur kissed him. “Come on, it is getting cold up here,” Merlin said, “Let’ s go back to your chambers.” They righted their clothing smoothed down their hair and headed back down the spiral staircase. W alking hand in hand down the corridor of the silent palace. This is how it was always meant to be. This was their destiny realized. “Merlin,” Arthur said as they reached the door of his room. “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “I am not sure what I will need to do to make it possible under the laws of Camelot, but I want you to be mine in every way . I want to marry you. If you will have me.” Merlin’ s eyes went wide and bright, “Arthur…” “Merlin, will you marry me?” Arthur asked taking hold of both hands, his thumb tracing the silver ring on his finger . “Please, I love you and I want you to be my husband.” “Yes,” Merlin said tears shining in his eyes, “Y es, Arthur , I will marry you. If that is even possible.” Arthur sur ged forward and kissed him deeply , “I will do whatever it takes to make it happen.” “If not then perhaps we can be bound in other ways,” Merlin smiled. Arthur kissed him deeply and then opened the door . They went inside and Merlin closed and locked the door again. He poured them some wine and started the fire in the hearth to ward off the chill of the room while Arthur cleaned up and got ready for bed. Merlin watched him with a crooked grin on his face as he washed and undressed. “What?” Arthur asked when he noticed. “You really have learned to do things for yourself.” “I can unlearn if you prefer ,” Arthur grinned. “Actually , I kind of like this new independent you,” Merlin said as he closed the distance between them and pulled of f his tunic and boots. “Do you now?” “Mmm, yes, it’ s really kind of nice to not have to worry about chores. I can focus on much more rewarding endeavors.” “Please do,” Arthur smirked as Merlin kissed his neck and shoulder . “Yes, My Lord,” he said then kissed him full on the mouth. The New Prophecy Merlin sat on the floor in the secret room of the library surrounded by piles of magic books sorted by the type of magic they contained and subject matter . He was surprised that so many had survived Uther ’s pur ge and suspected that Geof frey had kept them in this room on purpose. There’ s no way the man did not know this room existed. His suspicions were confirmed when he found a book, more of a record. It was in the old librarian’ s handwriting the dates listed were all after the start of the Great Pur ge. It listed the books that had been destroyed. Merlin smiled, Geof frey had been working behind Uther ’s back to protect materials that were rare and that he could not bear to see lost forever . Getting to his feet, Merlin walked over to a long shelf, he waved a hand banishing the layers of dust and cobwebs then his eyes flashed gold and each shelf was engraved with magic runes that would protect the books from everything from fire to flood. He then arranged them on the newly cleaned shelves. “Merlin!” Merlin turned around grinning at the sound of Gavin’ s voice. He walked to the panel, pushed it open, and stepped through into the main library . “Merlin, there you are,” Gavin smiled running to him. “Hello, what are you doing here, little one?” “Hunith brought me.” Just then Hunith came around the corner . “There you are, young man, you are getting too fast for me,” she laughed. “Merlin, you’re covered in dust, what are you doing in here?” “Cleaning the secret room, or ganizing the magic books that were hidden in there. I am taking over for Geof frey.” “Aren’ t you taking on too much, so soon?” she asked, “Physician and librarian?” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “Believe me compared to being Gaius’ apprentice, Arthur ’s manservant, and secret defender of Camelot, this is a piece of cake.” “I suppose so,” Hunith said, “I just worry .” “I’m fine, mother , really ,” Merlin grinned kissing her cheek. “You do look happy ,” she smiled knowingly , “I assume you and Arthur…” Merlin blushed, “Y es, he wants me to marry him.” “Oh, that is wonderful news.” “It may never happen, but it is nice knowing that it’ s what he wants.” “Arthur loves you, Merlin. I am certain he will find a way .” “What if the people, the court won’ t accept us being together?” “Does it matter?” Hunith asked, “As long as you and Arthur love each other?” “No, it doesn’ t,” Merlin grinned then kissed Gavin’ s cheek. “I want books,” Gavin said wrapping his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “Then let’ s find you some books,” Merlin laughed. Arthur paced the empty council chambers his arms folded across his chest. He’d woken up from a nightmare to an empty bed, empty chambers. For a fleeting moment, he feared that he had dreamed it all, that Merlin was still dead. Then he looked over at the tangled bedding, the imprint from another head on the pillows and he smiled. He’s spent the entire morning pouring over the laws of Camelot looking for a way to make it possible for him and Merlin to marry . For Merlin to be accepted as his and to rule by his side. He had trusted members of the court working out the details. W ith luck, he and Merlin could be married within a month. He smiled running his fingers through his hair . He needed a haircut and now that Merlin was back… “Sire,” Leon said as he came through the door , “Riders are approaching the gates. They wear the colors of Deorham.” “Alined’ s men…” Arthur frowned, “Show them to the throne room. I will see them immediately .” “Very well,” Leon nodded and left. Arthur took a breath and then headed for the throne room. He spotted Gwaine in the corridor . “Gwaine, I need you to go to the library and find Merlin. T ell him to dress and meet me in the throne room we have guests. Alined’ s men.” Gwaine nodded, “I’ll go. What do you think this is about?” “Not sure, but I need Merlin there with me.” “Right, I’ll go get him and we will meet you in the throne room,” Gwaine said then took of f running down the corridor . Merlin was just leaving the library when Gwaine rounded the corner . “What’ s wrong?” he asked. “Arthur sent me to find you, Alined’ s men are here. He needs you to dress up pretty and join him in the throne room.” “What do they want?” Merlin asked as they headed for the physician’ s chambers so he could clean up and change clothes. “No idea, but it can’ t be good.” Hunith was preparing a remedy when they walked in, and Gavin was sitting on the bed looking at a book of pictures of mythical creatures. “Merlin, Gwaine,” she smiled. “Mother , I need you to keep Gavin here, do not let him out of your sight. Alined’ s men are here, and we don’ t know what they want,” Merlin said as he ran up the steps to his room and closed the door . He used magic to heat water in a bowl, washed up quickly then put on his new dark blue trousers and the red tunic with the gold embroidered collar and cuf fs. Slipped on his black boots and tamed his hair with magic then headed back downstairs. Hunith reached up to fix the collar and patted his cheek. “I will keep Gavin here with me,” she nodded, “T ell Arthur he is safe.” “I love you,” Merlin kissed her forehead then bent to ruf fle Gavin’ s hair . “Gavin, you will protect my mother for me?” “I will,” the boy beamed up at him. “Gwaine,” Merlin nodded, and they left the room. Arthur looked up as the door opened and Merlin walked in with Gwaine right behind him. He approached looking around warily . “Where are they?” he asked. “They are on their way up now ,” Arthur said as he looked Merlin over from head to toe and smiled making an appreciative sound. “W e definitely need to get the tailor to make you more new clothes. Y ou look incredible.” “Thank you, My Lord,” Merlin grinned, leaning in for a kiss, but Gwaine cleared his throat alerting them to the arrival of their guests and he moved to stand behind Arthur ’s throne, but the king gripped his wrist and drew him forward to stand beside him. “Your Majesty ,” Leon said, “I present the delegation from King Alined. They asked for an audience with you in regard to the actions of Prince Amren.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, then Leon stepped aside, and the men entered. “Your highness, King Arthur ,” the leader said, “I am Sir Harak, first knight of Deorham. King Alined sent us with an of fering and his deepest apologies for the actions of his son Prince Amren in the kidnapping of your son Prince Gavin.” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “He is admitting that Amren was involved?” “Yes, My Lord,” Harak said, “The prince confessed to the king what he had done after some persuasion. King Alined has disinherited him and named his daughter , Princess Fiona as his successor to the throne.” “And what is this of fering?” Arthur asked. Harak motioned to one of his men who moved to the door and gestured to someone in the corridor . A man in restraints, with a hood over his head, was dragged into the throne room and forced onto his knees at Arthur ’s feet. The hood was then removed to reveal a terrified Prince Amren. “King Alined wishes to avoid war ,” Harak said, “Prince Amren is at your mercy , to face sentencing for the crime of kidnapping your son.” Arthur stared down at the prince, he was only a year older than Arthur . They had known each other as boys. The man had grown up pampered and protected. “Amren,” Arthur said, “What do you have to say for yourself? Y ou kidnapped my son.” “King Arthur , I deeply regret what I did. I was angry at my father for giving away my birthright.” “My son could have been killed,” Arthur said his voice sharp and hard. “I know , My Lord, I beg of you, if you intend to kill me, make it quick.” Arthur gave Merlin a sidelong glance and Merlin gave him a barely discernable nod. He turned his attention back to Prince Amren. “On your feet, Amren,” Arthur said. The prince obeyed, with help from Harak, reluctantly meeting Arthur ’s gaze. “Please, Y our Majesty…” Amren practically whimpered. “Your father has banished you?” “Yes,” he said his voice trembling. Arthur let out a breath and shook his head, “Everything in me wants to have you put to death for what you did, but it seems that letting you live will be a greater punishment. Y ou will be released, Prince Amren. Y ou will leave Camelot…leave the five kingdoms never to return. Is that understood?” “Yes, My Lord, thank you…your mercy is appreciated. I will do as you have ordered. Y ou have shown that you are a good and strong king.” Arthur took a step toward him, and the prince paled, “It is not mercy , Amren. What you did was cruel and unfor givable. But if we are to achieve lasting peace in the kingdoms, it must be without bloodshed. I am not my father . If I were you would be dead already . I choose to let you live with what you have done and what you have lost because of your decision.” “King Arthur ,” Sir Harak bowed, “W e will inform King Alined of your decision.” “Very well,” Arthur nodded, “Now remove him from my court, please.” Gwaine and Leon glanced at Arthur nodding then followed the men out. Merlin released a breath and then took hold of his king’ s hand. “That was a tough decision,” he said softly . “Yes, but the right one,” Arthur smiled. “Are you all right?” “As long as you are by my side, yes,” he said then kissed Merlin tenderly . “I’m proud of you,” Merlin grinned. “Proud of your king?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Of you,” Merlin kissed him. “Funny , even though my father so rarely said those words to me, they mean so much more coming from you, Merlin. I want so much to be worthy of your love, your loyalty , and devotion.” Merlin shook his head, “Arthur…” “I love you, Merlin.” “And I love you, Y our Majesty .” “Now you use titles,” Arthur chuckled. “You’d rather I call you a prat? “Actually , yes.” “I love you, Prat,” Merlin grinned then kissed him deeply . The lower town was just beginning to stir as the sun rose in the east. A lone figure wrapped in a dark green cloak the hood covering her long dark hair walked with determination, her back straight and head high. As she walked through the lower town she lowered the hood. The people gasped their eyes going wide in fear as they stared in disbelief. She gave them a hesitant smile and continued on her way the people parting to let her through. She walked into the square only to find herself surrounded by knights. The alarm bells went of f alerting the citadel to the intruder . Arthur and Merlin heard them from their chambers. There was a knock on the door . It opened and Gwaine entered. “Arthur…” he said his eyes filled with fear . “What is it?” Arthur asked. “In the square, it’ s Mor gana. She has returned.” Merlin’ s eyes widened and he took of f running with Arthur and Gwaine close behind. He charged down the stairs and out the doors heading down the steps. He pushed between two of the knights. Reaching Mor gana, he drew her behind him protectively and shook his head. “Stop, please,” he said, “She means no harm.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, sounding annoyed, “I don’ t need you to protect me.” “Doesn’ t look that way to me,” Merlin grinned. “Mor gana,” Arthur said as he came down the steps. “Arthur…” “Is it really you?” he asked motioning for the knights to stand down. Morgana moved from behind Merlin approaching her brother . She bowed her head and then knelt at his feet. She looked up at him, tears in her jade-green eyes. “It is me, the real me, Y our Highness,” she said her voice soft, but edged with fear and uncertainty . “Merlin told me everything,” Arthur said then crouched in front of her catching her completely by surprise. “I’m sorry , Mor gana.” Morgana shook her head, tears sliding down her cheeks, “Why are you apologizing to me?” “I failed you,” Arthur said reaching out to brush a tear away with his thumb, “I was blind to your pain, your fear . What our father did to you was wrong, just as he was wrong about magic.” “Arthur , what I did…” Mor gana choked back a sob. “It wasn’ t you…well, it wasn’ t all you. I know that now . How are you back?” Morgana glanced at Merlin then turned back to Arthur , “The Goddess, she said I could return, but I can only stay if I can earn your for giveness, Arthur . I know I don’ t deserve it… Arthur smiled and pulled her into his embrace, “Y ou have it, Mor gana…if you can for give me.” Mor gana’ s whole body shook with relieved sobs as she clung to her brother . Merlin met Arthur ’s gaze with a wide grin and a nod. “I’m so sorry , Arthur ,” Mor gana gasped. “Welcome home, my sister…I love you,” Arthur smiled cupping the back of her head. Morgana stif fened and drew back releasing him, then stood up. She closed her eyes tilting her head back as what looked like falling stars shot across the sky conver ging on one point to become a beam of silver light, pure and beautiful aimed down at the ground, at Mor gana. She raised her arms into the air and the beam came down flowing into her . She opened her eyes; they were a brilliant silver . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked Merlin. “It’s her magic, it has been purified and it is returning to her ,” he said. “Oh,” Mor gana gasped as the magic settled down in her core where it belonged. “Mor gana?” Merlin smiled. “This is incredible,” she breathed out slowly , “Merlin…” “You have your magic back,” Arthur said. “Yes, the Goddess said that I had to have your for giveness in order to stay , but I could only have my magic back if you still have love for me,” Mor gana said with a soft laugh. “I didn’ t think…” “You’re my sister , Mor gana. I hated what you did, but I never hated you. I think a part of me understood why you went down the path you did. Our father lied to us both. He denied you your heritage and your rightful place in the kingdom.” “The throne was never mine to claim,” Mor gana said, “Mor gause, she poisoned me with darkness and hatred. She wanted the power she could only obtain through me. Y ou were always meant to rule, Arthur .” Gwaine moved to stand next to Arthur , his eyes narrowed as he studied Mor gana. She met his gaze with a genuine softness and reassurance. “You’re not her ,” he said. “Gwaine,” Mor gana smiled, “Y ou’re alive.” “Yes, thanks to Merlin.” “I’m glad,” she bowed, “I am so sorry for all that I did to you. I humbly beg your forgiveness.” Gwaine stared at her for a moment then shook his head, “Y ou’re not her…not the Lady Morgana I knew .” “No, Gwaine,” Arthur smiled, “This is the Lady Mor gana that I grew up with, the one who belongs in Camelot. She’ s stubborn, bossy , a little scary , but she is kind, compassionate and she’s my sister .” “And my friend,” Merlin smiled. Morgana turned to him, “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” he grinned then glanced at Arthur . “I missed you,” she said. “I missed you too,” Merlin hugged her and then kissed her forehead. “Father!” Gavin shouted as he came tearing down the steps with Hunith right behind him. Arthur turned and smiled. “Father?” Mor gana asked. “Mor gana, this is Prince Gavin Pendragon, your nephew ,” Arthur said proudly as his son reached the bottom step and stopped. He looked up at Mor gana with a bright smile and blue eyes that could see into the soul. “Look at you,” Mor gana cried dropping to her knees in front of him, “Y ou are beautiful.” Gavin moved closer to her reaching out to touch her cheek. “Y ou’re safe now ,” he said softly , “You don’ t have to be scared no more.” Morgana stared at him her eyes filling with tears. She shook her head unable to speak as Gavin wrapped his little arms around her neck. She held him tightly looking up at Arthur and then Merlin in utter disbelief. “Welcome home, Mor gana,” Arthur smiled. “Gods, look at you,” Mor gana choked back a cry of joy , kissing Gavin’ s little chubby cheek. “Let’ s go inside,” Arthur said scooping Gavin up in his arms. Gwaine extended a hand to Mor gana. She looked at him in surprise before taking it and he helped her up. Merlin put a hand on her lower back guiding her up the steps. “Lady Mor gana,” Hunith said as they reached her . “Hunith,” Mor gana smiled embracing her . “That’ s the beautiful young lady I remember , welcome home.” “Thank you.” “How do you feel?” Merlin asked her as they walked down the corridor . She stopped for a moment to look around then nodded. “I feel free. And incredibly happy . There’ s something dif ferent about you, Merlin…” she said studying him, taking in his new clothes then she spotted the silver ring…Arthur ’s silver ring on his hand. “Oh, this explains a few things.” Merlin blushed, “Y es, well, Arthur and me…” Morgana’ s eyes widened, “It is about time. Y ou two…always looking longingly at each other . Everyone knew you were completely besotted with Arthur and Arthur with you. I just never imagined that he would act on his feelings. He really has changed, hasn’ t he.” “So have I,” Merlin said. “I can see that,” Mor gana beamed, “I am so pleased, Merlin. Y ou deserve to be happy .” “As do you,” he said. “I’m beginning to believe that. I still feel so guilty though.” “I know…I still carry my own guilt, but we have to for give ourselves,” Merlin smiled. “This is your second chance, Mor gana,” Gwaine said, “Don’ t waste it dwelling on the past. If Arthur and Merlin can for give you…” Morgana turned to look at him, “But can you?” Gwaine shook his head, “It’ s strange. I don’ t see you as the same woman who tortured me on more than one occasion and then killed me. As I said, you’re not her .” “How can you not?” she asked. “Maybe if I had known you before, I would feel dif ferently . I cannot reconcile the two versions of you. Maybe that is a good thing.” “Maybe so,” Mor gana smiled looking into his eyes. Merlin went ahead leaving the two of them alone. Gwaine took her arm slipping it through his then followed. Mor gana felt a rush of emotion that was almost overwhelming as they walked into the throne room where Arthur stood with Merlin, Gavin in his arms. Her eyes filled with tears again at the sight and she smiled. “I’m home.” Arthur sat at his desk working on a speech. He couldn’ t focus on the words because he kept looking up at the door every few minutes waiting for Merlin to appear . Where was he? The last three weeks had been insane. There were constant and ongoing discussions with his advisors and lords over the most basic kingdom business. The getting used to having Morgana in his life again and trying to figure out a way to give her back what their father had taken from her , as well as working to change the laws to allow Arthur and Merlin to marry . Then an outbreak of some sort of fever in an outlying village had kept Merlin and Hunith away for five days only to have the same sickness break out in Camelot’ s lower town while they were gone. Mor gana had done her best to take care of the patients until they returned then the three of them worked together until finally , it was under control. Arthur rubbed his eyes and dropped his quill. He slipped on his boots and headed for the door. It was late and the castle was quiet, so he didn’ t care that he was only wearing his trousers and a sleep tunic. He needed to find Merlin. Not finding him in the physician’ s chambers, Arthur headed toward the library . The door creaked when he opened it. The room was dark save for a few scattered candles. The secret room… “Merlin,” Arthur called out as he reached the wall behind which he knew the hidden room lay. He kicked the shelf that tripped the release and it opened. “Merlin?” he said as the panel closed behind him. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, coming out from behind a high shelf lined with ancient books, “What time is it?” “It’s almost midnight,” Arthur smiled, “Are you all right?” “Yes, sorry , I lost track of time,” Merlin grinned. “I’m starting to think you’re avoiding me,” Arthur said his eyes narrowing. “Never ,” Merlin shook his head, “Just a lot to catch up on since the outbreak.” “Are you sure that’ s all it is?” “I am sure. I’m sorry for neglecting you, my king.” Arthur looked around the room and nodded, “This is amazing. I had no idea so much survived my father ’s pur ge.” “Yes, well, some of the books were severely damaged and I had to repair them with magic. Some were beyond saving. The shelves are warded now , they will be protected.” “That’ s good…very good,” Arthur said watching as Merlin stretched to put a book on the higher shelf. He smirked then stepped closer wrapping his arms around him. “It’ s very quiet in here, isn’ t it?” “Mmm, yes,” Merlin grinned as Arthur ’s hands slid beneath his tunic splaying over his flat stomach and he felt the hard ridge of the king’ s arousal pressing against his arse. “What shall your punishment be for neglecting your king, Mer—lin?” “Oh!” Merlin gasped then let out a low moan as Arthur thrust his hips forward pressing him into the shelf, “Gods, more of that…definitely more of that.” Arthur grinned and repeated the movement and Merlin let out a sound of desperate longing. “It’s not punishment if it feels good,” he chuckled. “Arthur ,” Merlin moaned pressing back into him, “Please…” Turning Merlin around Arthur kissed him hard and deep biting his bottom lip and thrusting his tongue into his warm wet mouth as he pressed him back against the shelf. Merlin’ s eyes were wide and dark with arousal his breath coming out in short gasps, his chest heaving. “Merlin,” Arthur growled, rolling his hips into his, “I want you now…” Merlin nodded eagerly , unable to form words he yanked Arthur ’s tunic over his head kissing his chest, neck, and shoulder . It was the king’ s turn to moan filthily , his hips stuttering as Merlin’ s hands quickly unlaced his trousers and pushed them down to his broad muscular thighs. Arthur shoved his hand down the front of Merlin’ s trousers gripping his hard cock. “Gods, Arthur!” he gasped kissing Arthur again, their hot breath mingling as their tongues moved together . They were both completely out of their minds, needing to feel every touch, every thrust. “Merlin,” Arthur whispered huskily pushing his trousers down and Merlin kicked them of f with his boots as Arthur lifted him of f his feet wrapping his long legs around his waist and kissing him, devouring his lips and tongue. “Magic…need magic,” he growled and Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold. A moment later Arthur thrust into him, and Merlin cried out in utter bliss. “Arthur , yes, please…” he panted, closing his eyes, reaching up to grip the shelf with both hands, holding on for dear life as Arthur drove into him. “Arthur…don’ t stop…more!” “Merlin, you feel so good, so tight,” Arthur kissed him. He looked into his eyes rolling his hips harder and faster . The wild look in Merlin’ s sex-addled gaze increased his arousal tenfold. “I love you,” he breathed out thrusting up into him, their bodies trembling and drenched with sweat. “Mine, always, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said breathlessly . “I’m close,” Arthur whispered, kissing him, and sucking on his full bottom lip. Merlin placed one hand on his own cock stroking himself furiously as Arthur pounded into him with abandon. They shouted loudly as they came, shuddering violently . Merlin let go of his spent cock gripping the shelf as Arthur continued to thrust into him again and again until they could no longer move or form coherent thoughts. “Holy…” Arthur gasped, and Merlin huf fed a laugh. “If that is my punishment I shall have to neglect you more often.” “Such insolence,” Arthur grinned kissing him. “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him back. “I think we should take this to our bed.” “Perhaps you should carry me.” “So, you can kick me again,” Arthur smirked then nipped at his bottom lip then slipped out of Merlin then set him back on his feet. “Get dressed, Mer—lin,” he grinned then pulled up his trousers and retrieved his sleep tunic. “Yes, Sire,” Merlin grinned. Once they were both dressed they put out all the candles and left the library walking back to Arthur ’s chambers. Passing the guards in the corridor Arthur nodded, dismissing them for the night. “You think that’ s a good idea?” Merlin asked. “I’m sleeping with the most powerful sorcerer to ever walk the earth,” Arthur smiled raising an eyebrow , “I’m perfectly safe.” “True,” Merlin chuckled then followed him into the room, and they closed and locked the door. He started the fire in the hearth and lit the candles while Arthur undressed. “W ould you like me to fill the tub for you?” “Merlin, you’re not my servant anymore.” “No, I know , but I don’ t mind.” Arthur looked at him and shook his head, “Y ou really miss it don’ t you.” “Being your servant,” Merlin said then shrugged, “Y es, I guess I do.” “Tell me, Merlin, if you never became my servant…if we never had this shared destiny , what do you think your life would be like now?” Merlin sat down in the chair by the hearth and took of f his boots. He looked at Arthur , shaking his head. “My life…” he said thoughtfully , his voice catching, “I don’ t know…and I don’t want to know .” Arthur moved toward the chair crouching in front of Merlin, taking hold of his hands. “Y ou never wanted anything else for yourself? Surely you had dreams.” “Only to be loved and to be free to use my magic…to be accepted for who I am,” he smiled, “I have that now , Arthur , and there is nothing else I want.” “Just every time I think about how much you suf fered, the pain and the loss, because of me,” Arthur said bringing Merlin’ s hands to his lips. “I just want you to be happy .” “I am, Arthur , believe me,” Merlin said, leaning forward to kiss him, “For the first time in my life I am not afraid. I don’ t have to skulk around in the shadows defending the kingdom anymore. And I finally have you the way I always dreamed of but never dared hope.” “Yes, you do,” Arthur grinned then stood up, “Now , get undressed and let’ s clean up and go to bed. I am exhausted.” “Yes, My Lord,” Merlin smiled. Three weeks later Arthur and Merlin were married in a ceremony in the clearing with the citizens of Camelot, the Druids, Kilgharrah, and even Aithusa looking on. The knights stood behind Arthur , Leon holding a beaming Gavin in his arms while Mor gana walked with Merlin who was dressed in black trousers and a fine purple silk tunic embroidered with silver thread on the collar and the cuf fs. Black shiny boots and a silver circlet on his head. Arthur smiled, his blue eyes shining with tears. Mor gana met her brother ’s gaze then she turned to Merlin smiling brightly . She cupped his cheek and nodded slightly . “You look so handsome,” she said, “I love you, Merlin. I am so pleased that you and Arthur found your way back to each other .” “I love you too, Mor gana,” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “Arthur , you take care of him the way he always took care of you,” Mor gana said. “I will,” Arthur smiled reaching out for Merlin’ s hand as she moved to stand next to a tearful Hunith and Gwaine who kissed her on the forehead before taking hold of her hand. “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Merlin grinned taking his place in front of his king, “I love you.” “Always,” Arthur said. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient right of handfasting…” The time of Albion, born fr om Magic’ s sacrifice. The King lives, his legacy shall be the bridge between peace and magic. Emrys and the King, one soul, one heart, one destiny realized. Out of the darkness is born the light. For giveness, r edemption…faith, and love shall r eign. The bloodline unbr oken, a new r eign will triumph. Fr om the last br eath to a new awakening magic shall thrive once again. The world in balance. Life and death ar e restor ed. Long live The King…long live Magic! Giving Up The Ghost - By A-ha Chapter Summary If you would like to hear the song behind the title of this story here is the link to it on YouTube :D https://www .youtube.com/watch?v=ntOXkl6-aEc Giving Up The Ghost by A-ha Icy road, blinding dark Rolling hills in the distance Open wound, a painful scar Love has left its burning trademark Off the grid, out of bounds Further down into shadow Darkest day and whitest night In harm's way We're chasing rainbows Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurts the most You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Frozen lake soon will flow Frozen ground soon to follow But hey - everything is in your head And what you killed is never dead Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost On what you loved the most On a coal-black sea, the sky's on fire Failed attempts at a funeral pyre Deep as dreams of dark desire The flames are growing ever higher You sever all my heads You place them on your bed Some part of your great scheme To vow me into silence Giving up the ghost Giving up the ghost That's what hurt the most Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 56,035
Chapters: 9/9

Merthur - The Words I Never Said

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Hostage negotiator Arthur Pendragon and his team are on a godlike trip. Never before has a hostage lost their life. But when they come up against the cult leader Cenred, the tide turns. At first, Arthur taunts Merlin, a homeless guy who crashes his press conference and puts out a warning. But when the outcome of the hostage drama follows exactly Merlin's description and his name suddenly pops up in several other cases, Arthur sets out to find him, unaware that they are linked by a shared past that dates back centuries. A secret only Merlin knows about.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mean Arthur Pendragon, Merthur - Freeform, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Idiots in Love, Hidden Feelings, First Kiss, First Time, Ghosts, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin)
Language: English Series: Part 3 of Modern Merlin
Published: 2023-01-15
Updated: 2023-01-21
Words: 4177
Chapters: 2/

The Laughter From the Next Room

A small ball hovered in her hand, shining with a silver-blue light. It floated there, getting brighter and brighter before dimming again. Wisps of cloud swirled at its center. It was pure magic.And the breath was stolen from Arthur’s lungs.“I thought you’d recognize it. He said it was warm. He said it reminded him of home.”It has been one year since Merlin's death when Arthur meets Morgana on the battlefield.Somehow, between all the guilt and shame, he discovers that his sister knew Merlin better than he ever did - and ever would.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Major Character Injury, Character Death, Betrayal, Angry Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sad, Sad with a Happy Ending, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Arthur is a Prat, arthur reacts badly, Good Morgana (Merlin), Morgana Knows about Merlin's Magic (Merlin), morgana redemption, Merlin & Morgana Friendship (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt, Hurt No Comfort, comfort comes late, too late, Presumed Dead, Immortal Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Morgana (Merlin), knights of the round table - Freeform, the knights are awesome, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), oc for like half a second, gaius is dead sorry, its sad before it gets happy, Albion, Camelot, Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), Protective Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2023-01-06
Words: 24,541
Chapters: 6/6
Comments: 196
Kudos: 1,569
Bookmarks: 411
Hits: 19,807
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death
Categories: F/M, Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Merlin & Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-02-22

Witch Boy

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“Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive W arning: Creator Chose Not T o Use Archive W arnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin) Additional T ags: Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Background Relationships, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), he's got youngest child ener gy, witch!merlin, Witch AU, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Urban Fantasy, Mutual Pining, oblivious idiots, what do you mean that's not a tag???, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Long-Suf fering Leon (Merlin), as always, Other Additional T ags to Be Added, no beta we die like arthur's childhood, Mythical Beings & Creatures Language: English Stats: Published: 2023-01-19 Words: 10, 454 Chapters: 2/2 Witch Boy by fluffypoato Summary “Hey, what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy! Chapter 1 Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes “Okay, think you got everything?” his mother asks. “Yes, mum, I’ve got my belt and my sword and my sack.” Arthur rolls his eyes at his mother ’s fussing. Really, he’s ten years old now . He’ s trick-or -treating all on his own with his friends. He’ s a big boy . Arthur ’s mother smiles softly, brushing her pale wig from her face. His mother had decided to match with Arthur ’s knight costume and go as a queen from the renaissance. Her dress is a deep scarlet that she got at Party City with a plastic, gold circlet wrapped around her head. “Just double checking, little lion.” She goes to kiss his forehead. “Now, don’ t you look regal!” she says admiring his costume. While his mother ’s costume is simple with only a few accessories, Arthur ’s is a bit more detailed since he told his mother that he wanted to look like a “real” and “authentic” knight like the ones he hears in the fairy tales she reads to him. His leather boots are a light brown, his trousers are black and loose with a brown belt holding his wooden sword, and his tunic is red with a black hood stitched round his collar . Arthur preened at his mother ’s praises on his costume and did a little spin. It’ s a silly spin, in his opinion, but it's just him and his mother . He can act silly in front of her . She giggles at him and spins herself. “Do you think I look lovely, sir knight?” “I think you look beautiful, my lady, ” he answers, kissing his mother ’s knuckles while she laughs. The sound of the doorbell is heard even though faint. Arthur ’s mother composes herself brushing of f imaginary dust from her gown. She crouches down to Arthur and does some last minute fixes. Usually, he would fuss and complain, but let her continue since he, too, didn’ t want this moment to end. “Now, don’ t forget to say thank you after being given candy and make sure to come back home no later than eleven thirty, okay?” “Yes, Mum.” She smiles wide, showing of f her white teeth and pinches Arthur ’s cheeks. “And don’ t forget to have fun, little lion. It’ s Halloween.” Arthur giggles and shoves her hands from his cheeks. Just before he leaves, his mother does some last minute fussing. Brushing of f his tunic, fixing the sleeves over and over -- “Mum! I can’ t go trick-or -treating if you keep me here!” His mother sighs and looks over at him one last time before nodding. Arthur nods in return and smiles before exiting his house to meet up with his friends. T oday is Halloween, and it’ s a full moon he discovers when looking at the sky . Already, Arthur can tell that this Halloween was going to be great. Some twenty houses later, Arthur has a sack full of candy along with his other friends. Heavy as it was, Arthur slings it over his back while venturing of f to the next house that Gwaine claims has full bars. “Full bars, guys! None of that fun-size stuff. Trust me!” “Last time I trusted you, I ended up with a face full of dirt and got grounded by my mother, ” grumbles Percival. “Oh come on, Perce!” Gwaine laughs, messing with his scruf fy wig. “Y ou know I never meant for that to happen! I got in trouble too, you know .” Gwaine gives Percival the biggest, pleading eyes Arthur has ever seen and scof fs. “Don’ t fall for it, Percival. He’ll just get you into more trouble next time.” Leon and Lancelot chuckle nervously while Elyan nods in agreement. Both Leon and Lancelot dressed as knights with Arthur while Gwaine thought to go as a werewolf. Pecival said he was a jedi. Elyan dressed as an assassin, but unfortunately, had to keep correcting the parents on who he was. Apparently, Robin Hood was a popular guess that was given. Elyan also brought his little sister who was dressed as Batgirl. “It’s true Percy! Gwaine gave me those puppy eyes and the next thing I know we’re sneaking off to prank his brothers…” Elyan trails of f, looking far of f into the distance haunted. “I almost died.” Elyan's sister sighs exasperatedly . “Yeah, and then I had to save you from getting caught by our dad, remember?” “And I am ever grateful for your aid, Gwen.” He ruf fles her hair while Gwen squawks and smacks his arm away . “Elyan! It took Mum hours to get my hair like this!” She pats down her straightened hair as good as a child can while Elyan rolls his eyes. Eventually, they reach the alleged house that holds full sized bars. Maybe it was how late the night had gotten, but the house looked very ominous to Arthur . The lights were a dim orange. Not the bright white like the other houses that passed by . It was also at the corner of the neighborhood, making it feel secluded and isolated. No decorations were found on the lawn. Only a small wooden Jack-o-lantern hanging on the door . Arthur had a bad feeling. He looked at his other friends, gaging their reactions. Gwaine looked excited as ever . Elyan was busy talking to his sister, so even if Elyan did make a reaction, Arthur wouldn’ t know . Percival looked worried, but that just might be because Gwaine looks like he might explode. Leon and Lancelot did exchange concerned glances to each other and to Arthur, so there’ s that. “Is this really the place?” Leon finally asked. “Of course!” Gwaine scof fed and puf fed up his chest. “This is the place that my brothers would always talk about every year . They would always come with full bars and tell me about this house.” “I dunno, Gwaine, ” Lancelot answers, “Y ou know that your brothers tend to…” “Prank us all the time?” Arthur finishes for him. He notices movement behind the window and grips his sack tighter . Gwaine makes a noise of protest but sags. “Okay, I know that my brothers are pranksters, but so am I. It’ s a family thing. But, lying about full sized candy bars? They would never . Scout’ s honor!” Everyone raised their eyebrows at that. Elyan rolls his eyes and fiddles with his bucket. “Well, if they are lying about the candy bars, we can just get back at them, eh?” The gang nods in agreement and starts walking up to the ominous house. The wind picks up and Arthur shivers. He looks up at the full moon, watching as the clouds begin to cover its silver glow . Arthur looks back at the house. W ith the now cloudy sky, the house looks darker and even more foreboding than it was before. Chills run down his arms and not from the wind. It’s probably nothing, Arthur repeats over and over in his head. It’s all my imagination. Nothing is wr ong with the house. It’ s just Halloween. “You should probably stop your friends from going there.” Arthur startles at the sudden voice next to him. It was a boy . A boy with light blue eyes. “Who-who are you?” The boy smiles and reaches out his hand. “I’m Merlin.” Arthur looks down at the hand then back at Merlin’ s face. He’ s about the same height as Arthur as far as he can tell. T o be honest, the costume Merlin was wearing was odd. It looks like a dress that’ s been worn down with tears at the end but really, was a blue, faded robe. The odd boy also has a worn, blue hat to match. Merlin’ s boots are red like his scarf but pointed (and not leather, Arthur ’s brain feels the need to add). Merlin tilts his head and raises his brow while Arthur stays frozen next to him. W orried he’d been silent for too long, Arthur blurts out the first thing that came to his mind: “Why are your ears so big?” Merlin huf fed and covered his now red ears. Arthur cringed. He doesn’ t really know what he was trying to say, but he didn’ t mean for it to sound rude. “They are not! Y ou're just a prat!” Arthur sputters. “I’m a what?” “A prat!” Merlin snif fs and crosses his arms. His ears are still red, but it seems that that isn’ t his main focus anymore. “Well you’re a–a… what are you supposed to be?” “I’m certainly not a prat!” Merlin huf fs, stomping his feet. “I meant your costume, ” he sighs, gesturing to Merlin’ s clothing. “Y ou don’ t look like a sorcerer, but with the hat… are you trying to be a wizard?” “Trying to be a– I’m a witch!” Arthur assesses Merlin and his costume. It could work but lacks ef fort. Seems to him that Merlin just pulled on whatever and called it a day . Arthur shrugs and pulls his sack over his shoulder . “Alright then, witch, did you come for the full bars?” “Full bars?” Merlin asks, his wide eyes blinking. It’ s as if he’ s never heard the word before. Arthur rolls his eyes. “Full bars. Y ou know, candy bars that aren’ t fun-sized?” More wide staring. “Just–look, it’ s candy bars full sized. None of that small sized stuf f, okay?” Merlin nods slowly . Arthur sighed for the umpteenth time. By now, he bets that his friends have already reached the house and got all of Arthur ’s favorites. He turns toward where the corner house resides and heads to its door . He can already see that his friends have reached the front porch. “Hey, what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Merlin sputters, and Arthur takes that as his cue to continue up the incline to the front porch. The porch light is of f now, so he can’ t see his friends. Strange. W ere they always of f? He could have sworn the porch light was brightly shining a second ago. Arthur doesn’ t get that much time to think of it though because Merlin decides to shake out of his sputtering and run after him. “I’m not scared, clotpole! This house is isolated for a reason, and it shouldn’ t be disturbed.” “What are you nattering on about? It’ s just a house and- wait, what did you just call me?” “Not important.” The nerve! “What’ s important is that whatever is in that house is dangerous and is using these... full bars to lure you inside just like it did to your friends!” Arthur is really starting to get annoyed by this guy . First he calls him a prat, then a clotpole? What is his deal? “Look, I know it’ s Halloween and all, but I’m pretty sure...this is just a regular house that gives out full bars. Also, how do you still not know what those are? Did your parents only give you fun-sized or something? That’ s pretty sad, now that I think about it. Y ou’re missing out.” Merlin’ s cheeks flush and Arthur can tell that the boy was restraining himself from saying something. Most likey, a great many things. That may not be appropriate. Okay, maybe Arthur went a bit too far about the fun-sized thing, but seriously, what is his deal? If anything, Merlin was probably told that this house is haunted or whatever just so he wouldn’ t go there for the full bars. When the duo reached the porch, the lights went on. Arthur had to blink a bit since he was just in the dark moments before. After gathering his bearings, he looked around the oddly silent porch and found...nothing. Just an empty, silent, friendless porch. Huh...this was fine. Did they already receive the candy and continue trick-or -treating without him? Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised. What with Gwaine’ s ener getic nature added with the Smith siblings’ competitive one for collecting candy . They might have left him behind on accident, also. Arthur would’ve thought that they’d at least wait. Maybe that’ s why the porch light went of f again. “Rats, ” Merlin mutters. Arthur frowns and looks back at the witch boy . “What?” Merlin huf fs and fiddles with his torn sleeve. “This was what I’ve been trying to tell you. It’ s not normal at all! Listen, it’ s--” “Why hello there!” There’ s an old woman at the door . She’ s very tall, or maybe it’ s just her lar ge hair . Arthur can’t tell. Either way, she startles both of them. Merlin squeaked and Arthur ...did not. “My, aren’ t you two precious! Like little rabbits being strangled by a hunter ’s strong grip.” Eerily strange comparison...but Arthur will let it pass because it’ s Halloween, and he knows that sometimes the people giving candy want to be more eccentrically spooky for the holiday . He should know since Elyan and Gwen’ s dad does the same thing. Only, their dad’ s antics don’t give him the instinct to run like Hell, but he digresses. “Now, I’m afraid that my bowl is empty at the moment since that last group finished it all. They were quite the crowd. Especially that boy dressed up as a werewolf.” She giggles, and it sounds hauntingly of f-key . “That boy grabbed a lot of them, he did. Caused a huge dispute between them all.” Arthur missed all that? Of course Gwaine would do something like that. He bets it was Leon who reprimanded him or it could be Lancelot. However, that does answer Arthur ’s question on whether they did get here. All of them were here, got the full bars, and left without even leaving any spares for him. “I hope you don’ t mind waiting while I go get some more.” Merlin nods his head fervently . Arthur ’s almost sure that if he shook his head faster, it would snap of f. “No need, madame, so sorry for your low supply . We’ll just be on our–” “We can wait.” “ Arthur! ” He hears Merlin hiss at him. Arthur doesn’ t care. He wants those full bars, dangit! So what if his friends left him. He came all this way, and he is not leaving because Mer lin is too scared of a house separated from the others in the neighborhood. “Oh how lovely! I may just give you half a box for being so kind!” Brilliant. T ake that Gwaine. The old woman claps her hands while Merlin is burning holes on the side of Arthur ’s head. The woman turns inside the house and pauses. What now? “Oh but, you know, what? It’ s just so cold outside. Are you sure you don’ t want to wait inside where it's warm? I promise I’ll be quick!” Arthur frowns this time. “If you’ll be quick, then we don’ t have to wait indoors. Besides, we’ve been out here for hours.” W ell, Arthur has. He doesn’ t know about Merlin, but it’ s almost eleven. Usually, people don't start trick-or -treating that late. The woman nods in a stif f, uncordial way . “Yes, but that was when you were running around. You’ll begin to feel the cold standing out there for so long.” Again, Arthur feels a rise of unease. He can’ t believe that he’ s starting to reconsider what Merlin said before. It’ s a ridiculous theory, at best, but it could have some merit anyway . If so, Arthur is beginning to think that his friends never left this house. “You just said you would be quick, ” Merlin replies. His arms are crossed and he stares up at the woman raising an eyebrow . The old woman’ s brow twitches. Y eah, the alarm bells are definitely ringing. “Well, dear child, it all depends on if I am able to find them fast enough. Of course, I’m just not at that age anymore.” She sighs, placing a wrinkled hand on her cheek. W ere her nails always that sharp and long? “Sometimes, I fear my memory gets a little splotchy . You younglings just don’ t understand the struggles that come from being old. Y ou’re fresh...like a ripe tomato or a delectable piglet.” Okay! If Arthur hadn’ t already been considering it, those comparisons are a red flag enough! As much as Arthur now wants to be very far away from this woman, he knows his friends are in danger . They came to this house just before him in hopes of getting full bars, and now are trapped somewhere inside this house. He has to go in. “You are definitely right, madam.” He hears Merlin hissing at him again. “It has gotten a little nippy outside. I’m sure we can wait indoors while you restock your candy bowl.” The woman grins. Her lips are stretched so thin, Arthur ’s surprised that they haven't split yet. She turns back to go inside and Arthur follows. Merlin tugs on his sleeve last minute, though. “What are you thinking?” Merlin exclaims in a hushed tone. “I swear, if this is about the full bars, I am going to scream–” “This isn’ t about the bars, you idiot! Not after that! ” “Then why are you going inside!” Arthur turns fully to Merlin. The hat is titled now, close to obscuring his vision on Merlin’ s left side. The look on the witch boy’ s face is stormy . His blue eyes alight and fiery . Arthur holds his gaze and stares down with his own stormy expression. (W ell, he hopes it’ s stormy .) “My friends were just here, and I don’ t remember seeing—or hearing, actually, Gwaine is pretty loud—any of my friends leave this house. She’ s hiding them somewhere and we’re going to find them.” Merlin is quiet for a while. His expression morphs to one of exasperation, understanding and then he sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll help you find your friends, but we have to be quick about this. Who knows how long she’ll be ‘restocking’ her candy bowl.” Arthur feels his stomach uncoil with relief. He doesn’ t know if he could wander around this house on his own. He won’ t let Merlin know that, though. “Great, any ideas on where to start first?” Merlin hums in consideration then snaps his fingers. “The basement might be our best bet.” “Oh fun, let’ s definitely start in the most horror movie cliche location.” “The what?” Arthur looks over at Merlin, who blinks back. He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Merlin still looks innocently confused. “Horror ...movie?” “You have got to be kidding me.” And so, the duo quietly sneaked to where the basement door was. Neither of them knew where exactly the basement was, but they were in too deep to back out now . Both of them would always check behind their backs to ensure that the old woman wasn’ t right behind them. It didn’ t help that the rest of the house was dark and empty just like how it was outside. Almost everything in this house is decomposed. The wind easily slips through the cracks, the walls covered in mold, and all the rooms look like they were rotting. The stench was awful as well, like soured milk mixed with sewage water and last week’ s dinner . Arthur does his best to ignore the smell. Merlin looks unfazed by it all though as they continue wandering around the hall. He really is weird. “It better not be near the kitchen, ” Arthur mutters to distract himself. Merlin nods as he closes the door beneath the stairs. Fortunately, it doesn’ t creak. Actually, now that Arthur thinks about it, none of the doors they have opened made any noise. The floors don't even squeak when stepped on despite how decomposed they look. Everything is quiet. A nice advantage to have when venturing the house of what Arthur assumes was a cannibal. “Do you want to check just in case?” Merlin whispers. “It wouldn’ t hurt.” Except the fact that the old woman is likely in there doing who knows what and wants to eat them. “W e’ll have to be quick about it, though.” Merlin rolls his eyes as they turn back to where the kitchen resides. “No, let me take the rest of the night in the one place where she is and pray we don’ t get caught.” The boy sighs. “I’m not an idiot, and who put you in char ge? I know what I’m doing.” “Sure, witch boy–” “Stop calling me that!” “So far, your plan has been to open every door in this house, including the ones upstairs to find the basement. See any flaws in that plan?” “Well–-we haven’ t even been upstairs!” “That’ s because I said that part of the plan was stupid.” Merlin mutters something about prattish humans and not respecting other ’s plans, but Arthur ignores it. The kitchen light is on, but no shadows or sounds to indicate if she’ s still inside. Good for them since that means they can sneak in without the fear of being seen, but also bad because now they have no clue where she is. Maybe she’ s in the basement. Arthur hopes not. “See any doors?” “Just the one for the fridge.” “Well, ” Arthur breathes out, “guess we have to venture in to see more.” “Guess so.” Merlin fixes his hat and nods to Arthur . The kitchen also looks decomposed. Scraped of f yellow paint on the counters, ripped of f red wallpaper, and black soot on the ceiling. Mold and mildew cover most of the tile floor and the stove is black with grease. The burning smell from the burners is awful, and Arthur hopes that the acrid smell is solely from the smoke mixing with the mildew . Once he finds his friends and gets out of here, Arthur is going straight home and having hot cocoa. “Arthur!” Arthur turns to Merlin who is frantically pointing at a door to the far right. Unlike the white door they entered in, this door is black and looks the most put together out of the whole kitchen. When Arthur walks over to Merlin, the witch boy opens it and inside are stairs leading down to a pitch black basement. “Alright then, guess we better go down.” Arthur goes to step down the stairway . “Are you out of your mind!” Merlin hisses, grabbing Arthur ’s arm and yanking him back into the kitchen Arthur frowns confused. “We made it to the basement, and my friends are down there. Let’ s go save them.” “Yes, but look, we could be blindly handing ourselves over to that lady for all we know! I know your friends are down there, but we need a plan if we want to get them and us out of here alive.” “And how exactly are you going to do that, Merlin?” “Magic of course.” “Magic? Look, I know you’re dressed up as a witch, but you must know that magic isn’ t real.” “I’m not dressed up! I’m a—oh for get. So, what’ s the big plan, sire.” “Thank you for asking, Merlin. Obviously, we have to be careful where we step since those floors look like they might snap of f. As for the chance if she’ s down there, one of us will have to distract her while the other frees my friends.” “Okay, so I distract while you free your friends?, '' says Merlin, nodding his head. Arthur blinks at Merlin who’ s looking back. Merlin was a scrawny kid compared to Arthur, but has no hesitation to volunteer himself as bait to distract someone who, quite frankly, will be giving Arthur nightmares later . “Are you sure? I can distract her while you free them.” Merlin shakes his head and turns to face the dark stairway . “They’re your friends, Arthur . I know you’re worried about them. Besides, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.” “Is it magic?” Arthur jokes, lifting an eyebrow at him. Merlin only smiles. His blue eyes gleam with mischief and Arthur feels himself relax just for a minute. W ith newfound determination, the two of them headed down the dark staircase. The old woman was down there, of course. Thankfully, her back was to the duo, but in front of her was a huge cauldron with blue flames flaring beneath it. W ith each odd ingredient the woman threw, the liquid inside changed color . Neon green to a pale pink to purple to orange. If he wasn’ t so concerned about finding his friends, Arthur would have found it fascinating, but now wasn’ t the time to be frozen staring at a color changing cauldron soup. At the far corner he spots a giant cage, and inside it, his friends. None of them appear hurt from where he stands, but with how dark it is, they could be. He hopes not. Leon is the one who spots him first unsurprisingly . He was always the attentive and observant one out of the group. Arthur sees him minutely shake his head. He ignores it though. They’re his friends. As if he would abandon them! He looks over at Merlin who nods. Arthur is far enough away to not be noticed by the woman if she turns over to Merlin. Here’ s to hoping that their plan works. “I thought you said you would be quick.” Her hands still while the cauldron bubbles a ripe red. She turns around, stretching her lips into that thin smile. Maybe it’ s just the bright color of the soup...thing, but her hair appears to look an even darker red, similar to blood. Not to mention her wrinkles seem more pronounced than they did when Arthur was standing on her porch. He hears the woman respond with something creepy about piglets, and Merlin answers with a snark. Focus. Arthur shakes his head and continues to the cage. Now that he’ s closer, he can see his friends better and fortunately, no one has any bruises or scratches. Arthur sighs inwardly . He doesn’ t know what he would’ve done if he found any of them hurt. He crouches over to where Leon is. So far he’ s the only one who’ s conscious. “Everyone okay?” Leon nods. “Y eah, she knocked us out with something the minute we got inside.” Arthur shakes his head mockingly . “What are you doing going in stranger ’s houses Leon. You’re twelve years old. Now a ten year old has to save your sorry hide.” Leon rolls his eyes and smiles though it’ s too stif f in Arthur ’s opinion. Leon has always been the most level-headed of the group, so to see him unnerved (even though he’ s doing his best to hide it) only adds to Arthur ’s nerves. “You came inside this house, too.” “Yeah, to save you guys. Think you can wake them up while I get the padlock open?” Arthur hears Leon give a soft huf f when he goes to the padlock at the door . It’s also rusty with metal peeling of f the edges. It’ s too late to find a key, and Arthur doesn’ t know how long Merlin will be able to keep the woman’ s attention away from the cage. Arthur considers ripping the lock right of f. It’s already close to crumbling. Maybe, a simple yank will cause it to turn to dust. As he pulls on the lock harshly, he hears a shrill yell from the otherside of the room. Arthur snaps his attention to where the sound came from, praying that the woman didn’ t get to Merlin. He sees her bending over and holding her wrist tightly . “You insolent child! How dare you believe you can stop me from completing my ritual! I am no mere old lady . I am someone who can make the earth tremble, I am centuries old, I am not to be trifled with!” A scof f is echoed through the room. “Is that why you’re getting handed to by a kid? Some powerful being.” At least Merlin’ s okay . Not like Arthur was concerned. He focuses on his task. It appears that yanking the padlock does not cause it to crumble, so that idea is a dud. He looks around the stone floor for anything thin and sharp like a needle or screw . “Here.” Arthur looks up and finds a conscious Guinevere with an outstretched hand holding a pin. It seems Leon got everyone awake because he can see Gwaine looking at where the woman is. Her batgirl mask is gone and the carefully done hair Gwen would fuss over earlier is undone and dusty . Still, her resolve doesn’ t break when she looks at Arthur . “My mother gave me some extra bobby pins in case the ones I'm wearing fall of f. See if you can use this to unlock it.” “Thank you.” She smiles brightly and walks over to Elyan. She fusses over him while he rubs at his eyes. Arthur looks back at the padlock and inserts the pin into the lock. Arthur thanks the stars that Gwaine had taught all of them how to pick locks no matter how adverse to it he was in the beginning. In a couple seconds, Arthur hears a click, and the padlock falls to the floor . A sigh of relief comes from the whole group. Then a cackle echoes through the room. Right. Creepy, cannibal lady . Arthur slowly opens the door to ensure it makes no sound, and his friends quickly exit. Luckily, the staircase is right in front of them. They quietly sprint towards it. Arthur looks around for Merlin. As annoying the witch boy can be, Arthur wouldn’ t wish to see him caught by her . He can hear the woman calling for him in that haunting sing-song voice, but Merlin does not snark back this time. “Oh sweetie...where did you go? Come out, come out...come out little piglet.” Arthur shudders. He’ s definitely going to have nightmares of this. “I see you got your friends, ” says a hushed voice. Arthur did not jump. He didn’ t. “Merlin!” He shakes his head. This kid is going to be the bane of his existence, isn’ t he. “Yeah, they're climbing up the stairs, let's go.” He sees the silhouette of Merlin nod and the two of them creep up the staircase, hoping the woman will continue to call aimlessly into the dark. Once out of the basement, all of the children run out of the house and don’ t stop running until they reach Arthur ’s home. They're all gasping for breath. Gwaine collapses to the floor . “Never ... again. Never again am I listening to my brothers.” “When I see your brothers again, Gwaine, ” Elyan gasps out, “I am going to kill them.” “Seconded, ” Lancelot breathes out. Gwaine lifts his hand to wave it in agreement. “I wouldn’ t blame you.” “By the way, ” gasps Guinevere, looking at a flushed Merlin, “who are you.” “Oh, I’m Merlin, ” He reaches out his hand to her . She smiles and shakes his hands. “Guinevere Smith, but you can call me Gwen.” “Well, Merlin!” Gwaine jumps up and slides an arm behind Merlin. “Thank you for helping our princess and rescuing us.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “Again with princess? I already told you to stop calling me that.” “Sure, princess.” Jerk. Merlin laughs and looks over at Arthur amused then back to Gwaine. “He does look like a princess.” “See! Thank you, Merls. I will remember this day . The day Merlin confirmed that Arthur was a princess.” “We were almost some cannibal’ s food, ” Elyan points out. “And I’m ignoring that. As you should too.” “Alright, it’ s late as it is. W e should all head home, ” Leon says, pointing to his watch. The numbers flash with the time: 1 1:35. Crap. He promised his mother that he would be home before then. Arthur looks towards his house. The porch lights are still on and though the blinds cover the lar ge window next to the door, he can see a sliver of light. Looks like she’ s still awake. Maybe Father is back home from work, too. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Merlin.” Arthur hears Guinevere say to Merlin who smiles in return. “I just wish it was under better circumstances, you know…” She coughs and grabs Elyan’ s hand as they follow Lancelot back to their homes. “Bye Gwen!” Merlin waves then says goodbye to Gwaine and Percival with Arthur and Leon. When Leon leaves, it’ s just Merlin and Arthur . Both of them stand in front of Arthur ’s home quietly waiting for the other to speak. Even though it’ s near midnight, Arthur can still hear people out in the streets. After all that’ s happened that night, Arthur was glad for the sound of other people and looked up to find the moon in all its glory . “I should probably go inside. I was supposed to come back earlier ...I hope Mum isn’ t worried.” Merlin nods and looks back at the neighborhood. “Will I see you again?” Arthur gets out. Though it was barely a whisper, Merlin still hears it and smirks. “What? Are you going to miss me a lot?” He grins wide, showing his white teeth that reflect from the moon. “N-no! It’ s just–well, look…there’ s something about you, Merlin. I can’ t quite put my finger on it. That’ s all.” “Okay princess.” Arthur grumbles while Merlin laughs. Eventually, Arthur sighs and adjusts the sack on his shoulder . “Uh… see you, then?” “Yeah, ” Merlin nods, “Until then.” Arthur walks to his front porch and presses the doorbell. He looks back to see if Merlin is still there, but all that’ s behind him is pavement. When his mother opens the door, he lets her hug him as tight as she wants, and if his hug lingers longer than usual, neither of them mention it. He asks for coco and when the hot chocolate is ready, both of them snuggle into the couch. Hocus Pocus is playing on the channel and they watch it together, and the two of them stay on the couch watching it and the movie after until they fall asleep. Chapter End Notes they're so cute!!! merlin cast as little children always make my heart soft T^T if you liked it, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Chapter 2 Chapter Summary "Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that, ” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later, their trick- or-treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. Just typical park things, you know? Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes Arthur never saw Merlin after that night. Thankfully, Halloween was on a Friday, so he could search around the neighborhood for the odd witch boy . No matter which house he went to, the parks he scoured, there was no Merlin anywhere. It was like he vanished from thin air . But that just can’t be possible. People don’ t just pop up one day, warn you about the (now arrested) cannibalistic lady, then poof from existence. For the whole weekend, Arthur looked for Merlin, but whenever his mother or friends asked him, he would deny it. Gwaine jokingly said that Merlin was actually a ghost. A troubled soul who was one of the lady’ s first victims, but shut up after Gwen began to cry . Elyan was not happy about that. Soon, the weekend ended, and Arthur had to continue on with school, though schoolwork was the farthest thing from his mind. It took until Christmas for him to believe that searching for Merlin was useless. Sometimes, he wonders if there even was a boy with him when he saved his friends. Maybe he invented the odd boy in his head to help him not feel as alone in a dark, abandoned house searching for his kidnapped friends. Arthur hated that thought. Despite the ten year old’ s inner turmoil, the world continued on as normal. Eventually, Arthur forgot about Merlin. Sometimes, he would stay up and think of the brown-haired witch with those really bright eyes, but other than that, finding Merlin and bombarding him with questions on where he’ s been isn't as important to Arthur anymore. There’ s no full moon this Halloween. But this year, it’s on a Saturday, so he can spend all of Halloween with his friends and figuring out a better game plan on which houses to go to. “You know, my brothers were talking about this old couple that—” “And I’m stopping you right there, ” Elyan says, placing a hand on Gwaine’ s shoulder . “Last time, if you remember, your brothers led us to an abandoned house where a cannibal lived. No full bars anywhere and we were all scarred.” Gwaine shudders. “Right, yeah… good point.” It wasn’ t that hard to plan out which houses to go to, which houses to avoid; most of them have been living in this neighborhood all their life. Figuring out whether a house gave toothbrushes and those weird candied popcorn balls wasn’ t that hard to remember . The group agreed to start early, so as to have more opportunities at the popular homes. It was a normal Halloween, much to Arthur ’s discontent. No matter where they ventured in the neighborhood, he couldn’ t find Merlin. Arthur knows that just because it’ s Halloween doesn’ t mean he’ll actually show up. He’ s already tried looking for him and it was always dead ends. But for some reason, today felt dif ferent. Maybe it was because the wind sounds like it’ s whispering to him. Maybe it was because the sky seems more magical as the sun sets. Maybe it was because Arthur never really gave up on finding Merlin. He always searched no matter if he told his friends that he didn’ t think Merlin was really there. He always searched whenever he saw a head of brown hair that turned out to not be the bright eyed witch boy . Arthur kept looking even when he, himself, stopped believing. They were at the last house when it happened. Everyone just got down the steps when a loud squawk is heard. Squawk is probably the wrong word for it. Arthur thinks that it sounded like a possessed herd of geese flying overhead, but the sound of flapping wings made it feel like there was only one giant bird flying. Definitely odd. Thankfully, for Arthur ’s sake, everyone else jumped in surprise to the demonic sound of a giant flying creature. “Well, ” Percival whistles, “someone is getting really into their halloween decorations. Got sound ef fects and everything.” “Oh, I can assure you, ” says a familiar voice, “that was not sound ef fects.” Arthur spun around in surprise. He can’ t believe it. Right in front of him. Same height, same shabby clothes (he seriously needs to either pick a new costume or add more flair to this whole witch thing), and same bright, mischievous, blue eyes. “Hey! It’ s Witch Boy!” Gwaine exclaims and hugs him. He gives out an “oomf!” which is a classic reaction from being hugged by Gwaine. “T ell us then, how are you? Where have you been--” “Merlin!” Arthur finally lets out...a bit too loud. Merlin, still trapped in Gwaine’ s hug, moves his head over to face Arthur and smiles. “Hello, prat.” “Not a prat, idiot.” Merlin just continues to smile as if he can see right through Arthur . Once Gwaine lets go, Gwen goes to hug him and soon the rest of the gang give Merlin hugs, pats, hair ruf fles. Of course all of that is ruined by the demented screeching. “Right, ” Merlin fixes his blue, pointy hat. “About that… you called it a sound ef fect?” Quickly, Merlin tells them all that, no, the screeching sound from above is not a herd of demonic geese but a full grown grif fin. How fun. “So… is the grif fin a danger to us?” asks Lancelot. Merlin shakes his head and starts to fuss with his sleeves. Arthur notices a thinly wrapped bracelet on his wrist. It seems to be one strand of metal wound around Merlin’ s wrist with a pale crystal dangling at the top. It must be new, seeing how Arthur doesn’ t remember seeing it last year . “Not really . It just isn’ t supposed to be here. Of course with today being when the V eil is open, something just had to get out.” When the V eil is open? What is Merlin talking about? Grif fins, open veils… all of this is too much. However, no one gets a chance to ask Merlin what exactly is the V eil because he quickly moves to a plan on how to send the grif fin back inside before anyone gets hurt. “Everybody got that?” No. No, everybody didn’ t. “Great!” Merlin claps his hands together, and for a second Arthur swears they spark. “Now, let’s see if we can get this giant bird out of here!” After hours of herding the beast, getting their costumes dirtied and ripped, they were finally able to lead the grif fin safely away from the neighborhood and into the wood where a portal ripped open for the creature to enter . “So… that really happened.” Merlin giggles. “Of course it did. I was with you the whole time, yeah?” “Right, right, I just...need a minute.” You know, because seeing the air in front of you split open into a swirling portal that the griffin flew into. Who knew grif fins were that big. Arthur almost got smacked by its tail earlier . Still, Arthur just saw a grif fin. A real, alive, flying grif fin. Arthur knows he feels a bit faint but does his best to stay awake. His father always told him to be strong and never show weakness to others. Gwaine and Elyan had fainted just at the sight of the creature. Merlin, though, he beamed and bounced with so much ener gy that Arthur didn’ t think it was possible. “So, what now?” Leon says. He was the only one who looked calm, and Arthur can’ t say that he isn’ t jealous. Although, Leon did squeal when the grif fin’s wings almost smacked him, so there’ s that. “Go to more houses?” Percival of fered. Gwen shook her head and motioned to her and her brother ’s baskets full of candy . “We’ve already been to so many, and I know that Arthur ’s sack will explode if we add anymore to it.” “Hey, my sack can hold anything! But, uh--” He gulps at the glare given to him by Gwen. “-- we don’ t need to go to more houses. How about…we stop at mine? If that’ s alright of course.” Everyone nods (including Gwaine and Elyan who are well awake by then). Arthur turns to Merlin, who stands close to where the veil once was. The wind isn’ t as harsh as it was minutes ago, but it’ s still there, blowing Merlin’ s tattered robes to and fro. As usual, Merlin is looking of f into the woods, inside his own head with his hat covering his expression. Arthur bets it’ s one where he looks idiotic with that soft smile and closed eyes. “Witch Boy!” That gets his attention. Merlin jumps abruptly and stumbles to turn toward Arthur . “We’re all coming to my house!” There’ s a small pause as Merlin scrunches his face at Arthur confused. “Okay…? And?” Arthur sighs heavily . He hears Leon and Gwen chastising him for being nicer, but it's Merlin. “You’re coming too, of course!” “I am?” Arthur huf fs at Merlin’ s surprised expression. He really can be dense. “What do you think ‘ of course’ means? Y es, you’re coming, Merlin, and you can’ t back out. It’s not allowed.” He can see Merlin’ s cheeks puf f up and his foot stamps on the dead leaves. “I know what that means, clotpole!” “Then come on! Y ou’ll be the last one there and miss my mother ’s hot chocolate at this rate!” Merlin hurried over to Arthur and gave him a shove. Arthur being Arthur, shoved him back but harder . This continued on until they reached Arthur ’s home. His mother greeted all of them, gave them hugs or hair ruf fles (much to Arthur ’s chagrin) and set to making her infamous hot cocoa. It happened like this every Halloween. Every year, Merlin would show up to hang out with Arthur and the gang or to warn them about some magical problem that leaked from the veil. The year after the grif fin, some pixies were creating havoc. Then it was a unicorn. Arthur remembers Merlin being so entranced by it, but he can’ t blame the guy because the unicorn was beautiful. Arthur likes that something magical always happens on Halloween even if some of them aren’ t exactly fun. Some years later, one of his cousins (Arthur isn’ t sure from which family) moves in since her father was a good friend of Arthur ’s. Her name is Mor gana, and Arthur quickly finds out that she is a harpy . Always getting him into trouble. Crying at the right moments to get at his parents’ heartstrings so she gets away with everything. Arthur hates it. That is until he beats her at chess. “You cheated.” Is all she says. Arthur can’ t help but grin at her smugly . They try checkers next, and he beats her there too. Arthur likes to count that as the best day of his life. They keep playing chess for the rest of the day, and eventually, Arthur starts to teach her better moves to play until she finally beats him near midnight. Arthur can’ t find it in him to be upset and celebrates with her . Soon, all of her “devilish” pranks and plans, Arthur is in on them too. He adds more details in her plans. Never do their pranks ever lead back to the two of them. It was nice having someone else around who wasn’ t staf f or his mother as company . He had his friends, yes, but they could only stay for a short while. Sometimes there were sleepovers, but eventually, they had to go back to their own home. Having Mor gana around was like having a little sister around to pick on, protect, and plan pranks with. She fit into the gang instantly, much to Arthur ’s relief, quickly becoming friends with Gwen and Leon. All Arthur needed was Merlin and their group would be complete. When Halloween came that year, Arthur found Merlin waiting by his fence as usual. Quickly, he ran up to him. Mother made him late again with all her fussing on his costume. He was dressed, this time, as a Camelot knight which is dif ferent from the other knights he dressed as years before, thank you very much. “Sorry, did you have to wait long?” Merlin shook his head causing his hat to tip to the right. “Nah, I just got here.” Arthur sighed in relief and looked up at the sky . “Ah man!” “What's wrong?” Merlin frowned. “It’s just… I know this sounds silly, but I was really hoping that it would be a full moon this year. Halloween always seems more mystical when it does.” Merlin hums and nods then quickly looks over at Arthur ’s porch. “Say, is that your mother calling you?” Quickly, Arthur turns to his porch but doesn’ t hear his mother call for him. All he sees is Morgana exiting the house in her “Empress” costume. He looks back to Merlin who wears his sheepish, "I-swear -I’m-innocent" face. Then he looks back at the sky and gasps. Up in the sky isn’ t the curvy crescent moon Arthur just saw . Instead is a bright, full moon shining in its silver glory . Arthur can’ t believe it. “How-how did this happen? W asn’t it just small a second ago?” Merlin hums again with his hand on his chin in a contemplating way . “That really is strange...W ell! Shall we go?” Arthur nods but his attention is still on the moon. “Arthur! Y ou’re mum said that you can’ t leave without me!” Merlin tilts his head. “Who are you?” “I’m Mor gana. Who are you?” Arthur snaps from his trance and begins to introduce Merlin and Mor gana to each other . Though there was a small hostile hiccup, the two start to get along. “I haven’ t seen you around, Merlin. Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that, ” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later, their trick-or - treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. It was Morgana’ s first experience with magical creatures and would not stop talking about how magic is real and if she’ll get to see them again. It was also the night Arthur realized that Merlin wasn’ t joking when he said he could do magic. Merlin called him dense for that, but Arthur got him back by shoving him into the fountain. After that, the gang decided not to go trick-or -treating on Halloween, but go “monster hunting” instead. (Y es, this was Mor gana’ s idea.) Now, they would split of f into small groups of three and scour the neighborhood for any magical creatures that left the V eil. Unsurprisingly, being grouped with Merlin meant that they attracted most of the magical creatures, but that made it easier since Merlin could summon the veil and let them pass through. Gwaine likes to joke that they could create their own monster hunting Y ouTube channel, but Gwen would pipe in that it wouldn’ t be as popular seeing how most of the monsters come out on Halloween. Gwaine would then grumble about spoil-sports and just wanting to document their adventures. The next year, Percival brought his video cameras- one for each group. They never created a Y ouTube channel, but with the amount of recorded events they had, Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised if Gwaine and Percival made one. Even as they grew older and went to college, the gang would always come back on Halloween and go hunting for “monsters.” Of course, they found a way to contact Merlin, and Arthur makes sure to text him everyday . None of the group knows where exactly Merlin is from and why he can only visit on Halloween. Arthur has heard many of Mor gana’ s theories as to why . (“Think about it, Arthur . Why only Halloween? Why is our neighborhood the only place that has these problems?” Morgana drapes herself over Arthur ’s bed, leaving no room for Arthur to sit on. He breathes out a sigh and sits on his desk chair . She points her manicured nails at him as she rants about today’ s theory on why Merlin can only visit once a year . “Mor gana, I’m sure that other places have the same issues as ours. The V eil can open anywhere. Merlin said it’ s just this day that makes it open, not a special place.” He sees Mor gana perk up and turn around on the bed so her stomach is towards the floor . Her dark hair falling on her face made her look slightly deranged. Arthur knows that Gwen would call this messy look on Mor gana beautiful, but Arthur has a hard time associating anything beautiful with his sister . Terrifying? Absolutely . “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you didn’ t listen to Merlin when he goes on about the…” “Mor gana, ” Arthur sighed. “What did you call it? Ah, right, ” “Mor gana, ” Arthur hissed. He is not in the mood for this. “The ‘ hocus pocus thingy’ . But instead you do and just pretend not to. A w, is W artie really a softie for --” “Shut up, ‘Gana! It’ s not like that!” Already, he can feel his cheeks heating up, and Morgana’ s little grin is enough to know that she saw it too. “Sure it’ s not.”) Whether any of her theories are true or not doesn’ t matter too much to Arthur because, without fail, Merlin will always be there with him on Halloween. Whether early or late, Merlin will be there. “Do you remember the ogre?” asks Percival. Leon groans and Gwaine squeals at the memory . “Oh you bet, mate. How could I not!” “I could, I would definitely want that memory erased from my mind, ” Leon mutters next to Arthur . Arthur pats Leon on the back and does his best not to laugh along with Gwaine. The ogre. Looking back, Arthur finds it hilarious, but at the time-- “MERLIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CAST THE SPELL!” “I told you, Arthur . Spells like these take time! I can’ t just magic a portal and whisk Leon’ s beloved away!” “Please don’ t call her that, ” sighs a distraught Leon. “I was drunk and it was thr ee in the morning. I’m not doing anything like this ever again” “SHUT UP, LEON!” --yeah… that was a stressful time. “Cheer up, Leon, ” Elyan says as he slides into their booth, Lancelot trailing behind him. They’re at their usual pub, The Rising Sun, and, unfortunately, it’s crowded more than usual. Thankfully, Leon came in early (like the meticulous man he is) and saved the booth for them all. “Say, Arthur?” Arthur grunts in response as he reaches for his drink. Leon is back to being his dignified self again, so his arms are free to drink. “Did Merlin get a chance to let you know he’ s coming?” He hears Gwaine snicker and from the corner of his eye, see Percival roll his own at whatever Gwaine said. “You have his number, right?” Elyan nods. “There’ s your answer . Ask him yourself.” Arthur doesn’ t understand why his friends always ask him if Merlin is coming. It’ s not like the two of them talk that much. Sure, the moment Arthur got a phone, he immediately went to Merlin the next Halloween to gift the witch his own phone and exchange numbers with the rest of the group. But that was only because he couldn’ t stand their past communication of sending letters through birds. They would always scratch him or give his mother quite a freight if they swooped in from nowhere. Elyan sighs and turns to Lancelot exasperated. Arthur doesn’ t bother to understand his theatrics. Honestly, Gwaine’ s done worse. “Yeah, but Merlin always leaves me on read. When he does answer, it’s just short responses. Don’ t you two… have long conversations all the time-” (in the far distance of the other side of the booth, Gwaine whispers, “Whipped.”) “-and you always respond to him, so… maybe he’ll let you know?” Arthur sighs and drinks his beer . Finally he relents. Those dumb Smith siblings and their caring eyes that seem like they can see through your soul. “Yeah, Merlin said he was coming and to save him a seat. I already ordered for him, too.” Gwaine perks up. “Did you?” His grin is wide and cheshire like. Arthur knows that the next things out of Gwaine’ s mouth won’ t be anything good. At least, not for him. “What do you say, Elyan? My money’ s on two weeks.” O...kay ..? Not where Arthur thought Gwaine was going to take this conversation. He hears Elyan chuckle. “T wo weeks? Never thought you were one to hope when it came to this.” Arthur is very lost on what these two are talking about. “Oh believe me, ” pipes in Percival, “When it comes to them, Gwaine can’ t help but have hope. Y ou should hear him going on about it all day .” That gets some laughs out of everyone but Arthur, who is still confused as to what is going on. “Of course, you would know about what Gwaine goes on about everyday, wouldn’ t you, ” Leon teases. Percival flushes while Gwaine only giggles and snuggles more into the man’ s giant frame. Alright. T easing Percival about his crush on Gwaine. Arthur knows that. W ell, maybe Arthur shouldn’ t say crush since the two of them are dating now . However, Percival still gets embarrassed when the gang teases him and Gwaine about their relationship. Gwaine finds it adorable and never loses the chance to show them of f when the teasing starts. When Leon goes to buy them another round, Arthur notices that Elyan is short a few more people. “Weren’ t Mor gana and Gwen with you?” Elyan winces and rubs his necks. “They were… but, well--” “They decided to spend Halloween alone… together… after a heavy makeout session right in front of us.” Lancelot looks slightly haunted. The rest of the boys nod in understanding. Personally, when it came to PDA-obsessed couples, Arthur had assumed that Percival and Gwaine would be number one on that list but nope. T urns out his sister and Gwen can’ t ever seem to get their hands of f each other . Sometimes, they for get where they are and who they’re with and the constant kissing gets a little bit more… heated . Thankfully, the conversation shifts to Percival and Lancelot’ s job at a hardware store. Somehow, they get on the topic of dragons and whether one would ever come out from the Veil. It is here how Merlin finds them: almost drunk of f their asses debating the existence of the Fae. “I’m telling you, Leon, ” slurs Lancelot, “they probably wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to get here. Y ou hear stories about them popping up when it’ s not even close to… what was the other name Halloween has?” “Samhain, you mean?” “Yes, yes, Samhain.” Lancelot bobs his head and the witch giggles at the sight. “Thank you, Merlin.” A pause. “MERLIN!” “Where have you been?” “Buddy! How you been?” “What took you so long, idiot!” Merlin just smiles and slides into the seat next to Arthur . He still wears that ragged, blue hat as always though this time, there’ s no robes to be seen. Instead, he wears a light brown jacket, a loose blue shirt with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. It’ s a nice look on him, Arthur can concede, even if it still looks like something Merlin just threw on. If they ever get the chance, Arthur is taking Merlin out to buy some real clothes that actually look fashionable. “Good to see you too, your royal highness.” Arthur rolls his eyes and gives Merlin his drink. For a brief second, their fingers touch. Only for a short moment, Arthur can feel how warm Merlin's hands are, but it ends just as it starts. Merlin brings the bottle to his full lips and the feeling of his hands are gone. “So, you guys talking about the Fair Folk? Y ou should be careful about what you say because they might not like it. For example--” “Come on, Mer lin! It’ s just harmless fun. Besides, ” Arthur leans closer to Merlin. From here, he can see a small ring of gold around the witch’ s blue irises. From here, Merlin’ s eyes are so blue. Like the clear sky in mid-morning. Not light but not deep either . Arthur can feel Merlin’ s breath as he giggles. “W e’ll have you to bust us out of trouble, right?” Merlin huf fs and shrugs Arthur of f of him. Arthur falls onto Leon letting out an “oomf.” “Glad to see how you really feel about me. I thought our friendship was stronger than that.” Merlin sighs theatrically and pretends to nurse his beer bottle. “Y ou just want me for my magic.” Gwaine gives out a giggle and leans forward. “Don’ t worry, Merls. Magic isn’ t the only thing Arthur wants.” He wags his eyebrows and Arthur feels his face flush, though sober him would deny it. “Come of f it, Gwaine, ” Arthur somehow stutters out. “Y ou’re drunk.” “Aye, ” he hiccups, “but at least I’m not in denial.” You know what? Arthur is finding new friends. Friends who don’ t call him out like that. Arthur is perfectly fine with where things are. No need to say anything that might ruin it. “Alright, that’ s enough booze for you.” Percival takes Gwaine’ s bottle and hands him a glass of water . Where did the water come from? Maybe it was Leon. Or Lancelot. The rest of the night was spent rehashing their year to Merlin (who knew most of what happened because Arthur tells him everything). After catching up, the gang thought it’d be fun to ask Merlin about the V eil and what goes in and out. T urns out Lancelot was right in thinking that the Fae wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to leave the otherworld called A valon. Once it got close to midnight, the gang decided to call it a night and head back to their dorms. Leon was sober enough to drive them all to their designated places. Percival had to carry a sleeping Gwaine while Elyan and Lancelot stumbled together into their shared apartment. When they got to Arthur ’s apartment, Merlin of fered to help him inside. “Leon, I know you live on the other side of the campus. I can take him, don’ t worry .” Leon sighs and shakes his head fondly . “Alright, make sure to leave some aspirin on his desk so that his hangover won’ t bother him as much tomorrow .” “I’m right here, you know, ” Arthur slurs out. Hanging of f of Merlin’ s shoulder, Arthur feels loose. Like a puppet finally cut from its string but now has no direction on where to go. Merlin snorts and shifts Arthur ’s arm on his shoulder for a better grip. “Of course you’re here. Anyone can tell where you are by the sound of your pratish voice.” Arthur retaliates by butting his head on Merlin’ s neck. There. That would show him. Leon chuckles and waves one last goodbye to Merlin before driving away . “Alright, your royal pratty-ness, where do I take you?” It takes a couple stumbles but they make it to his apartment eventually . Sure, Merlin may have passed the elevator twice and almost dropped Arthur a couple more times, but they made it to his place in one piece. Arthur digs through his pocket, looking for his key but keeps missing the pocket entirely . Merlin rolls his eyes and reaches into his pocket instead. Once again, Arthur feels the warmth from Merlin's fingers. Even when they leave, the feeling lingers. Merlin finds the key quickly and unlocks the door with the finesse of a sober person, opening the door with a “tadah!” The two of them stumble inside and Merlin drops Arthur on the couch. Arthur squawks as the cushions hit his back. “Merlin!” Merlin pokes his head out from the kitchen. In his hands is a glass of water and in the other a bag of chips. “What?” He blinks at Arthur . Again, Arthur is lost, looking at Merlin’ s eyes. Blue ringed with gold and absolutely beautiful. “Yeah?” Merlin coughs out. Arthur snaps out of it. Right. Merlin. His friend. His best friend. Why did Arthur call on him again? Must not have been important if he’ s forgotten. “N-nevermind.” Merlin raises an eyebrow at that, but thankfully, lets it slide. Arthur gets up from the couch and walks over to the kitchen to join Merlin, who gives him a glass of water as well. They then start to talk about nonsense. How they’ve been, the pressures Arthur ’s father has on him, Merlin’ s new spells that he then shows of f to a delighted Arthur . It’s nice and quiet. Just the two of them. Arthur knows he’ s been sneaking glances every now and then. Hopefully, it isn’ t super obvious. Drunk or not, Arthur doesn’ t know what he would do if Merlin were to find out how Arthur ’s feelings for him isn’ t platonic anymore. Sometimes, Arthur thinks he spies Merlin sneaking glances also, but he knows that it’ s only the trick of the light. He looks to where the window resides just above the kitchen sink. It’ s a full moon. Full moons on Halloween are always the best in Arthur ’s opinion. The night sky alight with stars, the moon up high for all to see. But Arthur ’s favorite part of full moon Halloweens is spending that time under the moonlight with Merlin. Chapter End Notes these boys *shakes head* they're so silly but yeah that's chapter 2! i originally had plans to continue this to have a ch3 but for the moment just 2 parts is enough and it's super sweet anyway . (dw i have half of ch3 written but this wip has been on hold for sometime that i'm okay with leaving at two) if i ever do think to include ch3 here, it will be some later time and when i can figure out the ending. anyway, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English
Published: 2023-01-19 Words: 10,454 Chapters: 2/2 Witch Boy by fluffypoato Summary “Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy! Chapter 1 Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes “Okay , think you got everything?” his mother asks. “Yes, mum, I’ve got my belt and my sword and my sack.” Arthur rolls his eyes at his mother ’s fussing. Really , he’s ten years old now . He’ s trick-or -treating all on his own with his friends. He’ s a big boy . Arthur ’s mother smiles softly , brushing her pale wig from her face. His mother had decided to match with Arthur ’s knight costume and go as a queen from the renaissance. Her dress is a deep scarlet that she got at Party City with a plastic, gold circlet wrapped around her head. “Just double checking, little lion.” She goes to kiss his forehead. “Now , don’ t you look regal!” she says admiring his costume. While his mother ’s costume is simple with only a few accessories, Arthur ’s is a bit more detailed since he told his mother that he wanted to look like a “real” and “authentic” knight like the ones he hears in the fairy tales she reads to him. His leather boots are a light brown, his trousers are black and loose with a brown belt holding his wooden sword, and his tunic is red with a black hood stitched round his collar . Arthur preened at his mother ’s praises on his costume and did a little spin. It’ s a silly spin, in his opinion, but it's just him and his mother . He can act silly in front of her . She giggles at him and spins herself. “Do you think I look lovely , sir knight?” “I think you look beautiful, my lady ,” he answers, kissing his mother ’s knuckles while she laughs. The sound of the doorbell is heard even though faint. Arthur ’s mother composes herself brushing of f imaginary dust from her gown. She crouches down to Arthur and does some last minute fixes. Usually , he would fuss and complain, but let her continue since he, too, didn’ t want this moment to end. “Now , don’ t forget to say thank you after being given candy and make sure to come back home no later than eleven thirty , okay?” “Yes, Mum.” She smiles wide, showing of f her white teeth and pinches Arthur ’s cheeks. “And don’ t forget to have fun, little lion. It’ s Halloween.” Arthur giggles and shoves her hands from his cheeks. Just before he leaves, his mother does some last minute fussing. Brushing of f his tunic, fixing the sleeves over and over -- “Mum! I can’ t go trick-or -treating if you keep me here!” His mother sighs and looks over at him one last time before nodding. Arthur nods in return and smiles before exiting his house to meet up with his friends. T oday is Halloween, and it’ s a full moon he discovers when looking at the sky . Already , Arthur can tell that this Halloween was going to be great. Some twenty houses later , Arthur has a sack full of candy along with his other friends. Heavy as it was, Arthur slings it over his back while venturing of f to the next house that Gwaine claims has full bars. “Full bars, guys! None of that fun-size stuff. Trust me!” “Last time I trusted you, I ended up with a face full of dirt and got grounded by my mother ,” grumbles Percival. “Oh come on, Perce!” Gwaine laughs, messing with his scruf fy wig. “Y ou know I never meant for that to happen! I got in trouble too, you know .” Gwaine gives Percival the biggest, pleading eyes Arthur has ever seen and scof fs. “Don’ t fall for it, Percival. He’ll just get you into more trouble next time.” Leon and Lancelot chuckle nervously while Elyan nods in agreement. Both Leon and Lancelot dressed as knights with Arthur while Gwaine thought to go as a werewolf. Pecival said he was a jedi. Elyan dressed as an assassin, but unfortunately , had to keep correcting the parents on who he was. Apparently , Robin Hood was a popular guess that was given. Elyan also brought his little sister who was dressed as Batgirl. “It’s true Percy! Gwaine gave me those puppy eyes and the next thing I know we’re sneaking off to prank his brothers…” Elyan trails of f, looking far of f into the distance haunted. “I almost died.” Elyan's sister sighs exasperatedly . “Yeah, and then I had to save you from getting caught by our dad, remember?” “And I am ever grateful for your aid, Gwen.” He ruf fles her hair while Gwen squawks and smacks his arm away . “Elyan! It took Mum hours to get my hair like this!” She pats down her straightened hair as good as a child can while Elyan rolls his eyes. Eventually , they reach the alleged house that holds full sized bars. Maybe it was how late the night had gotten, but the house looked very ominous to Arthur . The lights were a dim orange. Not the bright white like the other houses that passed by . It was also at the corner of the neighborhood, making it feel secluded and isolated. No decorations were found on the lawn. Only a small wooden Jack-o-lantern hanging on the door . Arthur had a bad feeling. He looked at his other friends, gaging their reactions. Gwaine looked excited as ever . Elyan was busy talking to his sister , so even if Elyan did make a reaction, Arthur wouldn’ t know . Percival looked worried, but that just might be because Gwaine looks like he might explode. Leon and Lancelot did exchange concerned glances to each other and to Arthur , so there’ s that. “Is this really the place?” Leon finally asked. “Of course!” Gwaine scof fed and puf fed up his chest. “This is the place that my brothers would always talk about every year . They would always come with full bars and tell me about this house.” “I dunno, Gwaine,” Lancelot answers, “Y ou know that your brothers tend to…” “Prank us all the time?” Arthur finishes for him. He notices movement behind the window and grips his sack tighter . Gwaine makes a noise of protest but sags. “Okay , I know that my brothers are pranksters, but so am I. It’ s a family thing. But, lying about full sized candy bars? They would never . Scout’ s honor!” Everyone raised their eyebrows at that. Elyan rolls his eyes and fiddles with his bucket. “Well, if they are lying about the candy bars, we can just get back at them, eh?” The gang nods in agreement and starts walking up to the ominous house. The wind picks up and Arthur shivers. He looks up at the full moon, watching as the clouds begin to cover its silver glow . Arthur looks back at the house. W ith the now cloudy sky , the house looks darker and even more foreboding than it was before. Chills run down his arms and not from the wind. It’s probably nothing, Arthur repeats over and over in his head. It’s all my imagination. Nothing is wr ong with the house. It’ s just Halloween. “You should probably stop your friends from going there.” Arthur startles at the sudden voice next to him. It was a boy . A boy with light blue eyes. “Who-who are you?” The boy smiles and reaches out his hand. “I’m Merlin.” Arthur looks down at the hand then back at Merlin’ s face. He’ s about the same height as Arthur as far as he can tell. T o be honest, the costume Merlin was wearing was odd. It looks like a dress that’ s been worn down with tears at the end but really , was a blue, faded robe. The odd boy also has a worn, blue hat to match. Merlin’ s boots are red like his scarf but pointed (and not leather , Arthur ’s brain feels the need to add). Merlin tilts his head and raises his brow while Arthur stays frozen next to him. W orried he’d been silent for too long, Arthur blurts out the first thing that came to his mind: “Why are your ears so big?” Merlin huf fed and covered his now red ears. Arthur cringed. He doesn’ t really know what he was trying to say , but he didn’ t mean for it to sound rude. “They are not! Y ou're just a prat!” Arthur sputters. “I’m a what?” “A prat!” Merlin snif fs and crosses his arms. His ears are still red, but it seems that that isn’ t his main focus anymore. “Well you’re a–a… what are you supposed to be?” “I’m certainly not a prat!” Merlin huf fs, stomping his feet. “I meant your costume,” he sighs, gesturing to Merlin’ s clothing. “Y ou don’ t look like a sorcerer , but with the hat… are you trying to be a wizard?” “Trying to be a– I’m a witch!” Arthur assesses Merlin and his costume. It could work but lacks ef fort. Seems to him that Merlin just pulled on whatever and called it a day . Arthur shrugs and pulls his sack over his shoulder . “Alright then, witch, did you come for the full bars?” “Full bars?” Merlin asks, his wide eyes blinking. It’ s as if he’ s never heard the word before. Arthur rolls his eyes. “Full bars. Y ou know , candy bars that aren’ t fun-sized?” More wide staring. “Just–look, it’ s candy bars full sized. None of that small sized stuf f, okay?” Merlin nods slowly . Arthur sighed for the umpteenth time. By now , he bets that his friends have already reached the house and got all of Arthur ’s favorites. He turns toward where the corner house resides and heads to its door . He can already see that his friends have reached the front porch. “Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Merlin sputters, and Arthur takes that as his cue to continue up the incline to the front porch. The porch light is of f now , so he can’ t see his friends. Strange. W ere they always of f? He could have sworn the porch light was brightly shining a second ago. Arthur doesn’ t get that much time to think of it though because Merlin decides to shake out of his sputtering and run after him. “I’m not scared, clotpole! This house is isolated for a reason, and it shouldn’ t be disturbed.” “What are you nattering on about? It’ s just a house and- wait, what did you just call me?” “Not important.” The nerve! “What’ s important is that whatever is in that house is dangerous and is using these... full bars to lure you inside just like it did to your friends!” Arthur is really starting to get annoyed by this guy . First he calls him a prat, then a clotpole? What is his deal? “Look, I know it’ s Halloween and all, but I’m pretty sure...this is just a regular house that gives out full bars. Also, how do you still not know what those are? Did your parents only give you fun-sized or something? That’ s pretty sad, now that I think about it. Y ou’re missing out.” Merlin’ s cheeks flush and Arthur can tell that the boy was restraining himself from saying something. Most likey , a great many things. That may not be appropriate. Okay , maybe Arthur went a bit too far about the fun-sized thing, but seriously , what is his deal? If anything, Merlin was probably told that this house is haunted or whatever just so he wouldn’ t go there for the full bars. When the duo reached the porch, the lights went on. Arthur had to blink a bit since he was just in the dark moments before. After gathering his bearings, he looked around the oddly silent porch and found...nothing. Just an empty , silent, friendless porch. Huh...this was fine. Did they already receive the candy and continue trick-or -treating without him? Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised. What with Gwaine’ s ener getic nature added with the Smith siblings’ competitive one for collecting candy . They might have left him behind on accident, also. Arthur would’ve thought that they’d at least wait. Maybe that’ s why the porch light went of f again. “Rats,” Merlin mutters. Arthur frowns and looks back at the witch boy . “What?” Merlin huf fs and fiddles with his torn sleeve. “This was what I’ve been trying to tell you. It’ s not normal at all! Listen, it’ s--” “Why hello there!” There’ s an old woman at the door . She’ s very tall, or maybe it’ s just her lar ge hair . Arthur can’t tell. Either way , she startles both of them. Merlin squeaked and Arthur ...did not. “My, aren’ t you two precious! Like little rabbits being strangled by a hunter ’s strong grip.” Eerily strange comparison...but Arthur will let it pass because it’ s Halloween, and he knows that sometimes the people giving candy want to be more eccentrically spooky for the holiday . He should know since Elyan and Gwen’ s dad does the same thing. Only , their dad’ s antics don’t give him the instinct to run like Hell, but he digresses. “Now , I’m afraid that my bowl is empty at the moment since that last group finished it all. They were quite the crowd. Especially that boy dressed up as a werewolf.” She giggles, and it sounds hauntingly of f-key . “That boy grabbed a lot of them, he did. Caused a huge dispute between them all.” Arthur missed all that? Of course Gwaine would do something like that. He bets it was Leon who reprimanded him or it could be Lancelot. However , that does answer Arthur ’s question on whether they did get here. All of them were here, got the full bars, and left without even leaving any spares for him. “I hope you don’ t mind waiting while I go get some more.” Merlin nods his head fervently . Arthur ’s almost sure that if he shook his head faster , it would snap of f. “No need, madame, so sorry for your low supply . We’ll just be on our–” “We can wait.” “ Arthur! ” He hears Merlin hiss at him. Arthur doesn’ t care. He wants those full bars, dangit! So what if his friends left him. He came all this way ,and he is not leaving because Mer lin is too scared of a house separated from the others in the neighborhood. “Oh how lovely! I may just give you half a box for being so kind!” Brilliant. T ake that Gwaine. The old woman claps her hands while Merlin is burning holes on the side of Arthur ’s head. The woman turns inside the house and pauses. What now? “Oh but, you know , what? It’ s just so cold outside. Are you sure you don’ t want to wait inside where it's warm? I promise I’ll be quick!” Arthur frowns this time. “If you’ll be quick, then we don’ t have to wait indoors. Besides, we’ve been out here for hours.” W ell, Arthur has. He doesn’ t know about Merlin, but it’ s almost eleven. Usually , people don't start trick-or -treating that late. The woman nods in a stif f, uncordial way . “Yes, but that was when you were running around. You’ll begin to feel the cold standing out there for so long.” Again, Arthur feels a rise of unease. He can’ t believe that he’ s starting to reconsider what Merlin said before. It’ s a ridiculous theory , at best, but it could have some merit anyway . If so, Arthur is beginning to think that his friends never left this house. “You just said you would be quick,” Merlin replies. His arms are crossed and he stares up at the woman raising an eyebrow . The old woman’ s brow twitches. Y eah, the alarm bells are definitely ringing. “Well, dear child, it all depends on if I am able to find them fast enough. Of course, I’m just not at that age anymore.” She sighs, placing a wrinkled hand on her cheek. W ere her nails always that sharp and long? “Sometimes, I fear my memory gets a little splotchy . You younglings just don’ t understand the struggles that come from being old. Y ou’re fresh...like a ripe tomato or a delectable piglet.” Okay! If Arthur hadn’ t already been considering it, those comparisons are a red flag enough! As much as Arthur now wants to be very far away from this woman, he knows his friends are in danger . They came to this house just before him in hopes of getting full bars, and now are trapped somewhere inside this house. He has to go in. “You are definitely right, madam.” He hears Merlin hissing at him again. “It has gotten a little nippy outside. I’m sure we can wait indoors while you restock your candy bowl.” The woman grins. Her lips are stretched so thin, Arthur ’s surprised that they haven't split yet. She turns back to go inside and Arthur follows. Merlin tugs on his sleeve last minute, though. “What are you thinking?” Merlin exclaims in a hushed tone. “I swear , if this is about the full bars, I am going to scream–” “This isn’ t about the bars, you idiot! Not after that! ” “Then why are you going inside!” Arthur turns fully to Merlin. The hat is titled now , close to obscuring his vision on Merlin’ s left side. The look on the witch boy’ s face is stormy . His blue eyes alight and fiery . Arthur holds his gaze and stares down with his own stormy expression. (W ell, he hopes it’ s stormy .) “My friends were just here, and I don’ t remember seeing—or hearing, actually , Gwaine is pretty loud—any of my friends leave this house. She’ s hiding them somewhere and we’re going to find them.” Merlin is quiet for a while. His expression morphs to one of exasperation, understanding and then he sighed. “Okay , fine. I’ll help you find your friends, but we have to be quick about this. Who knows how long she’ll be ‘restocking’ her candy bowl.” Arthur feels his stomach uncoil with relief. He doesn’ t know if he could wander around this house on his own. He won’ t let Merlin know that, though. “Great, any ideas on where to start first?” Merlin hums in consideration then snaps his fingers. “The basement might be our best bet.” “Oh fun, let’ s definitely start in the most horror movie cliche location.” “The what?” Arthur looks over at Merlin, who blinks back. He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Merlin still looks innocently confused. “Horror ...movie?” “You have got to be kidding me.” And so, the duo quietly sneaked to where the basement door was. Neither of them knew where exactly the basement was, but they were in too deep to back out now . Both of them would always check behind their backs to ensure that the old woman wasn’ t right behind them. It didn’ t help that the rest of the house was dark and empty just like how it was outside. Almost everything in this house is decomposed. The wind easily slips through the cracks, the walls covered in mold, and all the rooms look like they were rotting. The stench was awful as well, like soured milk mixed with sewage water and last week’ s dinner . Arthur does his best to ignore the smell. Merlin looks unfazed by it all though as they continue wandering around the hall. He really is weird. “It better not be near the kitchen,” Arthur mutters to distract himself. Merlin nods as he closes the door beneath the stairs. Fortunately , it doesn’ t creak. Actually , now that Arthur thinks about it, none of the doors they have opened made any noise. The floors don't even squeak when stepped on despite how decomposed they look. Everything is quiet. A nice advantage to have when venturing the house of what Arthur assumes was a cannibal. “Do you want to check just in case?” Merlin whispers. “It wouldn’ t hurt.” Except the fact that the old woman is likely in there doing who knows what and wants to eat them. “W e’ll have to be quick about it, though.” Merlin rolls his eyes as they turn back to where the kitchen resides. “No, let me take the rest of the night in the one place where she is and pray we don’ t get caught.” The boy sighs. “I’m not an idiot, and who put you in char ge? I know what I’m doing.” “Sure, witch boy–” “Stop calling me that!” “So far , your plan has been to open every door in this house, including the ones upstairs to find the basement. See any flaws in that plan?” “Well–-we haven’ t even been upstairs!” “That’ s because I said that part of the plan was stupid.” Merlin mutters something about prattish humans and not respecting other ’s plans, but Arthur ignores it. The kitchen light is on, but no shadows or sounds to indicate if she’ s still inside. Good for them since that means they can sneak in without the fear of being seen, but also bad because now they have no clue where she is. Maybe she’ s in the basement. Arthur hopes not. “See any doors?” “Just the one for the fridge.” “Well,” Arthur breathes out, “guess we have to venture in to see more.” “Guess so.” Merlin fixes his hat and nods to Arthur . The kitchen also looks decomposed. Scraped of f yellow paint on the counters, ripped of f red wallpaper , and black soot on the ceiling. Mold and mildew cover most of the tile floor and the stove is black with grease. The burning smell from the burners is awful, and Arthur hopes that the acrid smell is solely from the smoke mixing with the mildew . Once he finds his friends and gets out of here, Arthur is going straight home and having hot cocoa. “Arthur!” Arthur turns to Merlin who is frantically pointing at a door to the far right. Unlike the white door they entered in, this door is black and looks the most put together out of the whole kitchen. When Arthur walks over to Merlin, the witch boy opens it and inside are stairs leading down to a pitch black basement. “Alright then, guess we better go down.” Arthur goes to step down the stairway . “Are you out of your mind!” Merlin hisses, grabbing Arthur ’s arm and yanking him back into the kitchen Arthur frowns confused. “We made it to the basement, and my friends are down there. Let’ s go save them.” “Yes, but look, we could be blindly handing ourselves over to that lady for all we know! I know your friends are down there, but we need a plan if we want to get them and us out of here alive.” “And how exactly are you going to do that, Merlin?” “Magic of course.” “Magic? Look, I know you’re dressed up as a witch, but you must know that magic isn’ t real.” “I’m not dressed up! I’m a—oh for get. So, what’ s the big plan, sire.” “Thank you for asking, Merlin. Obviously , we have to be careful where we step since those floors look like they might snap of f. As for the chance if she’ s down there, one of us will have to distract her while the other frees my friends.” “Okay , so I distract while you free your friends?,'' says Merlin, nodding his head. Arthur blinks at Merlin who’ s looking back. Merlin was a scrawny kid compared to Arthur , but has no hesitation to volunteer himself as bait to distract someone who, quite frankly , will be giving Arthur nightmares later . “Are you sure? I can distract her while you free them.” Merlin shakes his head and turns to face the dark stairway . “They’re your friends, Arthur . I know you’re worried about them. Besides, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.” “Is it magic?” Arthur jokes, lifting an eyebrow at him. Merlin only smiles. His blue eyes gleam with mischief and Arthur feels himself relax just for a minute. W ith newfound determination, the two of them headed down the dark staircase. The old woman was down there, of course. Thankfully , her back was to the duo, but in front of her was a huge cauldron with blue flames flaring beneath it. W ith each odd ingredient the woman threw , the liquid inside changed color . Neon green to a pale pink to purple to orange. If he wasn’ t so concerned about finding his friends, Arthur would have found it fascinating, but now wasn’ t the time to be frozen staring at a color changing cauldron soup. At the far corner he spots a giant cage, and inside it, his friends. None of them appear hurt from where he stands, but with how dark it is, they could be. He hopes not. Leon is the one who spots him first unsurprisingly . He was always the attentive and observant one out of the group. Arthur sees him minutely shake his head. He ignores it though. They’re his friends. As if he would abandon them! He looks over at Merlin who nods. Arthur is far enough away to not be noticed by the woman if she turns over to Merlin. Here’ s to hoping that their plan works. “I thought you said you would be quick.” Her hands still while the cauldron bubbles a ripe red. She turns around, stretching her lips into that thin smile. Maybe it’ s just the bright color of the soup...thing, but her hair appears to look an even darker red, similar to blood. Not to mention her wrinkles seem more pronounced than they did when Arthur was standing on her porch. He hears the woman respond with something creepy about piglets, and Merlin answers with a snark. Focus. Arthur shakes his head and continues to the cage. Now that he’ s closer , he can see his friends better and fortunately , no one has any bruises or scratches. Arthur sighs inwardly . He doesn’ t know what he would’ve done if he found any of them hurt. He crouches over to where Leon is. So far he’ s the only one who’ s conscious. “Everyone okay?” Leon nods. “Y eah, she knocked us out with something the minute we got inside.” Arthur shakes his head mockingly . “What are you doing going in stranger ’s houses Leon. You’re twelve years old. Now a ten year old has to save your sorry hide.” Leon rolls his eyes and smiles though it’ s too stif f in Arthur ’s opinion. Leon has always been the most level-headed of the group, so to see him unnerved (even though he’ s doing his best to hide it) only adds to Arthur ’s nerves. “You came inside this house, too.” “Yeah, to save you guys. Think you can wake them up while I get the padlock open?” Arthur hears Leon give a soft huf f when he goes to the padlock at the door . It’s also rusty with metal peeling of f the edges. It’ s too late to find a key , and Arthur doesn’ t know how long Merlin will be able to keep the woman’ s attention away from the cage. Arthur considers ripping the lock right of f. It’s already close to crumbling. Maybe, a simple yank will cause it to turn to dust. As he pulls on the lock harshly , he hears a shrill yell from the otherside of the room. Arthur snaps his attention to where the sound came from, praying that the woman didn’ t get to Merlin. He sees her bending over and holding her wrist tightly . “You insolent child! How dare you believe you can stop me from completing my ritual! I am no mere old lady . I am someone who can make the earth tremble, I am centuries old, I am not to be trifled with!” A scof f is echoed through the room. “Is that why you’re getting handed to by a kid? Some powerful being.” At least Merlin’ s okay . Not like Arthur was concerned. He focuses on his task. It appears that yanking the padlock does not cause it to crumble, so that idea is a dud. He looks around the stone floor for anything thin and sharp like a needle or screw . “Here.” Arthur looks up and finds a conscious Guinevere with an outstretched hand holding a pin. It seems Leon got everyone awake because he can see Gwaine looking at where the woman is. Her batgirl mask is gone and the carefully done hair Gwen would fuss over earlier is undone and dusty . Still, her resolve doesn’ t break when she looks at Arthur . “My mother gave me some extra bobby pins in case the ones I'm wearing fall of f. See if you can use this to unlock it.” “Thank you.” She smiles brightly and walks over to Elyan. She fusses over him while he rubs at his eyes. Arthur looks back at the padlock and inserts the pin into the lock. Arthur thanks the stars that Gwaine had taught all of them how to pick locks no matter how adverse to it he was in the beginning. In a couple seconds, Arthur hears a click, and the padlock falls to the floor . A sigh of relief comes from the whole group. Then a cackle echoes through the room. Right. Creepy , cannibal lady . Arthur slowly opens the door to ensure it makes no sound, and his friends quickly exit. Luckily , the staircase is right in front of them. They quietly sprint towards it. Arthur looks around for Merlin. As annoying the witch boy can be, Arthur wouldn’ t wish to see him caught by her . He can hear the woman calling for him in that haunting sing-song voice, but Merlin does not snark back this time. “Oh sweetie...where did you go? Come out, come out...come out little piglet.” Arthur shudders. He’ s definitely going to have nightmares of this. “I see you got your friends,” says a hushed voice. Arthur did not jump. He didn’ t. “Merlin!” He shakes his head. This kid is going to be the bane of his existence, isn’ t he. “Yeah, they're climbing up the stairs, let's go.” He sees the silhouette of Merlin nod and the two of them creep up the staircase, hoping the woman will continue to call aimlessly into the dark. Once out of the basement, all of the children run out of the house and don’ t stop running until they reach Arthur ’s home. They're all gasping for breath. Gwaine collapses to the floor . “Never ... again. Never again am I listening to my brothers.” “When I see your brothers again, Gwaine,” Elyan gasps out, “I am going to kill them.” “Seconded,” Lancelot breathes out. Gwaine lifts his hand to wave it in agreement. “I wouldn’ t blame you.” “By the way ,” gasps Guinevere, looking at a flushed Merlin, “who are you.” “Oh, I’m Merlin,” He reaches out his hand to her . She smiles and shakes his hands. “Guinevere Smith, but you can call me Gwen.” “Well, Merlin!” Gwaine jumps up and slides an arm behind Merlin. “Thank you for helping our princess and rescuing us.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “Again with princess? I already told you to stop calling me that.” “Sure, princess.” Jerk. Merlin laughs and looks over at Arthur amused then back to Gwaine. “He does look like a princess.” “See! Thank you, Merls. I will remember this day . The day Merlin confirmed that Arthur was a princess.” “We were almost some cannibal’ s food,” Elyan points out. “And I’m ignoring that. As you should too.” “Alright, it’ s late as it is. W e should all head home,” Leon says, pointing to his watch. The numbers flash with the time: 1 1:35. Crap. He promised his mother that he would be home before then. Arthur looks towards his house. The porch lights are still on and though the blinds cover the lar ge window next to the door, he can see a sliver of light. Looks like she’ s still awake. Maybe Father is back home from work, too. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Merlin.” Arthur hears Guinevere say to Merlin who smiles in return. “I just wish it was under better circumstances, you know…” She coughs and grabs Elyan’ s hand as they follow Lancelot back to their homes. “Bye Gwen!” Merlin waves then says goodbye to Gwaine and Percival with Arthur and Leon. When Leon leaves, it’ s just Merlin and Arthur . Both of them stand in front of Arthur ’s home quietly waiting for the other to speak. Even though it’ s near midnight, Arthur can still hear people out in the streets. After all that’ s happened that night, Arthur was glad for the sound of other people and looked up to find the moon in all its glory . “I should probably go inside. I was supposed to come back earlier ...I hope Mum isn’ t worried.” Merlin nods and looks back at the neighborhood. “Will I see you again?” Arthur gets out. Though it was barely a whisper , Merlin still hears it and smirks. “What? Are you going to miss me a lot?” He grins wide, showing his white teeth that reflect from the moon. “N-no! It’ s just–well, look…there’ s something about you, Merlin. I can’ t quite put my finger on it. That’ s all.” “Okay princess.” Arthur grumbles while Merlin laughs. Eventually , Arthur sighs and adjusts the sack on his shoulder . “Uh… see you, then?” “Yeah,” Merlin nods, “Until then.” Arthur walks to his front porch and presses the doorbell. He looks back to see if Merlin is still there, but all that’ s behind him is pavement. When his mother opens the door , he lets her hug him as tight as she wants, and if his hug lingers longer than usual, neither of them mention it. He asks for coco and when the hot chocolate is ready , both of them snuggle into the couch. Hocus Pocus is playing on the channel and they watch it together , and the two of them stay on the couch watching it and the movie after until they fall asleep. Chapter End Notes they're so cute!!! merlin cast as little children always make my heart soft T^T if you liked it, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Chapter 2 Chapter Summary "Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that,” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later , their trick- or-treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. Just typical park things, you know? Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes Arthur never saw Merlin after that night. Thankfully , Halloween was on a Friday , so he could search around the neighborhood for the odd witch boy . No matter which house he went to, the parks he scoured, there was no Merlin anywhere. It was like he vanished from thin air . But that just can’t be possible. People don’ t just pop up one day , warn you about the (now arrested) cannibalistic lady , then poof from existence. For the whole weekend, Arthur looked for Merlin, but whenever his mother or friends asked him, he would deny it. Gwaine jokingly said that Merlin was actually a ghost. A troubled soul who was one of the lady’ s first victims, but shut up after Gwen began to cry . Elyan was not happy about that. Soon, the weekend ended, and Arthur had to continue on with school, though schoolwork was the farthest thing from his mind. It took until Christmas for him to believe that searching for Merlin was useless. Sometimes, he wonders if there even was a boy with him when he saved his friends. Maybe he invented the odd boy in his head to help him not feel as alone in a dark, abandoned house searching for his kidnapped friends. Arthur hated that thought. Despite the ten year old’ s inner turmoil, the world continued on as normal. Eventually , Arthur forgot about Merlin. Sometimes, he would stay up and think of the brown-haired witch with those really bright eyes, but other than that, finding Merlin and bombarding him with questions on where he’ s been isn't as important to Arthur anymore. There’ s no full moon this Halloween. But this year , it’s on a Saturday , so he can spend all of Halloween with his friends and figuring out a better game plan on which houses to go to. “You know , my brothers were talking about this old couple that—” “And I’m stopping you right there,” Elyan says, placing a hand on Gwaine’ s shoulder . “Last time, if you remember , your brothers led us to an abandoned house where a cannibal lived. No full bars anywhere and we were all scarred.” Gwaine shudders. “Right, yeah… good point.” It wasn’ t that hard to plan out which houses to go to, which houses to avoid; most of them have been living in this neighborhood all their life. Figuring out whether a house gave toothbrushes and those weird candied popcorn balls wasn’ t that hard to remember . The group agreed to start early , so as to have more opportunities at the popular homes. It was a normal Halloween, much to Arthur ’s discontent. No matter where they ventured in the neighborhood, he couldn’ t find Merlin. Arthur knows that just because it’ s Halloween doesn’ t mean he’ll actually show up. He’ s already tried looking for him and it was always dead ends. But for some reason, today felt dif ferent. Maybe it was because the wind sounds like it’ s whispering to him. Maybe it was because the sky seems more magical as the sun sets. Maybe it was because Arthur never really gave up on finding Merlin. He always searched no matter if he told his friends that he didn’ t think Merlin was really there. He always searched whenever he saw a head of brown hair that turned out to not be the bright eyed witch boy . Arthur kept looking even when he, himself, stopped believing. They were at the last house when it happened. Everyone just got down the steps when a loud squawk is heard. Squawk is probably the wrong word for it. Arthur thinks that it sounded like a possessed herd of geese flying overhead, but the sound of flapping wings made it feel like there was only one giant bird flying. Definitely odd. Thankfully , for Arthur ’s sake, everyone else jumped in surprise to the demonic sound of a giant flying creature. “Well,” Percival whistles, “someone is getting really into their halloween decorations. Got sound ef fects and everything.” “Oh, I can assure you,” says a familiar voice, “that was not sound ef fects.” Arthur spun around in surprise. He can’ t believe it. Right in front of him. Same height, same shabby clothes (he seriously needs to either pick a new costume or add more flair to this whole witch thing), and same bright, mischievous, blue eyes. “Hey! It’ s Witch Boy!” Gwaine exclaims and hugs him. He gives out an “oomf!” which is a classic reaction from being hugged by Gwaine. “T ell us then, how are you? Where have you been--” “Merlin!” Arthur finally lets out...a bit too loud. Merlin, still trapped in Gwaine’ s hug, moves his head over to face Arthur and smiles. “Hello, prat.” “Not a prat, idiot.” Merlin just continues to smile as if he can see right through Arthur . Once Gwaine lets go, Gwen goes to hug him and soon the rest of the gang give Merlin hugs, pats, hair ruf fles. Of course all of that is ruined by the demented screeching. “Right,” Merlin fixes his blue, pointy hat. “About that… you called it a sound ef fect?” Quickly , Merlin tells them all that, no, the screeching sound from above is not a herd of demonic geese but a full grown grif fin. How fun. “So… is the grif fin a danger to us?” asks Lancelot. Merlin shakes his head and starts to fuss with his sleeves. Arthur notices a thinly wrapped bracelet on his wrist. It seems to be one strand of metal wound around Merlin’ s wrist with a pale crystal dangling at the top. It must be new , seeing how Arthur doesn’ t remember seeing it last year . “Not really . It just isn’ t supposed to be here. Of course with today being when the V eil is open, something just had to get out.” When the V eil is open? What is Merlin talking about? Grif fins, open veils… all of this is too much. However , no one gets a chance to ask Merlin what exactly is the V eil because he quickly moves to a plan on how to send the grif fin back inside before anyone gets hurt. “Everybody got that?” No. No, everybody didn’ t. “Great!” Merlin claps his hands together , and for a second Arthur swears they spark. “Now , let’s see if we can get this giant bird out of here!” After hours of herding the beast, getting their costumes dirtied and ripped, they were finally able to lead the grif fin safely away from the neighborhood and into the wood where a portal ripped open for the creature to enter . “So… that really happened.” Merlin giggles. “Of course it did. I was with you the whole time, yeah?” “Right, right, I just...need a minute.” You know , because seeing the air in front of you split open into a swirling portal that the griffin flew into. Who knew grif fins were that big. Arthur almost got smacked by its tail earlier . Still, Arthur just saw a grif fin. A real, alive, flying grif fin. Arthur knows he feels a bit faint but does his best to stay awake. His father always told him to be strong and never show weakness to others. Gwaine and Elyan had fainted just at the sight of the creature. Merlin, though, he beamed and bounced with so much ener gy that Arthur didn’ t think it was possible. “So, what now?” Leon says. He was the only one who looked calm, and Arthur can’ t say that he isn’ t jealous. Although, Leon did squeal when the grif fin’s wings almost smacked him, so there’ s that. “Go to more houses?” Percival of fered. Gwen shook her head and motioned to her and her brother ’s baskets full of candy . “We’ve already been to so many , and I know that Arthur ’s sack will explode if we add anymore to it.” “Hey , my sack can hold anything! But, uh--” He gulps at the glare given to him by Gwen. “-- we don’ t need to go to more houses. How about…we stop at mine? If that’ s alright of course.” Everyone nods (including Gwaine and Elyan who are well awake by then). Arthur turns to Merlin, who stands close to where the veil once was. The wind isn’ t as harsh as it was minutes ago, but it’ s still there, blowing Merlin’ s tattered robes to and fro. As usual, Merlin is looking of f into the woods, inside his own head with his hat covering his expression. Arthur bets it’ s one where he looks idiotic with that soft smile and closed eyes. “Witch Boy!” That gets his attention. Merlin jumps abruptly and stumbles to turn toward Arthur . “We’re all coming to my house!” There’ s a small pause as Merlin scrunches his face at Arthur confused. “Okay…? And?” Arthur sighs heavily . He hears Leon and Gwen chastising him for being nicer , but it's Merlin. “You’re coming too, of course!” “I am?” Arthur huf fs at Merlin’ s surprised expression. He really can be dense. “What do you think ‘ of course’ means? Y es, you’re coming, Merlin, and you can’ t back out. It’s not allowed.” He can see Merlin’ s cheeks puf f up and his foot stamps on the dead leaves. “I know what that means, clotpole!” “Then come on! Y ou’ll be the last one there and miss my mother ’s hot chocolate at this rate!” Merlin hurried over to Arthur and gave him a shove. Arthur being Arthur , shoved him back but harder . This continued on until they reached Arthur ’s home. His mother greeted all of them, gave them hugs or hair ruf fles (much to Arthur ’s chagrin) and set to making her infamous hot cocoa. It happened like this every Halloween. Every year , Merlin would show up to hang out with Arthur and the gang or to warn them about some magical problem that leaked from the veil. The year after the grif fin, some pixies were creating havoc. Then it was a unicorn. Arthur remembers Merlin being so entranced by it, but he can’ t blame the guy because the unicorn was beautiful. Arthur likes that something magical always happens on Halloween even if some of them aren’ t exactly fun. Some years later , one of his cousins (Arthur isn’ t sure from which family) moves in since her father was a good friend of Arthur ’s. Her name is Mor gana, and Arthur quickly finds out that she is a harpy . Always getting him into trouble. Crying at the right moments to get at his parents’ heartstrings so she gets away with everything. Arthur hates it. That is until he beats her at chess. “You cheated.” Is all she says. Arthur can’ t help but grin at her smugly . They try checkers next, and he beats her there too. Arthur likes to count that as the best day of his life. They keep playing chess for the rest of the day , and eventually , Arthur starts to teach her better moves to play until she finally beats him near midnight. Arthur can’ t find it in him to be upset and celebrates with her . Soon, all of her “devilish” pranks and plans, Arthur is in on them too. He adds more details in her plans. Never do their pranks ever lead back to the two of them. It was nice having someone else around who wasn’ t staf f or his mother as company . He had his friends, yes, but they could only stay for a short while. Sometimes there were sleepovers, but eventually , they had to go back to their own home. Having Mor gana around was like having a little sister around to pick on, protect, and plan pranks with. She fit into the gang instantly , much to Arthur ’s relief, quickly becoming friends with Gwen and Leon. All Arthur needed was Merlin and their group would be complete. When Halloween came that year , Arthur found Merlin waiting by his fence as usual. Quickly , he ran up to him. Mother made him late again with all her fussing on his costume. He was dressed, this time, as a Camelot knight which is dif ferent from the other knights he dressed as years before, thank you very much. “Sorry , did you have to wait long?” Merlin shook his head causing his hat to tip to the right. “Nah, I just got here.” Arthur sighed in relief and looked up at the sky . “Ah man!” “What's wrong?” Merlin frowned. “It’s just… I know this sounds silly , but I was really hoping that it would be a full moon this year. Halloween always seems more mystical when it does.” Merlin hums and nods then quickly looks over at Arthur ’s porch. “Say , is that your mother calling you?” Quickly , Arthur turns to his porch but doesn’ t hear his mother call for him. All he sees is Morgana exiting the house in her “Empress” costume. He looks back to Merlin who wears his sheepish, "I-swear -I’m-innocent" face. Then he looks back at the sky and gasps. Up in the sky isn’ t the curvy crescent moon Arthur just saw . Instead is a bright, full moon shining in its silver glory . Arthur can’ t believe it. “How-how did this happen? W asn’t it just small a second ago?” Merlin hums again with his hand on his chin in a contemplating way . “That really is strange...W ell! Shall we go?” Arthur nods but his attention is still on the moon. “Arthur! Y ou’re mum said that you can’ t leave without me!” Merlin tilts his head. “Who are you?” “I’m Mor gana. Who are you?” Arthur snaps from his trance and begins to introduce Merlin and Mor gana to each other . Though there was a small hostile hiccup, the two start to get along. “I haven’ t seen you around, Merlin. Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that,” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later , their trick-or - treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. It was Morgana’ s first experience with magical creatures and would not stop talking about how magic is real and if she’ll get to see them again. It was also the night Arthur realized that Merlin wasn’ t joking when he said he could do magic. Merlin called him dense for that, but Arthur got him back by shoving him into the fountain. After that, the gang decided not to go trick-or -treating on Halloween, but go “monster hunting” instead. (Y es, this was Mor gana’ s idea.) Now , they would split of f into small groups of three and scour the neighborhood for any magical creatures that left the V eil. Unsurprisingly , being grouped with Merlin meant that they attracted most of the magical creatures, but that made it easier since Merlin could summon the veil and let them pass through. Gwaine likes to joke that they could create their own monster hunting Y ouTube channel, but Gwen would pipe in that it wouldn’ t be as popular seeing how most of the monsters come out on Halloween. Gwaine would then grumble about spoil-sports and just wanting to document their adventures. The next year , Percival brought his video cameras- one for each group. They never created a Y ouTube channel, but with the amount of recorded events they had, Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised if Gwaine and Percival made one. Even as they grew older and went to college, the gang would always come back on Halloween and go hunting for “monsters.” Of course, they found a way to contact Merlin, and Arthur makes sure to text him everyday . None of the group knows where exactly Merlin is from and why he can only visit on Halloween. Arthur has heard many of Mor gana’ s theories as to why . (“Think about it, Arthur . Why only Halloween? Why is our neighborhood the only place that has these problems?” Morgana drapes herself over Arthur ’s bed, leaving no room for Arthur to sit on. He breathes out a sigh and sits on his desk chair . She points her manicured nails at him as she rants about today’ s theory on why Merlin can only visit once a year . “Mor gana, I’m sure that other places have the same issues as ours. The V eil can open anywhere. Merlin said it’ s just this day that makes it open, not a special place.” He sees Mor gana perk up and turn around on the bed so her stomach is towards the floor . Her dark hair falling on her face made her look slightly deranged. Arthur knows that Gwen would call this messy look on Mor gana beautiful, but Arthur has a hard time associating anything beautiful with his sister . Terrifying? Absolutely . “Oh, I’m sorry , I thought you didn’ t listen to Merlin when he goes on about the…” “Mor gana,” Arthur sighed. “What did you call it? Ah, right,” “Mor gana,” Arthur hissed. He is not in the mood for this. “The ‘ hocus pocus thingy’ . But instead you do and just pretend not to. A w, is W artie really a softie for --” “Shut up, ‘Gana! It’ s not like that!” Already , he can feel his cheeks heating up, and Morgana’ s little grin is enough to know that she saw it too. “Sure it’ s not.”) Whether any of her theories are true or not doesn’ t matter too much to Arthur because, without fail, Merlin will always be there with him on Halloween. Whether early or late, Merlin will be there. “Do you remember the ogre?” asks Percival. Leon groans and Gwaine squeals at the memory . “Oh you bet, mate. How could I not!” “I could, I would definitely want that memory erased from my mind,” Leon mutters next to Arthur . Arthur pats Leon on the back and does his best not to laugh along with Gwaine. The ogre. Looking back, Arthur finds it hilarious, but at the time-- “MERLIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CAST THE SPELL!” “I told you, Arthur . Spells like these take time! I can’ t just magic a portal and whisk Leon’ s beloved away!” “Please don’ t call her that,” sighs a distraught Leon. “I was drunk and it was thr ee in the morning. I’m not doing anything like this ever again” “SHUT UP , LEON!” --yeah… that was a stressful time. “Cheer up, Leon,” Elyan says as he slides into their booth, Lancelot trailing behind him. They’re at their usual pub, The Rising Sun, and, unfortunately , it’s crowded more than usual. Thankfully , Leon came in early (like the meticulous man he is) and saved the booth for them all. “Say , Arthur?” Arthur grunts in response as he reaches for his drink. Leon is back to being his dignified self again, so his arms are free to drink. “Did Merlin get a chance to let you know he’ s coming?” He hears Gwaine snicker and from the corner of his eye, see Percival roll his own at whatever Gwaine said. “You have his number , right?” Elyan nods. “There’ s your answer . Ask him yourself.” Arthur doesn’ t understand why his friends always ask him if Merlin is coming. It’ s not like the two of them talk that much. Sure, the moment Arthur got a phone, he immediately went to Merlin the next Halloween to gift the witch his own phone and exchange numbers with the rest of the group. But that was only because he couldn’ t stand their past communication of sending letters through birds. They would always scratch him or give his mother quite a freight if they swooped in from nowhere. Elyan sighs and turns to Lancelot exasperated. Arthur doesn’ t bother to understand his theatrics. Honestly , Gwaine’ s done worse. “Yeah, but Merlin always leaves me on read. When he does answer , it’s just short responses. Don’ t you two… have long conversations all the time-” (in the far distance of the other side of the booth, Gwaine whispers, “Whipped.”) “-and you always respond to him, so… maybe he’ll let you know?” Arthur sighs and drinks his beer . Finally he relents. Those dumb Smith siblings and their caring eyes that seem like they can see through your soul. “Yeah, Merlin said he was coming and to save him a seat. I already ordered for him, too.” Gwaine perks up. “Did you?” His grin is wide and cheshire like. Arthur knows that the next things out of Gwaine’ s mouth won’ t be anything good. At least, not for him. “What do you say , Elyan? My money’ s on two weeks.” O...kay ..? Not where Arthur thought Gwaine was going to take this conversation. He hears Elyan chuckle. “T wo weeks? Never thought you were one to hope when it came to this.” Arthur is very lost on what these two are talking about. “Oh believe me,” pipes in Percival, “When it comes to them, Gwaine can’ t help but have hope. Y ou should hear him going on about it all day .” That gets some laughs out of everyone but Arthur , who is still confused as to what is going on. “Of course, you would know about what Gwaine goes on about everyday , wouldn’ t you,” Leon teases. Percival flushes while Gwaine only giggles and snuggles more into the man’ s giant frame. Alright. T easing Percival about his crush on Gwaine. Arthur knows that. W ell, maybe Arthur shouldn’ t say crush since the two of them are dating now . However , Percival still gets embarrassed when the gang teases him and Gwaine about their relationship. Gwaine finds it adorable and never loses the chance to show them of f when the teasing starts. When Leon goes to buy them another round, Arthur notices that Elyan is short a few more people. “Weren’ t Mor gana and Gwen with you?” Elyan winces and rubs his necks. “They were… but, well--” “They decided to spend Halloween alone… together… after a heavy makeout session right in front of us.” Lancelot looks slightly haunted. The rest of the boys nod in understanding. Personally , when it came to PDA-obsessed couples, Arthur had assumed that Percival and Gwaine would be number one on that list but nope. T urns out his sister and Gwen can’ t ever seem to get their hands of f each other . Sometimes, they for get where they are and who they’re with and the constant kissing gets a little bit more… heated . Thankfully , the conversation shifts to Percival and Lancelot’ s job at a hardware store. Somehow , they get on the topic of dragons and whether one would ever come out from the Veil. It is here how Merlin finds them: almost drunk of f their asses debating the existence of the Fae. “I’m telling you, Leon,” slurs Lancelot, “they probably wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to get here. Y ou hear stories about them popping up when it’ s not even close to… what was the other name Halloween has?” “Samhain, you mean?” “Yes, yes, Samhain.” Lancelot bobs his head and the witch giggles at the sight. “Thank you, Merlin.” A pause. “MERLIN!” “Where have you been?” “Buddy! How you been?” “What took you so long, idiot!” Merlin just smiles and slides into the seat next to Arthur . He still wears that ragged, blue hat as always though this time, there’ s no robes to be seen. Instead, he wears a light brown jacket, a loose blue shirt with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. It’ s a nice look on him, Arthur can concede, even if it still looks like something Merlin just threw on. If they ever get the chance, Arthur is taking Merlin out to buy some real clothes that actually look fashionable. “Good to see you too, your royal highness.” Arthur rolls his eyes and gives Merlin his drink. For a brief second, their fingers touch. Only for a short moment, Arthur can feel how warm Merlin's hands are, but it ends just as it starts. Merlin brings the bottle to his full lips and the feeling of his hands are gone. “So, you guys talking about the Fair Folk? Y ou should be careful about what you say because they might not like it. For example--” “Come on, Mer lin! It’ s just harmless fun. Besides,” Arthur leans closer to Merlin. From here, he can see a small ring of gold around the witch’ s blue irises. From here, Merlin’ s eyes are so blue. Like the clear sky in mid-morning. Not light but not deep either . Arthur can feel Merlin’ s breath as he giggles. “W e’ll have you to bust us out of trouble, right?” Merlin huf fs and shrugs Arthur of f of him. Arthur falls onto Leon letting out an “oomf.” “Glad to see how you really feel about me. I thought our friendship was stronger than that.” Merlin sighs theatrically and pretends to nurse his beer bottle. “Y ou just want me for my magic.” Gwaine gives out a giggle and leans forward. “Don’ t worry , Merls. Magic isn’ t the only thing Arthur wants.” He wags his eyebrows and Arthur feels his face flush, though sober him would deny it. “Come of f it, Gwaine,” Arthur somehow stutters out. “Y ou’re drunk.” “Aye,” he hiccups, “but at least I’m not in denial.” You know what? Arthur is finding new friends. Friends who don’ t call him out like that. Arthur is perfectly fine with where things are. No need to say anything that might ruin it. “Alright, that’ s enough booze for you.” Percival takes Gwaine’ s bottle and hands him a glass of water . Where did the water come from? Maybe it was Leon. Or Lancelot. The rest of the night was spent rehashing their year to Merlin (who knew most of what happened because Arthur tells him everything). After catching up, the gang thought it’d be fun to ask Merlin about the V eil and what goes in and out. T urns out Lancelot was right in thinking that the Fae wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to leave the otherworld called A valon. Once it got close to midnight, the gang decided to call it a night and head back to their dorms. Leon was sober enough to drive them all to their designated places. Percival had to carry a sleeping Gwaine while Elyan and Lancelot stumbled together into their shared apartment. When they got to Arthur ’s apartment, Merlin of fered to help him inside. “Leon, I know you live on the other side of the campus. I can take him, don’ t worry .” Leon sighs and shakes his head fondly . “Alright, make sure to leave some aspirin on his desk so that his hangover won’ t bother him as much tomorrow .” “I’m right here, you know ,” Arthur slurs out. Hanging of f of Merlin’ s shoulder , Arthur feels loose. Like a puppet finally cut from its string but now has no direction on where to go. Merlin snorts and shifts Arthur ’s arm on his shoulder for a better grip. “Of course you’re here. Anyone can tell where you are by the sound of your pratish voice.” Arthur retaliates by butting his head on Merlin’ s neck. There. That would show him. Leon chuckles and waves one last goodbye to Merlin before driving away . “Alright, your royal pratty-ness, where do I take you?” It takes a couple stumbles but they make it to his apartment eventually . Sure, Merlin may have passed the elevator twice and almost dropped Arthur a couple more times, but they made it to his place in one piece. Arthur digs through his pocket, looking for his key but keeps missing the pocket entirely . Merlin rolls his eyes and reaches into his pocket instead. Once again, Arthur feels the warmth from Merlin's fingers. Even when they leave, the feeling lingers. Merlin finds the key quickly and unlocks the door with the finesse of a sober person, opening the door with a “tadah!” The two of them stumble inside and Merlin drops Arthur on the couch. Arthur squawks as the cushions hit his back. “Merlin!” Merlin pokes his head out from the kitchen. In his hands is a glass of water and in the other a bag of chips. “What?” He blinks at Arthur . Again, Arthur is lost, looking at Merlin’ s eyes. Blue ringed with gold and absolutely beautiful. “Yeah?” Merlin coughs out. Arthur snaps out of it. Right. Merlin. His friend. His best friend. Why did Arthur call on him again? Must not have been important if he’ s forgotten. “N-nevermind.” Merlin raises an eyebrow at that, but thankfully , lets it slide. Arthur gets up from the couch and walks over to the kitchen to join Merlin, who gives him a glass of water as well. They then start to talk about nonsense. How they’ve been, the pressures Arthur ’s father has on him, Merlin’ s new spells that he then shows of f to a delighted Arthur . It’s nice and quiet. Just the two of them. Arthur knows he’ s been sneaking glances every now and then. Hopefully , it isn’ t super obvious. Drunk or not, Arthur doesn’ t know what he would do if Merlin were to find out how Arthur ’s feelings for him isn’ t platonic anymore. Sometimes, Arthur thinks he spies Merlin sneaking glances also, but he knows that it’ s only the trick of the light. He looks to where the window resides just above the kitchen sink. It’ s a full moon. Full moons on Halloween are always the best in Arthur ’s opinion. The night sky alight with stars, the moon up high for all to see. But Arthur ’s favorite part of full moon Halloweens is spending that time under the moonlight with Merlin. Chapter End Notes these boys *shakes head* they're so silly but yeah that's chapter 2! i originally had plans to continue this to have a ch3 but for the moment just 2 parts is enough and it's super sweet anyway . (dw i have half of ch3 written but this wip has been on hold for sometime that i'm okay with leaving at two) if i ever do think to include ch3 here, it will be some later time and when i can figure out the ending. anyway , kudos and comments are much appreciated! Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 10,454
Chapters: 2/2

Witch Boy

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“Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Archive W arning: Creator Chose Not T o Use Archive W arnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round T able (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin) Additional T ags: Childhood Friends, Friends to Lovers, Background Relationships, Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), he's got youngest child ener gy, witch!merlin, Witch AU, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - Urban Fantasy, Mutual Pining, oblivious idiots, what do you mean that's not a tag???, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Protective Knights (Merlin), Long-Suf fering Leon (Merlin), as always, Other Additional T ags to Be Added, no beta we die like arthur's childhood, Mythical Beings & Creatures Language: English Stats: Published: 2023-01-19 Words: 10, 454 Chapters: 2/2 Witch Boy by fluffypoato Summary “Hey, what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy! Chapter 1 Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes “Okay, think you got everything?” his mother asks. “Yes, mum, I’ve got my belt and my sword and my sack.” Arthur rolls his eyes at his mother ’s fussing. Really, he’s ten years old now . He’ s trick-or -treating all on his own with his friends. He’ s a big boy . Arthur ’s mother smiles softly, brushing her pale wig from her face. His mother had decided to match with Arthur ’s knight costume and go as a queen from the renaissance. Her dress is a deep scarlet that she got at Party City with a plastic, gold circlet wrapped around her head. “Just double checking, little lion.” She goes to kiss his forehead. “Now, don’ t you look regal!” she says admiring his costume. While his mother ’s costume is simple with only a few accessories, Arthur ’s is a bit more detailed since he told his mother that he wanted to look like a “real” and “authentic” knight like the ones he hears in the fairy tales she reads to him. His leather boots are a light brown, his trousers are black and loose with a brown belt holding his wooden sword, and his tunic is red with a black hood stitched round his collar . Arthur preened at his mother ’s praises on his costume and did a little spin. It’ s a silly spin, in his opinion, but it's just him and his mother . He can act silly in front of her . She giggles at him and spins herself. “Do you think I look lovely, sir knight?” “I think you look beautiful, my lady, ” he answers, kissing his mother ’s knuckles while she laughs. The sound of the doorbell is heard even though faint. Arthur ’s mother composes herself brushing of f imaginary dust from her gown. She crouches down to Arthur and does some last minute fixes. Usually, he would fuss and complain, but let her continue since he, too, didn’ t want this moment to end. “Now, don’ t forget to say thank you after being given candy and make sure to come back home no later than eleven thirty, okay?” “Yes, Mum.” She smiles wide, showing of f her white teeth and pinches Arthur ’s cheeks. “And don’ t forget to have fun, little lion. It’ s Halloween.” Arthur giggles and shoves her hands from his cheeks. Just before he leaves, his mother does some last minute fussing. Brushing of f his tunic, fixing the sleeves over and over -- “Mum! I can’ t go trick-or -treating if you keep me here!” His mother sighs and looks over at him one last time before nodding. Arthur nods in return and smiles before exiting his house to meet up with his friends. T oday is Halloween, and it’ s a full moon he discovers when looking at the sky . Already, Arthur can tell that this Halloween was going to be great. Some twenty houses later, Arthur has a sack full of candy along with his other friends. Heavy as it was, Arthur slings it over his back while venturing of f to the next house that Gwaine claims has full bars. “Full bars, guys! None of that fun-size stuff. Trust me!” “Last time I trusted you, I ended up with a face full of dirt and got grounded by my mother, ” grumbles Percival. “Oh come on, Perce!” Gwaine laughs, messing with his scruf fy wig. “Y ou know I never meant for that to happen! I got in trouble too, you know .” Gwaine gives Percival the biggest, pleading eyes Arthur has ever seen and scof fs. “Don’ t fall for it, Percival. He’ll just get you into more trouble next time.” Leon and Lancelot chuckle nervously while Elyan nods in agreement. Both Leon and Lancelot dressed as knights with Arthur while Gwaine thought to go as a werewolf. Pecival said he was a jedi. Elyan dressed as an assassin, but unfortunately, had to keep correcting the parents on who he was. Apparently, Robin Hood was a popular guess that was given. Elyan also brought his little sister who was dressed as Batgirl. “It’s true Percy! Gwaine gave me those puppy eyes and the next thing I know we’re sneaking off to prank his brothers…” Elyan trails of f, looking far of f into the distance haunted. “I almost died.” Elyan's sister sighs exasperatedly . “Yeah, and then I had to save you from getting caught by our dad, remember?” “And I am ever grateful for your aid, Gwen.” He ruf fles her hair while Gwen squawks and smacks his arm away . “Elyan! It took Mum hours to get my hair like this!” She pats down her straightened hair as good as a child can while Elyan rolls his eyes. Eventually, they reach the alleged house that holds full sized bars. Maybe it was how late the night had gotten, but the house looked very ominous to Arthur . The lights were a dim orange. Not the bright white like the other houses that passed by . It was also at the corner of the neighborhood, making it feel secluded and isolated. No decorations were found on the lawn. Only a small wooden Jack-o-lantern hanging on the door . Arthur had a bad feeling. He looked at his other friends, gaging their reactions. Gwaine looked excited as ever . Elyan was busy talking to his sister, so even if Elyan did make a reaction, Arthur wouldn’ t know . Percival looked worried, but that just might be because Gwaine looks like he might explode. Leon and Lancelot did exchange concerned glances to each other and to Arthur, so there’ s that. “Is this really the place?” Leon finally asked. “Of course!” Gwaine scof fed and puf fed up his chest. “This is the place that my brothers would always talk about every year . They would always come with full bars and tell me about this house.” “I dunno, Gwaine, ” Lancelot answers, “Y ou know that your brothers tend to…” “Prank us all the time?” Arthur finishes for him. He notices movement behind the window and grips his sack tighter . Gwaine makes a noise of protest but sags. “Okay, I know that my brothers are pranksters, but so am I. It’ s a family thing. But, lying about full sized candy bars? They would never . Scout’ s honor!” Everyone raised their eyebrows at that. Elyan rolls his eyes and fiddles with his bucket. “Well, if they are lying about the candy bars, we can just get back at them, eh?” The gang nods in agreement and starts walking up to the ominous house. The wind picks up and Arthur shivers. He looks up at the full moon, watching as the clouds begin to cover its silver glow . Arthur looks back at the house. W ith the now cloudy sky, the house looks darker and even more foreboding than it was before. Chills run down his arms and not from the wind. It’s probably nothing, Arthur repeats over and over in his head. It’s all my imagination. Nothing is wr ong with the house. It’ s just Halloween. “You should probably stop your friends from going there.” Arthur startles at the sudden voice next to him. It was a boy . A boy with light blue eyes. “Who-who are you?” The boy smiles and reaches out his hand. “I’m Merlin.” Arthur looks down at the hand then back at Merlin’ s face. He’ s about the same height as Arthur as far as he can tell. T o be honest, the costume Merlin was wearing was odd. It looks like a dress that’ s been worn down with tears at the end but really, was a blue, faded robe. The odd boy also has a worn, blue hat to match. Merlin’ s boots are red like his scarf but pointed (and not leather, Arthur ’s brain feels the need to add). Merlin tilts his head and raises his brow while Arthur stays frozen next to him. W orried he’d been silent for too long, Arthur blurts out the first thing that came to his mind: “Why are your ears so big?” Merlin huf fed and covered his now red ears. Arthur cringed. He doesn’ t really know what he was trying to say, but he didn’ t mean for it to sound rude. “They are not! Y ou're just a prat!” Arthur sputters. “I’m a what?” “A prat!” Merlin snif fs and crosses his arms. His ears are still red, but it seems that that isn’ t his main focus anymore. “Well you’re a–a… what are you supposed to be?” “I’m certainly not a prat!” Merlin huf fs, stomping his feet. “I meant your costume, ” he sighs, gesturing to Merlin’ s clothing. “Y ou don’ t look like a sorcerer, but with the hat… are you trying to be a wizard?” “Trying to be a– I’m a witch!” Arthur assesses Merlin and his costume. It could work but lacks ef fort. Seems to him that Merlin just pulled on whatever and called it a day . Arthur shrugs and pulls his sack over his shoulder . “Alright then, witch, did you come for the full bars?” “Full bars?” Merlin asks, his wide eyes blinking. It’ s as if he’ s never heard the word before. Arthur rolls his eyes. “Full bars. Y ou know, candy bars that aren’ t fun-sized?” More wide staring. “Just–look, it’ s candy bars full sized. None of that small sized stuf f, okay?” Merlin nods slowly . Arthur sighed for the umpteenth time. By now, he bets that his friends have already reached the house and got all of Arthur ’s favorites. He turns toward where the corner house resides and heads to its door . He can already see that his friends have reached the front porch. “Hey, what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Merlin sputters, and Arthur takes that as his cue to continue up the incline to the front porch. The porch light is of f now, so he can’ t see his friends. Strange. W ere they always of f? He could have sworn the porch light was brightly shining a second ago. Arthur doesn’ t get that much time to think of it though because Merlin decides to shake out of his sputtering and run after him. “I’m not scared, clotpole! This house is isolated for a reason, and it shouldn’ t be disturbed.” “What are you nattering on about? It’ s just a house and- wait, what did you just call me?” “Not important.” The nerve! “What’ s important is that whatever is in that house is dangerous and is using these... full bars to lure you inside just like it did to your friends!” Arthur is really starting to get annoyed by this guy . First he calls him a prat, then a clotpole? What is his deal? “Look, I know it’ s Halloween and all, but I’m pretty sure...this is just a regular house that gives out full bars. Also, how do you still not know what those are? Did your parents only give you fun-sized or something? That’ s pretty sad, now that I think about it. Y ou’re missing out.” Merlin’ s cheeks flush and Arthur can tell that the boy was restraining himself from saying something. Most likey, a great many things. That may not be appropriate. Okay, maybe Arthur went a bit too far about the fun-sized thing, but seriously, what is his deal? If anything, Merlin was probably told that this house is haunted or whatever just so he wouldn’ t go there for the full bars. When the duo reached the porch, the lights went on. Arthur had to blink a bit since he was just in the dark moments before. After gathering his bearings, he looked around the oddly silent porch and found...nothing. Just an empty, silent, friendless porch. Huh...this was fine. Did they already receive the candy and continue trick-or -treating without him? Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised. What with Gwaine’ s ener getic nature added with the Smith siblings’ competitive one for collecting candy . They might have left him behind on accident, also. Arthur would’ve thought that they’d at least wait. Maybe that’ s why the porch light went of f again. “Rats, ” Merlin mutters. Arthur frowns and looks back at the witch boy . “What?” Merlin huf fs and fiddles with his torn sleeve. “This was what I’ve been trying to tell you. It’ s not normal at all! Listen, it’ s--” “Why hello there!” There’ s an old woman at the door . She’ s very tall, or maybe it’ s just her lar ge hair . Arthur can’t tell. Either way, she startles both of them. Merlin squeaked and Arthur ...did not. “My, aren’ t you two precious! Like little rabbits being strangled by a hunter ’s strong grip.” Eerily strange comparison...but Arthur will let it pass because it’ s Halloween, and he knows that sometimes the people giving candy want to be more eccentrically spooky for the holiday . He should know since Elyan and Gwen’ s dad does the same thing. Only, their dad’ s antics don’t give him the instinct to run like Hell, but he digresses. “Now, I’m afraid that my bowl is empty at the moment since that last group finished it all. They were quite the crowd. Especially that boy dressed up as a werewolf.” She giggles, and it sounds hauntingly of f-key . “That boy grabbed a lot of them, he did. Caused a huge dispute between them all.” Arthur missed all that? Of course Gwaine would do something like that. He bets it was Leon who reprimanded him or it could be Lancelot. However, that does answer Arthur ’s question on whether they did get here. All of them were here, got the full bars, and left without even leaving any spares for him. “I hope you don’ t mind waiting while I go get some more.” Merlin nods his head fervently . Arthur ’s almost sure that if he shook his head faster, it would snap of f. “No need, madame, so sorry for your low supply . We’ll just be on our–” “We can wait.” “ Arthur! ” He hears Merlin hiss at him. Arthur doesn’ t care. He wants those full bars, dangit! So what if his friends left him. He came all this way, and he is not leaving because Mer lin is too scared of a house separated from the others in the neighborhood. “Oh how lovely! I may just give you half a box for being so kind!” Brilliant. T ake that Gwaine. The old woman claps her hands while Merlin is burning holes on the side of Arthur ’s head. The woman turns inside the house and pauses. What now? “Oh but, you know, what? It’ s just so cold outside. Are you sure you don’ t want to wait inside where it's warm? I promise I’ll be quick!” Arthur frowns this time. “If you’ll be quick, then we don’ t have to wait indoors. Besides, we’ve been out here for hours.” W ell, Arthur has. He doesn’ t know about Merlin, but it’ s almost eleven. Usually, people don't start trick-or -treating that late. The woman nods in a stif f, uncordial way . “Yes, but that was when you were running around. You’ll begin to feel the cold standing out there for so long.” Again, Arthur feels a rise of unease. He can’ t believe that he’ s starting to reconsider what Merlin said before. It’ s a ridiculous theory, at best, but it could have some merit anyway . If so, Arthur is beginning to think that his friends never left this house. “You just said you would be quick, ” Merlin replies. His arms are crossed and he stares up at the woman raising an eyebrow . The old woman’ s brow twitches. Y eah, the alarm bells are definitely ringing. “Well, dear child, it all depends on if I am able to find them fast enough. Of course, I’m just not at that age anymore.” She sighs, placing a wrinkled hand on her cheek. W ere her nails always that sharp and long? “Sometimes, I fear my memory gets a little splotchy . You younglings just don’ t understand the struggles that come from being old. Y ou’re fresh...like a ripe tomato or a delectable piglet.” Okay! If Arthur hadn’ t already been considering it, those comparisons are a red flag enough! As much as Arthur now wants to be very far away from this woman, he knows his friends are in danger . They came to this house just before him in hopes of getting full bars, and now are trapped somewhere inside this house. He has to go in. “You are definitely right, madam.” He hears Merlin hissing at him again. “It has gotten a little nippy outside. I’m sure we can wait indoors while you restock your candy bowl.” The woman grins. Her lips are stretched so thin, Arthur ’s surprised that they haven't split yet. She turns back to go inside and Arthur follows. Merlin tugs on his sleeve last minute, though. “What are you thinking?” Merlin exclaims in a hushed tone. “I swear, if this is about the full bars, I am going to scream–” “This isn’ t about the bars, you idiot! Not after that! ” “Then why are you going inside!” Arthur turns fully to Merlin. The hat is titled now, close to obscuring his vision on Merlin’ s left side. The look on the witch boy’ s face is stormy . His blue eyes alight and fiery . Arthur holds his gaze and stares down with his own stormy expression. (W ell, he hopes it’ s stormy .) “My friends were just here, and I don’ t remember seeing—or hearing, actually, Gwaine is pretty loud—any of my friends leave this house. She’ s hiding them somewhere and we’re going to find them.” Merlin is quiet for a while. His expression morphs to one of exasperation, understanding and then he sighed. “Okay, fine. I’ll help you find your friends, but we have to be quick about this. Who knows how long she’ll be ‘restocking’ her candy bowl.” Arthur feels his stomach uncoil with relief. He doesn’ t know if he could wander around this house on his own. He won’ t let Merlin know that, though. “Great, any ideas on where to start first?” Merlin hums in consideration then snaps his fingers. “The basement might be our best bet.” “Oh fun, let’ s definitely start in the most horror movie cliche location.” “The what?” Arthur looks over at Merlin, who blinks back. He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Merlin still looks innocently confused. “Horror ...movie?” “You have got to be kidding me.” And so, the duo quietly sneaked to where the basement door was. Neither of them knew where exactly the basement was, but they were in too deep to back out now . Both of them would always check behind their backs to ensure that the old woman wasn’ t right behind them. It didn’ t help that the rest of the house was dark and empty just like how it was outside. Almost everything in this house is decomposed. The wind easily slips through the cracks, the walls covered in mold, and all the rooms look like they were rotting. The stench was awful as well, like soured milk mixed with sewage water and last week’ s dinner . Arthur does his best to ignore the smell. Merlin looks unfazed by it all though as they continue wandering around the hall. He really is weird. “It better not be near the kitchen, ” Arthur mutters to distract himself. Merlin nods as he closes the door beneath the stairs. Fortunately, it doesn’ t creak. Actually, now that Arthur thinks about it, none of the doors they have opened made any noise. The floors don't even squeak when stepped on despite how decomposed they look. Everything is quiet. A nice advantage to have when venturing the house of what Arthur assumes was a cannibal. “Do you want to check just in case?” Merlin whispers. “It wouldn’ t hurt.” Except the fact that the old woman is likely in there doing who knows what and wants to eat them. “W e’ll have to be quick about it, though.” Merlin rolls his eyes as they turn back to where the kitchen resides. “No, let me take the rest of the night in the one place where she is and pray we don’ t get caught.” The boy sighs. “I’m not an idiot, and who put you in char ge? I know what I’m doing.” “Sure, witch boy–” “Stop calling me that!” “So far, your plan has been to open every door in this house, including the ones upstairs to find the basement. See any flaws in that plan?” “Well–-we haven’ t even been upstairs!” “That’ s because I said that part of the plan was stupid.” Merlin mutters something about prattish humans and not respecting other ’s plans, but Arthur ignores it. The kitchen light is on, but no shadows or sounds to indicate if she’ s still inside. Good for them since that means they can sneak in without the fear of being seen, but also bad because now they have no clue where she is. Maybe she’ s in the basement. Arthur hopes not. “See any doors?” “Just the one for the fridge.” “Well, ” Arthur breathes out, “guess we have to venture in to see more.” “Guess so.” Merlin fixes his hat and nods to Arthur . The kitchen also looks decomposed. Scraped of f yellow paint on the counters, ripped of f red wallpaper, and black soot on the ceiling. Mold and mildew cover most of the tile floor and the stove is black with grease. The burning smell from the burners is awful, and Arthur hopes that the acrid smell is solely from the smoke mixing with the mildew . Once he finds his friends and gets out of here, Arthur is going straight home and having hot cocoa. “Arthur!” Arthur turns to Merlin who is frantically pointing at a door to the far right. Unlike the white door they entered in, this door is black and looks the most put together out of the whole kitchen. When Arthur walks over to Merlin, the witch boy opens it and inside are stairs leading down to a pitch black basement. “Alright then, guess we better go down.” Arthur goes to step down the stairway . “Are you out of your mind!” Merlin hisses, grabbing Arthur ’s arm and yanking him back into the kitchen Arthur frowns confused. “We made it to the basement, and my friends are down there. Let’ s go save them.” “Yes, but look, we could be blindly handing ourselves over to that lady for all we know! I know your friends are down there, but we need a plan if we want to get them and us out of here alive.” “And how exactly are you going to do that, Merlin?” “Magic of course.” “Magic? Look, I know you’re dressed up as a witch, but you must know that magic isn’ t real.” “I’m not dressed up! I’m a—oh for get. So, what’ s the big plan, sire.” “Thank you for asking, Merlin. Obviously, we have to be careful where we step since those floors look like they might snap of f. As for the chance if she’ s down there, one of us will have to distract her while the other frees my friends.” “Okay, so I distract while you free your friends?, '' says Merlin, nodding his head. Arthur blinks at Merlin who’ s looking back. Merlin was a scrawny kid compared to Arthur, but has no hesitation to volunteer himself as bait to distract someone who, quite frankly, will be giving Arthur nightmares later . “Are you sure? I can distract her while you free them.” Merlin shakes his head and turns to face the dark stairway . “They’re your friends, Arthur . I know you’re worried about them. Besides, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.” “Is it magic?” Arthur jokes, lifting an eyebrow at him. Merlin only smiles. His blue eyes gleam with mischief and Arthur feels himself relax just for a minute. W ith newfound determination, the two of them headed down the dark staircase. The old woman was down there, of course. Thankfully, her back was to the duo, but in front of her was a huge cauldron with blue flames flaring beneath it. W ith each odd ingredient the woman threw, the liquid inside changed color . Neon green to a pale pink to purple to orange. If he wasn’ t so concerned about finding his friends, Arthur would have found it fascinating, but now wasn’ t the time to be frozen staring at a color changing cauldron soup. At the far corner he spots a giant cage, and inside it, his friends. None of them appear hurt from where he stands, but with how dark it is, they could be. He hopes not. Leon is the one who spots him first unsurprisingly . He was always the attentive and observant one out of the group. Arthur sees him minutely shake his head. He ignores it though. They’re his friends. As if he would abandon them! He looks over at Merlin who nods. Arthur is far enough away to not be noticed by the woman if she turns over to Merlin. Here’ s to hoping that their plan works. “I thought you said you would be quick.” Her hands still while the cauldron bubbles a ripe red. She turns around, stretching her lips into that thin smile. Maybe it’ s just the bright color of the soup...thing, but her hair appears to look an even darker red, similar to blood. Not to mention her wrinkles seem more pronounced than they did when Arthur was standing on her porch. He hears the woman respond with something creepy about piglets, and Merlin answers with a snark. Focus. Arthur shakes his head and continues to the cage. Now that he’ s closer, he can see his friends better and fortunately, no one has any bruises or scratches. Arthur sighs inwardly . He doesn’ t know what he would’ve done if he found any of them hurt. He crouches over to where Leon is. So far he’ s the only one who’ s conscious. “Everyone okay?” Leon nods. “Y eah, she knocked us out with something the minute we got inside.” Arthur shakes his head mockingly . “What are you doing going in stranger ’s houses Leon. You’re twelve years old. Now a ten year old has to save your sorry hide.” Leon rolls his eyes and smiles though it’ s too stif f in Arthur ’s opinion. Leon has always been the most level-headed of the group, so to see him unnerved (even though he’ s doing his best to hide it) only adds to Arthur ’s nerves. “You came inside this house, too.” “Yeah, to save you guys. Think you can wake them up while I get the padlock open?” Arthur hears Leon give a soft huf f when he goes to the padlock at the door . It’s also rusty with metal peeling of f the edges. It’ s too late to find a key, and Arthur doesn’ t know how long Merlin will be able to keep the woman’ s attention away from the cage. Arthur considers ripping the lock right of f. It’s already close to crumbling. Maybe, a simple yank will cause it to turn to dust. As he pulls on the lock harshly, he hears a shrill yell from the otherside of the room. Arthur snaps his attention to where the sound came from, praying that the woman didn’ t get to Merlin. He sees her bending over and holding her wrist tightly . “You insolent child! How dare you believe you can stop me from completing my ritual! I am no mere old lady . I am someone who can make the earth tremble, I am centuries old, I am not to be trifled with!” A scof f is echoed through the room. “Is that why you’re getting handed to by a kid? Some powerful being.” At least Merlin’ s okay . Not like Arthur was concerned. He focuses on his task. It appears that yanking the padlock does not cause it to crumble, so that idea is a dud. He looks around the stone floor for anything thin and sharp like a needle or screw . “Here.” Arthur looks up and finds a conscious Guinevere with an outstretched hand holding a pin. It seems Leon got everyone awake because he can see Gwaine looking at where the woman is. Her batgirl mask is gone and the carefully done hair Gwen would fuss over earlier is undone and dusty . Still, her resolve doesn’ t break when she looks at Arthur . “My mother gave me some extra bobby pins in case the ones I'm wearing fall of f. See if you can use this to unlock it.” “Thank you.” She smiles brightly and walks over to Elyan. She fusses over him while he rubs at his eyes. Arthur looks back at the padlock and inserts the pin into the lock. Arthur thanks the stars that Gwaine had taught all of them how to pick locks no matter how adverse to it he was in the beginning. In a couple seconds, Arthur hears a click, and the padlock falls to the floor . A sigh of relief comes from the whole group. Then a cackle echoes through the room. Right. Creepy, cannibal lady . Arthur slowly opens the door to ensure it makes no sound, and his friends quickly exit. Luckily, the staircase is right in front of them. They quietly sprint towards it. Arthur looks around for Merlin. As annoying the witch boy can be, Arthur wouldn’ t wish to see him caught by her . He can hear the woman calling for him in that haunting sing-song voice, but Merlin does not snark back this time. “Oh sweetie...where did you go? Come out, come out...come out little piglet.” Arthur shudders. He’ s definitely going to have nightmares of this. “I see you got your friends, ” says a hushed voice. Arthur did not jump. He didn’ t. “Merlin!” He shakes his head. This kid is going to be the bane of his existence, isn’ t he. “Yeah, they're climbing up the stairs, let's go.” He sees the silhouette of Merlin nod and the two of them creep up the staircase, hoping the woman will continue to call aimlessly into the dark. Once out of the basement, all of the children run out of the house and don’ t stop running until they reach Arthur ’s home. They're all gasping for breath. Gwaine collapses to the floor . “Never ... again. Never again am I listening to my brothers.” “When I see your brothers again, Gwaine, ” Elyan gasps out, “I am going to kill them.” “Seconded, ” Lancelot breathes out. Gwaine lifts his hand to wave it in agreement. “I wouldn’ t blame you.” “By the way, ” gasps Guinevere, looking at a flushed Merlin, “who are you.” “Oh, I’m Merlin, ” He reaches out his hand to her . She smiles and shakes his hands. “Guinevere Smith, but you can call me Gwen.” “Well, Merlin!” Gwaine jumps up and slides an arm behind Merlin. “Thank you for helping our princess and rescuing us.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “Again with princess? I already told you to stop calling me that.” “Sure, princess.” Jerk. Merlin laughs and looks over at Arthur amused then back to Gwaine. “He does look like a princess.” “See! Thank you, Merls. I will remember this day . The day Merlin confirmed that Arthur was a princess.” “We were almost some cannibal’ s food, ” Elyan points out. “And I’m ignoring that. As you should too.” “Alright, it’ s late as it is. W e should all head home, ” Leon says, pointing to his watch. The numbers flash with the time: 1 1:35. Crap. He promised his mother that he would be home before then. Arthur looks towards his house. The porch lights are still on and though the blinds cover the lar ge window next to the door, he can see a sliver of light. Looks like she’ s still awake. Maybe Father is back home from work, too. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Merlin.” Arthur hears Guinevere say to Merlin who smiles in return. “I just wish it was under better circumstances, you know…” She coughs and grabs Elyan’ s hand as they follow Lancelot back to their homes. “Bye Gwen!” Merlin waves then says goodbye to Gwaine and Percival with Arthur and Leon. When Leon leaves, it’ s just Merlin and Arthur . Both of them stand in front of Arthur ’s home quietly waiting for the other to speak. Even though it’ s near midnight, Arthur can still hear people out in the streets. After all that’ s happened that night, Arthur was glad for the sound of other people and looked up to find the moon in all its glory . “I should probably go inside. I was supposed to come back earlier ...I hope Mum isn’ t worried.” Merlin nods and looks back at the neighborhood. “Will I see you again?” Arthur gets out. Though it was barely a whisper, Merlin still hears it and smirks. “What? Are you going to miss me a lot?” He grins wide, showing his white teeth that reflect from the moon. “N-no! It’ s just–well, look…there’ s something about you, Merlin. I can’ t quite put my finger on it. That’ s all.” “Okay princess.” Arthur grumbles while Merlin laughs. Eventually, Arthur sighs and adjusts the sack on his shoulder . “Uh… see you, then?” “Yeah, ” Merlin nods, “Until then.” Arthur walks to his front porch and presses the doorbell. He looks back to see if Merlin is still there, but all that’ s behind him is pavement. When his mother opens the door, he lets her hug him as tight as she wants, and if his hug lingers longer than usual, neither of them mention it. He asks for coco and when the hot chocolate is ready, both of them snuggle into the couch. Hocus Pocus is playing on the channel and they watch it together, and the two of them stay on the couch watching it and the movie after until they fall asleep. Chapter End Notes they're so cute!!! merlin cast as little children always make my heart soft T^T if you liked it, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Chapter 2 Chapter Summary "Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that, ” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later, their trick- or-treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. Just typical park things, you know? Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes Arthur never saw Merlin after that night. Thankfully, Halloween was on a Friday, so he could search around the neighborhood for the odd witch boy . No matter which house he went to, the parks he scoured, there was no Merlin anywhere. It was like he vanished from thin air . But that just can’t be possible. People don’ t just pop up one day, warn you about the (now arrested) cannibalistic lady, then poof from existence. For the whole weekend, Arthur looked for Merlin, but whenever his mother or friends asked him, he would deny it. Gwaine jokingly said that Merlin was actually a ghost. A troubled soul who was one of the lady’ s first victims, but shut up after Gwen began to cry . Elyan was not happy about that. Soon, the weekend ended, and Arthur had to continue on with school, though schoolwork was the farthest thing from his mind. It took until Christmas for him to believe that searching for Merlin was useless. Sometimes, he wonders if there even was a boy with him when he saved his friends. Maybe he invented the odd boy in his head to help him not feel as alone in a dark, abandoned house searching for his kidnapped friends. Arthur hated that thought. Despite the ten year old’ s inner turmoil, the world continued on as normal. Eventually, Arthur forgot about Merlin. Sometimes, he would stay up and think of the brown-haired witch with those really bright eyes, but other than that, finding Merlin and bombarding him with questions on where he’ s been isn't as important to Arthur anymore. There’ s no full moon this Halloween. But this year, it’s on a Saturday, so he can spend all of Halloween with his friends and figuring out a better game plan on which houses to go to. “You know, my brothers were talking about this old couple that—” “And I’m stopping you right there, ” Elyan says, placing a hand on Gwaine’ s shoulder . “Last time, if you remember, your brothers led us to an abandoned house where a cannibal lived. No full bars anywhere and we were all scarred.” Gwaine shudders. “Right, yeah… good point.” It wasn’ t that hard to plan out which houses to go to, which houses to avoid; most of them have been living in this neighborhood all their life. Figuring out whether a house gave toothbrushes and those weird candied popcorn balls wasn’ t that hard to remember . The group agreed to start early, so as to have more opportunities at the popular homes. It was a normal Halloween, much to Arthur ’s discontent. No matter where they ventured in the neighborhood, he couldn’ t find Merlin. Arthur knows that just because it’ s Halloween doesn’ t mean he’ll actually show up. He’ s already tried looking for him and it was always dead ends. But for some reason, today felt dif ferent. Maybe it was because the wind sounds like it’ s whispering to him. Maybe it was because the sky seems more magical as the sun sets. Maybe it was because Arthur never really gave up on finding Merlin. He always searched no matter if he told his friends that he didn’ t think Merlin was really there. He always searched whenever he saw a head of brown hair that turned out to not be the bright eyed witch boy . Arthur kept looking even when he, himself, stopped believing. They were at the last house when it happened. Everyone just got down the steps when a loud squawk is heard. Squawk is probably the wrong word for it. Arthur thinks that it sounded like a possessed herd of geese flying overhead, but the sound of flapping wings made it feel like there was only one giant bird flying. Definitely odd. Thankfully, for Arthur ’s sake, everyone else jumped in surprise to the demonic sound of a giant flying creature. “Well, ” Percival whistles, “someone is getting really into their halloween decorations. Got sound ef fects and everything.” “Oh, I can assure you, ” says a familiar voice, “that was not sound ef fects.” Arthur spun around in surprise. He can’ t believe it. Right in front of him. Same height, same shabby clothes (he seriously needs to either pick a new costume or add more flair to this whole witch thing), and same bright, mischievous, blue eyes. “Hey! It’ s Witch Boy!” Gwaine exclaims and hugs him. He gives out an “oomf!” which is a classic reaction from being hugged by Gwaine. “T ell us then, how are you? Where have you been--” “Merlin!” Arthur finally lets out...a bit too loud. Merlin, still trapped in Gwaine’ s hug, moves his head over to face Arthur and smiles. “Hello, prat.” “Not a prat, idiot.” Merlin just continues to smile as if he can see right through Arthur . Once Gwaine lets go, Gwen goes to hug him and soon the rest of the gang give Merlin hugs, pats, hair ruf fles. Of course all of that is ruined by the demented screeching. “Right, ” Merlin fixes his blue, pointy hat. “About that… you called it a sound ef fect?” Quickly, Merlin tells them all that, no, the screeching sound from above is not a herd of demonic geese but a full grown grif fin. How fun. “So… is the grif fin a danger to us?” asks Lancelot. Merlin shakes his head and starts to fuss with his sleeves. Arthur notices a thinly wrapped bracelet on his wrist. It seems to be one strand of metal wound around Merlin’ s wrist with a pale crystal dangling at the top. It must be new, seeing how Arthur doesn’ t remember seeing it last year . “Not really . It just isn’ t supposed to be here. Of course with today being when the V eil is open, something just had to get out.” When the V eil is open? What is Merlin talking about? Grif fins, open veils… all of this is too much. However, no one gets a chance to ask Merlin what exactly is the V eil because he quickly moves to a plan on how to send the grif fin back inside before anyone gets hurt. “Everybody got that?” No. No, everybody didn’ t. “Great!” Merlin claps his hands together, and for a second Arthur swears they spark. “Now, let’s see if we can get this giant bird out of here!” After hours of herding the beast, getting their costumes dirtied and ripped, they were finally able to lead the grif fin safely away from the neighborhood and into the wood where a portal ripped open for the creature to enter . “So… that really happened.” Merlin giggles. “Of course it did. I was with you the whole time, yeah?” “Right, right, I just...need a minute.” You know, because seeing the air in front of you split open into a swirling portal that the griffin flew into. Who knew grif fins were that big. Arthur almost got smacked by its tail earlier . Still, Arthur just saw a grif fin. A real, alive, flying grif fin. Arthur knows he feels a bit faint but does his best to stay awake. His father always told him to be strong and never show weakness to others. Gwaine and Elyan had fainted just at the sight of the creature. Merlin, though, he beamed and bounced with so much ener gy that Arthur didn’ t think it was possible. “So, what now?” Leon says. He was the only one who looked calm, and Arthur can’ t say that he isn’ t jealous. Although, Leon did squeal when the grif fin’s wings almost smacked him, so there’ s that. “Go to more houses?” Percival of fered. Gwen shook her head and motioned to her and her brother ’s baskets full of candy . “We’ve already been to so many, and I know that Arthur ’s sack will explode if we add anymore to it.” “Hey, my sack can hold anything! But, uh--” He gulps at the glare given to him by Gwen. “-- we don’ t need to go to more houses. How about…we stop at mine? If that’ s alright of course.” Everyone nods (including Gwaine and Elyan who are well awake by then). Arthur turns to Merlin, who stands close to where the veil once was. The wind isn’ t as harsh as it was minutes ago, but it’ s still there, blowing Merlin’ s tattered robes to and fro. As usual, Merlin is looking of f into the woods, inside his own head with his hat covering his expression. Arthur bets it’ s one where he looks idiotic with that soft smile and closed eyes. “Witch Boy!” That gets his attention. Merlin jumps abruptly and stumbles to turn toward Arthur . “We’re all coming to my house!” There’ s a small pause as Merlin scrunches his face at Arthur confused. “Okay…? And?” Arthur sighs heavily . He hears Leon and Gwen chastising him for being nicer, but it's Merlin. “You’re coming too, of course!” “I am?” Arthur huf fs at Merlin’ s surprised expression. He really can be dense. “What do you think ‘ of course’ means? Y es, you’re coming, Merlin, and you can’ t back out. It’s not allowed.” He can see Merlin’ s cheeks puf f up and his foot stamps on the dead leaves. “I know what that means, clotpole!” “Then come on! Y ou’ll be the last one there and miss my mother ’s hot chocolate at this rate!” Merlin hurried over to Arthur and gave him a shove. Arthur being Arthur, shoved him back but harder . This continued on until they reached Arthur ’s home. His mother greeted all of them, gave them hugs or hair ruf fles (much to Arthur ’s chagrin) and set to making her infamous hot cocoa. It happened like this every Halloween. Every year, Merlin would show up to hang out with Arthur and the gang or to warn them about some magical problem that leaked from the veil. The year after the grif fin, some pixies were creating havoc. Then it was a unicorn. Arthur remembers Merlin being so entranced by it, but he can’ t blame the guy because the unicorn was beautiful. Arthur likes that something magical always happens on Halloween even if some of them aren’ t exactly fun. Some years later, one of his cousins (Arthur isn’ t sure from which family) moves in since her father was a good friend of Arthur ’s. Her name is Mor gana, and Arthur quickly finds out that she is a harpy . Always getting him into trouble. Crying at the right moments to get at his parents’ heartstrings so she gets away with everything. Arthur hates it. That is until he beats her at chess. “You cheated.” Is all she says. Arthur can’ t help but grin at her smugly . They try checkers next, and he beats her there too. Arthur likes to count that as the best day of his life. They keep playing chess for the rest of the day, and eventually, Arthur starts to teach her better moves to play until she finally beats him near midnight. Arthur can’ t find it in him to be upset and celebrates with her . Soon, all of her “devilish” pranks and plans, Arthur is in on them too. He adds more details in her plans. Never do their pranks ever lead back to the two of them. It was nice having someone else around who wasn’ t staf f or his mother as company . He had his friends, yes, but they could only stay for a short while. Sometimes there were sleepovers, but eventually, they had to go back to their own home. Having Mor gana around was like having a little sister around to pick on, protect, and plan pranks with. She fit into the gang instantly, much to Arthur ’s relief, quickly becoming friends with Gwen and Leon. All Arthur needed was Merlin and their group would be complete. When Halloween came that year, Arthur found Merlin waiting by his fence as usual. Quickly, he ran up to him. Mother made him late again with all her fussing on his costume. He was dressed, this time, as a Camelot knight which is dif ferent from the other knights he dressed as years before, thank you very much. “Sorry, did you have to wait long?” Merlin shook his head causing his hat to tip to the right. “Nah, I just got here.” Arthur sighed in relief and looked up at the sky . “Ah man!” “What's wrong?” Merlin frowned. “It’s just… I know this sounds silly, but I was really hoping that it would be a full moon this year. Halloween always seems more mystical when it does.” Merlin hums and nods then quickly looks over at Arthur ’s porch. “Say, is that your mother calling you?” Quickly, Arthur turns to his porch but doesn’ t hear his mother call for him. All he sees is Morgana exiting the house in her “Empress” costume. He looks back to Merlin who wears his sheepish, "I-swear -I’m-innocent" face. Then he looks back at the sky and gasps. Up in the sky isn’ t the curvy crescent moon Arthur just saw . Instead is a bright, full moon shining in its silver glory . Arthur can’ t believe it. “How-how did this happen? W asn’t it just small a second ago?” Merlin hums again with his hand on his chin in a contemplating way . “That really is strange...W ell! Shall we go?” Arthur nods but his attention is still on the moon. “Arthur! Y ou’re mum said that you can’ t leave without me!” Merlin tilts his head. “Who are you?” “I’m Mor gana. Who are you?” Arthur snaps from his trance and begins to introduce Merlin and Mor gana to each other . Though there was a small hostile hiccup, the two start to get along. “I haven’ t seen you around, Merlin. Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that, ” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later, their trick-or - treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. It was Morgana’ s first experience with magical creatures and would not stop talking about how magic is real and if she’ll get to see them again. It was also the night Arthur realized that Merlin wasn’ t joking when he said he could do magic. Merlin called him dense for that, but Arthur got him back by shoving him into the fountain. After that, the gang decided not to go trick-or -treating on Halloween, but go “monster hunting” instead. (Y es, this was Mor gana’ s idea.) Now, they would split of f into small groups of three and scour the neighborhood for any magical creatures that left the V eil. Unsurprisingly, being grouped with Merlin meant that they attracted most of the magical creatures, but that made it easier since Merlin could summon the veil and let them pass through. Gwaine likes to joke that they could create their own monster hunting Y ouTube channel, but Gwen would pipe in that it wouldn’ t be as popular seeing how most of the monsters come out on Halloween. Gwaine would then grumble about spoil-sports and just wanting to document their adventures. The next year, Percival brought his video cameras- one for each group. They never created a Y ouTube channel, but with the amount of recorded events they had, Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised if Gwaine and Percival made one. Even as they grew older and went to college, the gang would always come back on Halloween and go hunting for “monsters.” Of course, they found a way to contact Merlin, and Arthur makes sure to text him everyday . None of the group knows where exactly Merlin is from and why he can only visit on Halloween. Arthur has heard many of Mor gana’ s theories as to why . (“Think about it, Arthur . Why only Halloween? Why is our neighborhood the only place that has these problems?” Morgana drapes herself over Arthur ’s bed, leaving no room for Arthur to sit on. He breathes out a sigh and sits on his desk chair . She points her manicured nails at him as she rants about today’ s theory on why Merlin can only visit once a year . “Mor gana, I’m sure that other places have the same issues as ours. The V eil can open anywhere. Merlin said it’ s just this day that makes it open, not a special place.” He sees Mor gana perk up and turn around on the bed so her stomach is towards the floor . Her dark hair falling on her face made her look slightly deranged. Arthur knows that Gwen would call this messy look on Mor gana beautiful, but Arthur has a hard time associating anything beautiful with his sister . Terrifying? Absolutely . “Oh, I’m sorry, I thought you didn’ t listen to Merlin when he goes on about the…” “Mor gana, ” Arthur sighed. “What did you call it? Ah, right, ” “Mor gana, ” Arthur hissed. He is not in the mood for this. “The ‘ hocus pocus thingy’ . But instead you do and just pretend not to. A w, is W artie really a softie for --” “Shut up, ‘Gana! It’ s not like that!” Already, he can feel his cheeks heating up, and Morgana’ s little grin is enough to know that she saw it too. “Sure it’ s not.”) Whether any of her theories are true or not doesn’ t matter too much to Arthur because, without fail, Merlin will always be there with him on Halloween. Whether early or late, Merlin will be there. “Do you remember the ogre?” asks Percival. Leon groans and Gwaine squeals at the memory . “Oh you bet, mate. How could I not!” “I could, I would definitely want that memory erased from my mind, ” Leon mutters next to Arthur . Arthur pats Leon on the back and does his best not to laugh along with Gwaine. The ogre. Looking back, Arthur finds it hilarious, but at the time-- “MERLIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CAST THE SPELL!” “I told you, Arthur . Spells like these take time! I can’ t just magic a portal and whisk Leon’ s beloved away!” “Please don’ t call her that, ” sighs a distraught Leon. “I was drunk and it was thr ee in the morning. I’m not doing anything like this ever again” “SHUT UP, LEON!” --yeah… that was a stressful time. “Cheer up, Leon, ” Elyan says as he slides into their booth, Lancelot trailing behind him. They’re at their usual pub, The Rising Sun, and, unfortunately, it’s crowded more than usual. Thankfully, Leon came in early (like the meticulous man he is) and saved the booth for them all. “Say, Arthur?” Arthur grunts in response as he reaches for his drink. Leon is back to being his dignified self again, so his arms are free to drink. “Did Merlin get a chance to let you know he’ s coming?” He hears Gwaine snicker and from the corner of his eye, see Percival roll his own at whatever Gwaine said. “You have his number, right?” Elyan nods. “There’ s your answer . Ask him yourself.” Arthur doesn’ t understand why his friends always ask him if Merlin is coming. It’ s not like the two of them talk that much. Sure, the moment Arthur got a phone, he immediately went to Merlin the next Halloween to gift the witch his own phone and exchange numbers with the rest of the group. But that was only because he couldn’ t stand their past communication of sending letters through birds. They would always scratch him or give his mother quite a freight if they swooped in from nowhere. Elyan sighs and turns to Lancelot exasperated. Arthur doesn’ t bother to understand his theatrics. Honestly, Gwaine’ s done worse. “Yeah, but Merlin always leaves me on read. When he does answer, it’s just short responses. Don’ t you two… have long conversations all the time-” (in the far distance of the other side of the booth, Gwaine whispers, “Whipped.”) “-and you always respond to him, so… maybe he’ll let you know?” Arthur sighs and drinks his beer . Finally he relents. Those dumb Smith siblings and their caring eyes that seem like they can see through your soul. “Yeah, Merlin said he was coming and to save him a seat. I already ordered for him, too.” Gwaine perks up. “Did you?” His grin is wide and cheshire like. Arthur knows that the next things out of Gwaine’ s mouth won’ t be anything good. At least, not for him. “What do you say, Elyan? My money’ s on two weeks.” O...kay ..? Not where Arthur thought Gwaine was going to take this conversation. He hears Elyan chuckle. “T wo weeks? Never thought you were one to hope when it came to this.” Arthur is very lost on what these two are talking about. “Oh believe me, ” pipes in Percival, “When it comes to them, Gwaine can’ t help but have hope. Y ou should hear him going on about it all day .” That gets some laughs out of everyone but Arthur, who is still confused as to what is going on. “Of course, you would know about what Gwaine goes on about everyday, wouldn’ t you, ” Leon teases. Percival flushes while Gwaine only giggles and snuggles more into the man’ s giant frame. Alright. T easing Percival about his crush on Gwaine. Arthur knows that. W ell, maybe Arthur shouldn’ t say crush since the two of them are dating now . However, Percival still gets embarrassed when the gang teases him and Gwaine about their relationship. Gwaine finds it adorable and never loses the chance to show them of f when the teasing starts. When Leon goes to buy them another round, Arthur notices that Elyan is short a few more people. “Weren’ t Mor gana and Gwen with you?” Elyan winces and rubs his necks. “They were… but, well--” “They decided to spend Halloween alone… together… after a heavy makeout session right in front of us.” Lancelot looks slightly haunted. The rest of the boys nod in understanding. Personally, when it came to PDA-obsessed couples, Arthur had assumed that Percival and Gwaine would be number one on that list but nope. T urns out his sister and Gwen can’ t ever seem to get their hands of f each other . Sometimes, they for get where they are and who they’re with and the constant kissing gets a little bit more… heated . Thankfully, the conversation shifts to Percival and Lancelot’ s job at a hardware store. Somehow, they get on the topic of dragons and whether one would ever come out from the Veil. It is here how Merlin finds them: almost drunk of f their asses debating the existence of the Fae. “I’m telling you, Leon, ” slurs Lancelot, “they probably wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to get here. Y ou hear stories about them popping up when it’ s not even close to… what was the other name Halloween has?” “Samhain, you mean?” “Yes, yes, Samhain.” Lancelot bobs his head and the witch giggles at the sight. “Thank you, Merlin.” A pause. “MERLIN!” “Where have you been?” “Buddy! How you been?” “What took you so long, idiot!” Merlin just smiles and slides into the seat next to Arthur . He still wears that ragged, blue hat as always though this time, there’ s no robes to be seen. Instead, he wears a light brown jacket, a loose blue shirt with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. It’ s a nice look on him, Arthur can concede, even if it still looks like something Merlin just threw on. If they ever get the chance, Arthur is taking Merlin out to buy some real clothes that actually look fashionable. “Good to see you too, your royal highness.” Arthur rolls his eyes and gives Merlin his drink. For a brief second, their fingers touch. Only for a short moment, Arthur can feel how warm Merlin's hands are, but it ends just as it starts. Merlin brings the bottle to his full lips and the feeling of his hands are gone. “So, you guys talking about the Fair Folk? Y ou should be careful about what you say because they might not like it. For example--” “Come on, Mer lin! It’ s just harmless fun. Besides, ” Arthur leans closer to Merlin. From here, he can see a small ring of gold around the witch’ s blue irises. From here, Merlin’ s eyes are so blue. Like the clear sky in mid-morning. Not light but not deep either . Arthur can feel Merlin’ s breath as he giggles. “W e’ll have you to bust us out of trouble, right?” Merlin huf fs and shrugs Arthur of f of him. Arthur falls onto Leon letting out an “oomf.” “Glad to see how you really feel about me. I thought our friendship was stronger than that.” Merlin sighs theatrically and pretends to nurse his beer bottle. “Y ou just want me for my magic.” Gwaine gives out a giggle and leans forward. “Don’ t worry, Merls. Magic isn’ t the only thing Arthur wants.” He wags his eyebrows and Arthur feels his face flush, though sober him would deny it. “Come of f it, Gwaine, ” Arthur somehow stutters out. “Y ou’re drunk.” “Aye, ” he hiccups, “but at least I’m not in denial.” You know what? Arthur is finding new friends. Friends who don’ t call him out like that. Arthur is perfectly fine with where things are. No need to say anything that might ruin it. “Alright, that’ s enough booze for you.” Percival takes Gwaine’ s bottle and hands him a glass of water . Where did the water come from? Maybe it was Leon. Or Lancelot. The rest of the night was spent rehashing their year to Merlin (who knew most of what happened because Arthur tells him everything). After catching up, the gang thought it’d be fun to ask Merlin about the V eil and what goes in and out. T urns out Lancelot was right in thinking that the Fae wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to leave the otherworld called A valon. Once it got close to midnight, the gang decided to call it a night and head back to their dorms. Leon was sober enough to drive them all to their designated places. Percival had to carry a sleeping Gwaine while Elyan and Lancelot stumbled together into their shared apartment. When they got to Arthur ’s apartment, Merlin of fered to help him inside. “Leon, I know you live on the other side of the campus. I can take him, don’ t worry .” Leon sighs and shakes his head fondly . “Alright, make sure to leave some aspirin on his desk so that his hangover won’ t bother him as much tomorrow .” “I’m right here, you know, ” Arthur slurs out. Hanging of f of Merlin’ s shoulder, Arthur feels loose. Like a puppet finally cut from its string but now has no direction on where to go. Merlin snorts and shifts Arthur ’s arm on his shoulder for a better grip. “Of course you’re here. Anyone can tell where you are by the sound of your pratish voice.” Arthur retaliates by butting his head on Merlin’ s neck. There. That would show him. Leon chuckles and waves one last goodbye to Merlin before driving away . “Alright, your royal pratty-ness, where do I take you?” It takes a couple stumbles but they make it to his apartment eventually . Sure, Merlin may have passed the elevator twice and almost dropped Arthur a couple more times, but they made it to his place in one piece. Arthur digs through his pocket, looking for his key but keeps missing the pocket entirely . Merlin rolls his eyes and reaches into his pocket instead. Once again, Arthur feels the warmth from Merlin's fingers. Even when they leave, the feeling lingers. Merlin finds the key quickly and unlocks the door with the finesse of a sober person, opening the door with a “tadah!” The two of them stumble inside and Merlin drops Arthur on the couch. Arthur squawks as the cushions hit his back. “Merlin!” Merlin pokes his head out from the kitchen. In his hands is a glass of water and in the other a bag of chips. “What?” He blinks at Arthur . Again, Arthur is lost, looking at Merlin’ s eyes. Blue ringed with gold and absolutely beautiful. “Yeah?” Merlin coughs out. Arthur snaps out of it. Right. Merlin. His friend. His best friend. Why did Arthur call on him again? Must not have been important if he’ s forgotten. “N-nevermind.” Merlin raises an eyebrow at that, but thankfully, lets it slide. Arthur gets up from the couch and walks over to the kitchen to join Merlin, who gives him a glass of water as well. They then start to talk about nonsense. How they’ve been, the pressures Arthur ’s father has on him, Merlin’ s new spells that he then shows of f to a delighted Arthur . It’s nice and quiet. Just the two of them. Arthur knows he’ s been sneaking glances every now and then. Hopefully, it isn’ t super obvious. Drunk or not, Arthur doesn’ t know what he would do if Merlin were to find out how Arthur ’s feelings for him isn’ t platonic anymore. Sometimes, Arthur thinks he spies Merlin sneaking glances also, but he knows that it’ s only the trick of the light. He looks to where the window resides just above the kitchen sink. It’ s a full moon. Full moons on Halloween are always the best in Arthur ’s opinion. The night sky alight with stars, the moon up high for all to see. But Arthur ’s favorite part of full moon Halloweens is spending that time under the moonlight with Merlin. Chapter End Notes these boys *shakes head* they're so silly but yeah that's chapter 2! i originally had plans to continue this to have a ch3 but for the moment just 2 parts is enough and it's super sweet anyway . (dw i have half of ch3 written but this wip has been on hold for sometime that i'm okay with leaving at two) if i ever do think to include ch3 here, it will be some later time and when i can figure out the ending. anyway, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English
Published: 2023-01-19 Words: 10,454 Chapters: 2/2 Witch Boy by fluffypoato Summary “Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Notes if this feels somewhat familiar to you, it probably is Welcome, people of Ao3, to Fluf fy's repost of older fic collection (yes, this are repost of my older fics, yes i did write them) the first to be revealed is W itch Boy! Hope you enjoy! Chapter 1 Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes “Okay , think you got everything?” his mother asks. “Yes, mum, I’ve got my belt and my sword and my sack.” Arthur rolls his eyes at his mother ’s fussing. Really , he’s ten years old now . He’ s trick-or -treating all on his own with his friends. He’ s a big boy . Arthur ’s mother smiles softly , brushing her pale wig from her face. His mother had decided to match with Arthur ’s knight costume and go as a queen from the renaissance. Her dress is a deep scarlet that she got at Party City with a plastic, gold circlet wrapped around her head. “Just double checking, little lion.” She goes to kiss his forehead. “Now , don’ t you look regal!” she says admiring his costume. While his mother ’s costume is simple with only a few accessories, Arthur ’s is a bit more detailed since he told his mother that he wanted to look like a “real” and “authentic” knight like the ones he hears in the fairy tales she reads to him. His leather boots are a light brown, his trousers are black and loose with a brown belt holding his wooden sword, and his tunic is red with a black hood stitched round his collar . Arthur preened at his mother ’s praises on his costume and did a little spin. It’ s a silly spin, in his opinion, but it's just him and his mother . He can act silly in front of her . She giggles at him and spins herself. “Do you think I look lovely , sir knight?” “I think you look beautiful, my lady ,” he answers, kissing his mother ’s knuckles while she laughs. The sound of the doorbell is heard even though faint. Arthur ’s mother composes herself brushing of f imaginary dust from her gown. She crouches down to Arthur and does some last minute fixes. Usually , he would fuss and complain, but let her continue since he, too, didn’ t want this moment to end. “Now , don’ t forget to say thank you after being given candy and make sure to come back home no later than eleven thirty , okay?” “Yes, Mum.” She smiles wide, showing of f her white teeth and pinches Arthur ’s cheeks. “And don’ t forget to have fun, little lion. It’ s Halloween.” Arthur giggles and shoves her hands from his cheeks. Just before he leaves, his mother does some last minute fussing. Brushing of f his tunic, fixing the sleeves over and over -- “Mum! I can’ t go trick-or -treating if you keep me here!” His mother sighs and looks over at him one last time before nodding. Arthur nods in return and smiles before exiting his house to meet up with his friends. T oday is Halloween, and it’ s a full moon he discovers when looking at the sky . Already , Arthur can tell that this Halloween was going to be great. Some twenty houses later , Arthur has a sack full of candy along with his other friends. Heavy as it was, Arthur slings it over his back while venturing of f to the next house that Gwaine claims has full bars. “Full bars, guys! None of that fun-size stuff. Trust me!” “Last time I trusted you, I ended up with a face full of dirt and got grounded by my mother ,” grumbles Percival. “Oh come on, Perce!” Gwaine laughs, messing with his scruf fy wig. “Y ou know I never meant for that to happen! I got in trouble too, you know .” Gwaine gives Percival the biggest, pleading eyes Arthur has ever seen and scof fs. “Don’ t fall for it, Percival. He’ll just get you into more trouble next time.” Leon and Lancelot chuckle nervously while Elyan nods in agreement. Both Leon and Lancelot dressed as knights with Arthur while Gwaine thought to go as a werewolf. Pecival said he was a jedi. Elyan dressed as an assassin, but unfortunately , had to keep correcting the parents on who he was. Apparently , Robin Hood was a popular guess that was given. Elyan also brought his little sister who was dressed as Batgirl. “It’s true Percy! Gwaine gave me those puppy eyes and the next thing I know we’re sneaking off to prank his brothers…” Elyan trails of f, looking far of f into the distance haunted. “I almost died.” Elyan's sister sighs exasperatedly . “Yeah, and then I had to save you from getting caught by our dad, remember?” “And I am ever grateful for your aid, Gwen.” He ruf fles her hair while Gwen squawks and smacks his arm away . “Elyan! It took Mum hours to get my hair like this!” She pats down her straightened hair as good as a child can while Elyan rolls his eyes. Eventually , they reach the alleged house that holds full sized bars. Maybe it was how late the night had gotten, but the house looked very ominous to Arthur . The lights were a dim orange. Not the bright white like the other houses that passed by . It was also at the corner of the neighborhood, making it feel secluded and isolated. No decorations were found on the lawn. Only a small wooden Jack-o-lantern hanging on the door . Arthur had a bad feeling. He looked at his other friends, gaging their reactions. Gwaine looked excited as ever . Elyan was busy talking to his sister , so even if Elyan did make a reaction, Arthur wouldn’ t know . Percival looked worried, but that just might be because Gwaine looks like he might explode. Leon and Lancelot did exchange concerned glances to each other and to Arthur , so there’ s that. “Is this really the place?” Leon finally asked. “Of course!” Gwaine scof fed and puf fed up his chest. “This is the place that my brothers would always talk about every year . They would always come with full bars and tell me about this house.” “I dunno, Gwaine,” Lancelot answers, “Y ou know that your brothers tend to…” “Prank us all the time?” Arthur finishes for him. He notices movement behind the window and grips his sack tighter . Gwaine makes a noise of protest but sags. “Okay , I know that my brothers are pranksters, but so am I. It’ s a family thing. But, lying about full sized candy bars? They would never . Scout’ s honor!” Everyone raised their eyebrows at that. Elyan rolls his eyes and fiddles with his bucket. “Well, if they are lying about the candy bars, we can just get back at them, eh?” The gang nods in agreement and starts walking up to the ominous house. The wind picks up and Arthur shivers. He looks up at the full moon, watching as the clouds begin to cover its silver glow . Arthur looks back at the house. W ith the now cloudy sky , the house looks darker and even more foreboding than it was before. Chills run down his arms and not from the wind. It’s probably nothing, Arthur repeats over and over in his head. It’s all my imagination. Nothing is wr ong with the house. It’ s just Halloween. “You should probably stop your friends from going there.” Arthur startles at the sudden voice next to him. It was a boy . A boy with light blue eyes. “Who-who are you?” The boy smiles and reaches out his hand. “I’m Merlin.” Arthur looks down at the hand then back at Merlin’ s face. He’ s about the same height as Arthur as far as he can tell. T o be honest, the costume Merlin was wearing was odd. It looks like a dress that’ s been worn down with tears at the end but really , was a blue, faded robe. The odd boy also has a worn, blue hat to match. Merlin’ s boots are red like his scarf but pointed (and not leather , Arthur ’s brain feels the need to add). Merlin tilts his head and raises his brow while Arthur stays frozen next to him. W orried he’d been silent for too long, Arthur blurts out the first thing that came to his mind: “Why are your ears so big?” Merlin huf fed and covered his now red ears. Arthur cringed. He doesn’ t really know what he was trying to say , but he didn’ t mean for it to sound rude. “They are not! Y ou're just a prat!” Arthur sputters. “I’m a what?” “A prat!” Merlin snif fs and crosses his arms. His ears are still red, but it seems that that isn’ t his main focus anymore. “Well you’re a–a… what are you supposed to be?” “I’m certainly not a prat!” Merlin huf fs, stomping his feet. “I meant your costume,” he sighs, gesturing to Merlin’ s clothing. “Y ou don’ t look like a sorcerer , but with the hat… are you trying to be a wizard?” “Trying to be a– I’m a witch!” Arthur assesses Merlin and his costume. It could work but lacks ef fort. Seems to him that Merlin just pulled on whatever and called it a day . Arthur shrugs and pulls his sack over his shoulder . “Alright then, witch, did you come for the full bars?” “Full bars?” Merlin asks, his wide eyes blinking. It’ s as if he’ s never heard the word before. Arthur rolls his eyes. “Full bars. Y ou know , candy bars that aren’ t fun-sized?” More wide staring. “Just–look, it’ s candy bars full sized. None of that small sized stuf f, okay?” Merlin nods slowly . Arthur sighed for the umpteenth time. By now , he bets that his friends have already reached the house and got all of Arthur ’s favorites. He turns toward where the corner house resides and heads to its door . He can already see that his friends have reached the front porch. “Hey , what are you doing!” “What do you think, Merlin?” Arthur asks, rolling his eyes. Is this Merlin serious? “I’m getting some full bars.” The witch boy huf fs and stamps his foot. “And I told you that you shouldn’ t go there!” Arthur only smirks. “What? Scared of the isolated house at the corner of the neighborhood?” Merlin sputters, and Arthur takes that as his cue to continue up the incline to the front porch. The porch light is of f now , so he can’ t see his friends. Strange. W ere they always of f? He could have sworn the porch light was brightly shining a second ago. Arthur doesn’ t get that much time to think of it though because Merlin decides to shake out of his sputtering and run after him. “I’m not scared, clotpole! This house is isolated for a reason, and it shouldn’ t be disturbed.” “What are you nattering on about? It’ s just a house and- wait, what did you just call me?” “Not important.” The nerve! “What’ s important is that whatever is in that house is dangerous and is using these... full bars to lure you inside just like it did to your friends!” Arthur is really starting to get annoyed by this guy . First he calls him a prat, then a clotpole? What is his deal? “Look, I know it’ s Halloween and all, but I’m pretty sure...this is just a regular house that gives out full bars. Also, how do you still not know what those are? Did your parents only give you fun-sized or something? That’ s pretty sad, now that I think about it. Y ou’re missing out.” Merlin’ s cheeks flush and Arthur can tell that the boy was restraining himself from saying something. Most likey , a great many things. That may not be appropriate. Okay , maybe Arthur went a bit too far about the fun-sized thing, but seriously , what is his deal? If anything, Merlin was probably told that this house is haunted or whatever just so he wouldn’ t go there for the full bars. When the duo reached the porch, the lights went on. Arthur had to blink a bit since he was just in the dark moments before. After gathering his bearings, he looked around the oddly silent porch and found...nothing. Just an empty , silent, friendless porch. Huh...this was fine. Did they already receive the candy and continue trick-or -treating without him? Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised. What with Gwaine’ s ener getic nature added with the Smith siblings’ competitive one for collecting candy . They might have left him behind on accident, also. Arthur would’ve thought that they’d at least wait. Maybe that’ s why the porch light went of f again. “Rats,” Merlin mutters. Arthur frowns and looks back at the witch boy . “What?” Merlin huf fs and fiddles with his torn sleeve. “This was what I’ve been trying to tell you. It’ s not normal at all! Listen, it’ s--” “Why hello there!” There’ s an old woman at the door . She’ s very tall, or maybe it’ s just her lar ge hair . Arthur can’t tell. Either way , she startles both of them. Merlin squeaked and Arthur ...did not. “My, aren’ t you two precious! Like little rabbits being strangled by a hunter ’s strong grip.” Eerily strange comparison...but Arthur will let it pass because it’ s Halloween, and he knows that sometimes the people giving candy want to be more eccentrically spooky for the holiday . He should know since Elyan and Gwen’ s dad does the same thing. Only , their dad’ s antics don’t give him the instinct to run like Hell, but he digresses. “Now , I’m afraid that my bowl is empty at the moment since that last group finished it all. They were quite the crowd. Especially that boy dressed up as a werewolf.” She giggles, and it sounds hauntingly of f-key . “That boy grabbed a lot of them, he did. Caused a huge dispute between them all.” Arthur missed all that? Of course Gwaine would do something like that. He bets it was Leon who reprimanded him or it could be Lancelot. However , that does answer Arthur ’s question on whether they did get here. All of them were here, got the full bars, and left without even leaving any spares for him. “I hope you don’ t mind waiting while I go get some more.” Merlin nods his head fervently . Arthur ’s almost sure that if he shook his head faster , it would snap of f. “No need, madame, so sorry for your low supply . We’ll just be on our–” “We can wait.” “ Arthur! ” He hears Merlin hiss at him. Arthur doesn’ t care. He wants those full bars, dangit! So what if his friends left him. He came all this way ,and he is not leaving because Mer lin is too scared of a house separated from the others in the neighborhood. “Oh how lovely! I may just give you half a box for being so kind!” Brilliant. T ake that Gwaine. The old woman claps her hands while Merlin is burning holes on the side of Arthur ’s head. The woman turns inside the house and pauses. What now? “Oh but, you know , what? It’ s just so cold outside. Are you sure you don’ t want to wait inside where it's warm? I promise I’ll be quick!” Arthur frowns this time. “If you’ll be quick, then we don’ t have to wait indoors. Besides, we’ve been out here for hours.” W ell, Arthur has. He doesn’ t know about Merlin, but it’ s almost eleven. Usually , people don't start trick-or -treating that late. The woman nods in a stif f, uncordial way . “Yes, but that was when you were running around. You’ll begin to feel the cold standing out there for so long.” Again, Arthur feels a rise of unease. He can’ t believe that he’ s starting to reconsider what Merlin said before. It’ s a ridiculous theory , at best, but it could have some merit anyway . If so, Arthur is beginning to think that his friends never left this house. “You just said you would be quick,” Merlin replies. His arms are crossed and he stares up at the woman raising an eyebrow . The old woman’ s brow twitches. Y eah, the alarm bells are definitely ringing. “Well, dear child, it all depends on if I am able to find them fast enough. Of course, I’m just not at that age anymore.” She sighs, placing a wrinkled hand on her cheek. W ere her nails always that sharp and long? “Sometimes, I fear my memory gets a little splotchy . You younglings just don’ t understand the struggles that come from being old. Y ou’re fresh...like a ripe tomato or a delectable piglet.” Okay! If Arthur hadn’ t already been considering it, those comparisons are a red flag enough! As much as Arthur now wants to be very far away from this woman, he knows his friends are in danger . They came to this house just before him in hopes of getting full bars, and now are trapped somewhere inside this house. He has to go in. “You are definitely right, madam.” He hears Merlin hissing at him again. “It has gotten a little nippy outside. I’m sure we can wait indoors while you restock your candy bowl.” The woman grins. Her lips are stretched so thin, Arthur ’s surprised that they haven't split yet. She turns back to go inside and Arthur follows. Merlin tugs on his sleeve last minute, though. “What are you thinking?” Merlin exclaims in a hushed tone. “I swear , if this is about the full bars, I am going to scream–” “This isn’ t about the bars, you idiot! Not after that! ” “Then why are you going inside!” Arthur turns fully to Merlin. The hat is titled now , close to obscuring his vision on Merlin’ s left side. The look on the witch boy’ s face is stormy . His blue eyes alight and fiery . Arthur holds his gaze and stares down with his own stormy expression. (W ell, he hopes it’ s stormy .) “My friends were just here, and I don’ t remember seeing—or hearing, actually , Gwaine is pretty loud—any of my friends leave this house. She’ s hiding them somewhere and we’re going to find them.” Merlin is quiet for a while. His expression morphs to one of exasperation, understanding and then he sighed. “Okay , fine. I’ll help you find your friends, but we have to be quick about this. Who knows how long she’ll be ‘restocking’ her candy bowl.” Arthur feels his stomach uncoil with relief. He doesn’ t know if he could wander around this house on his own. He won’ t let Merlin know that, though. “Great, any ideas on where to start first?” Merlin hums in consideration then snaps his fingers. “The basement might be our best bet.” “Oh fun, let’ s definitely start in the most horror movie cliche location.” “The what?” Arthur looks over at Merlin, who blinks back. He sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. Merlin still looks innocently confused. “Horror ...movie?” “You have got to be kidding me.” And so, the duo quietly sneaked to where the basement door was. Neither of them knew where exactly the basement was, but they were in too deep to back out now . Both of them would always check behind their backs to ensure that the old woman wasn’ t right behind them. It didn’ t help that the rest of the house was dark and empty just like how it was outside. Almost everything in this house is decomposed. The wind easily slips through the cracks, the walls covered in mold, and all the rooms look like they were rotting. The stench was awful as well, like soured milk mixed with sewage water and last week’ s dinner . Arthur does his best to ignore the smell. Merlin looks unfazed by it all though as they continue wandering around the hall. He really is weird. “It better not be near the kitchen,” Arthur mutters to distract himself. Merlin nods as he closes the door beneath the stairs. Fortunately , it doesn’ t creak. Actually , now that Arthur thinks about it, none of the doors they have opened made any noise. The floors don't even squeak when stepped on despite how decomposed they look. Everything is quiet. A nice advantage to have when venturing the house of what Arthur assumes was a cannibal. “Do you want to check just in case?” Merlin whispers. “It wouldn’ t hurt.” Except the fact that the old woman is likely in there doing who knows what and wants to eat them. “W e’ll have to be quick about it, though.” Merlin rolls his eyes as they turn back to where the kitchen resides. “No, let me take the rest of the night in the one place where she is and pray we don’ t get caught.” The boy sighs. “I’m not an idiot, and who put you in char ge? I know what I’m doing.” “Sure, witch boy–” “Stop calling me that!” “So far , your plan has been to open every door in this house, including the ones upstairs to find the basement. See any flaws in that plan?” “Well–-we haven’ t even been upstairs!” “That’ s because I said that part of the plan was stupid.” Merlin mutters something about prattish humans and not respecting other ’s plans, but Arthur ignores it. The kitchen light is on, but no shadows or sounds to indicate if she’ s still inside. Good for them since that means they can sneak in without the fear of being seen, but also bad because now they have no clue where she is. Maybe she’ s in the basement. Arthur hopes not. “See any doors?” “Just the one for the fridge.” “Well,” Arthur breathes out, “guess we have to venture in to see more.” “Guess so.” Merlin fixes his hat and nods to Arthur . The kitchen also looks decomposed. Scraped of f yellow paint on the counters, ripped of f red wallpaper , and black soot on the ceiling. Mold and mildew cover most of the tile floor and the stove is black with grease. The burning smell from the burners is awful, and Arthur hopes that the acrid smell is solely from the smoke mixing with the mildew . Once he finds his friends and gets out of here, Arthur is going straight home and having hot cocoa. “Arthur!” Arthur turns to Merlin who is frantically pointing at a door to the far right. Unlike the white door they entered in, this door is black and looks the most put together out of the whole kitchen. When Arthur walks over to Merlin, the witch boy opens it and inside are stairs leading down to a pitch black basement. “Alright then, guess we better go down.” Arthur goes to step down the stairway . “Are you out of your mind!” Merlin hisses, grabbing Arthur ’s arm and yanking him back into the kitchen Arthur frowns confused. “We made it to the basement, and my friends are down there. Let’ s go save them.” “Yes, but look, we could be blindly handing ourselves over to that lady for all we know! I know your friends are down there, but we need a plan if we want to get them and us out of here alive.” “And how exactly are you going to do that, Merlin?” “Magic of course.” “Magic? Look, I know you’re dressed up as a witch, but you must know that magic isn’ t real.” “I’m not dressed up! I’m a—oh for get. So, what’ s the big plan, sire.” “Thank you for asking, Merlin. Obviously , we have to be careful where we step since those floors look like they might snap of f. As for the chance if she’ s down there, one of us will have to distract her while the other frees my friends.” “Okay , so I distract while you free your friends?,'' says Merlin, nodding his head. Arthur blinks at Merlin who’ s looking back. Merlin was a scrawny kid compared to Arthur , but has no hesitation to volunteer himself as bait to distract someone who, quite frankly , will be giving Arthur nightmares later . “Are you sure? I can distract her while you free them.” Merlin shakes his head and turns to face the dark stairway . “They’re your friends, Arthur . I know you’re worried about them. Besides, I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve.” “Is it magic?” Arthur jokes, lifting an eyebrow at him. Merlin only smiles. His blue eyes gleam with mischief and Arthur feels himself relax just for a minute. W ith newfound determination, the two of them headed down the dark staircase. The old woman was down there, of course. Thankfully , her back was to the duo, but in front of her was a huge cauldron with blue flames flaring beneath it. W ith each odd ingredient the woman threw , the liquid inside changed color . Neon green to a pale pink to purple to orange. If he wasn’ t so concerned about finding his friends, Arthur would have found it fascinating, but now wasn’ t the time to be frozen staring at a color changing cauldron soup. At the far corner he spots a giant cage, and inside it, his friends. None of them appear hurt from where he stands, but with how dark it is, they could be. He hopes not. Leon is the one who spots him first unsurprisingly . He was always the attentive and observant one out of the group. Arthur sees him minutely shake his head. He ignores it though. They’re his friends. As if he would abandon them! He looks over at Merlin who nods. Arthur is far enough away to not be noticed by the woman if she turns over to Merlin. Here’ s to hoping that their plan works. “I thought you said you would be quick.” Her hands still while the cauldron bubbles a ripe red. She turns around, stretching her lips into that thin smile. Maybe it’ s just the bright color of the soup...thing, but her hair appears to look an even darker red, similar to blood. Not to mention her wrinkles seem more pronounced than they did when Arthur was standing on her porch. He hears the woman respond with something creepy about piglets, and Merlin answers with a snark. Focus. Arthur shakes his head and continues to the cage. Now that he’ s closer , he can see his friends better and fortunately , no one has any bruises or scratches. Arthur sighs inwardly . He doesn’ t know what he would’ve done if he found any of them hurt. He crouches over to where Leon is. So far he’ s the only one who’ s conscious. “Everyone okay?” Leon nods. “Y eah, she knocked us out with something the minute we got inside.” Arthur shakes his head mockingly . “What are you doing going in stranger ’s houses Leon. You’re twelve years old. Now a ten year old has to save your sorry hide.” Leon rolls his eyes and smiles though it’ s too stif f in Arthur ’s opinion. Leon has always been the most level-headed of the group, so to see him unnerved (even though he’ s doing his best to hide it) only adds to Arthur ’s nerves. “You came inside this house, too.” “Yeah, to save you guys. Think you can wake them up while I get the padlock open?” Arthur hears Leon give a soft huf f when he goes to the padlock at the door . It’s also rusty with metal peeling of f the edges. It’ s too late to find a key , and Arthur doesn’ t know how long Merlin will be able to keep the woman’ s attention away from the cage. Arthur considers ripping the lock right of f. It’s already close to crumbling. Maybe, a simple yank will cause it to turn to dust. As he pulls on the lock harshly , he hears a shrill yell from the otherside of the room. Arthur snaps his attention to where the sound came from, praying that the woman didn’ t get to Merlin. He sees her bending over and holding her wrist tightly . “You insolent child! How dare you believe you can stop me from completing my ritual! I am no mere old lady . I am someone who can make the earth tremble, I am centuries old, I am not to be trifled with!” A scof f is echoed through the room. “Is that why you’re getting handed to by a kid? Some powerful being.” At least Merlin’ s okay . Not like Arthur was concerned. He focuses on his task. It appears that yanking the padlock does not cause it to crumble, so that idea is a dud. He looks around the stone floor for anything thin and sharp like a needle or screw . “Here.” Arthur looks up and finds a conscious Guinevere with an outstretched hand holding a pin. It seems Leon got everyone awake because he can see Gwaine looking at where the woman is. Her batgirl mask is gone and the carefully done hair Gwen would fuss over earlier is undone and dusty . Still, her resolve doesn’ t break when she looks at Arthur . “My mother gave me some extra bobby pins in case the ones I'm wearing fall of f. See if you can use this to unlock it.” “Thank you.” She smiles brightly and walks over to Elyan. She fusses over him while he rubs at his eyes. Arthur looks back at the padlock and inserts the pin into the lock. Arthur thanks the stars that Gwaine had taught all of them how to pick locks no matter how adverse to it he was in the beginning. In a couple seconds, Arthur hears a click, and the padlock falls to the floor . A sigh of relief comes from the whole group. Then a cackle echoes through the room. Right. Creepy , cannibal lady . Arthur slowly opens the door to ensure it makes no sound, and his friends quickly exit. Luckily , the staircase is right in front of them. They quietly sprint towards it. Arthur looks around for Merlin. As annoying the witch boy can be, Arthur wouldn’ t wish to see him caught by her . He can hear the woman calling for him in that haunting sing-song voice, but Merlin does not snark back this time. “Oh sweetie...where did you go? Come out, come out...come out little piglet.” Arthur shudders. He’ s definitely going to have nightmares of this. “I see you got your friends,” says a hushed voice. Arthur did not jump. He didn’ t. “Merlin!” He shakes his head. This kid is going to be the bane of his existence, isn’ t he. “Yeah, they're climbing up the stairs, let's go.” He sees the silhouette of Merlin nod and the two of them creep up the staircase, hoping the woman will continue to call aimlessly into the dark. Once out of the basement, all of the children run out of the house and don’ t stop running until they reach Arthur ’s home. They're all gasping for breath. Gwaine collapses to the floor . “Never ... again. Never again am I listening to my brothers.” “When I see your brothers again, Gwaine,” Elyan gasps out, “I am going to kill them.” “Seconded,” Lancelot breathes out. Gwaine lifts his hand to wave it in agreement. “I wouldn’ t blame you.” “By the way ,” gasps Guinevere, looking at a flushed Merlin, “who are you.” “Oh, I’m Merlin,” He reaches out his hand to her . She smiles and shakes his hands. “Guinevere Smith, but you can call me Gwen.” “Well, Merlin!” Gwaine jumps up and slides an arm behind Merlin. “Thank you for helping our princess and rescuing us.” Arthur rolls his eyes. “Again with princess? I already told you to stop calling me that.” “Sure, princess.” Jerk. Merlin laughs and looks over at Arthur amused then back to Gwaine. “He does look like a princess.” “See! Thank you, Merls. I will remember this day . The day Merlin confirmed that Arthur was a princess.” “We were almost some cannibal’ s food,” Elyan points out. “And I’m ignoring that. As you should too.” “Alright, it’ s late as it is. W e should all head home,” Leon says, pointing to his watch. The numbers flash with the time: 1 1:35. Crap. He promised his mother that he would be home before then. Arthur looks towards his house. The porch lights are still on and though the blinds cover the lar ge window next to the door, he can see a sliver of light. Looks like she’ s still awake. Maybe Father is back home from work, too. “Well, it was nice meeting you, Merlin.” Arthur hears Guinevere say to Merlin who smiles in return. “I just wish it was under better circumstances, you know…” She coughs and grabs Elyan’ s hand as they follow Lancelot back to their homes. “Bye Gwen!” Merlin waves then says goodbye to Gwaine and Percival with Arthur and Leon. When Leon leaves, it’ s just Merlin and Arthur . Both of them stand in front of Arthur ’s home quietly waiting for the other to speak. Even though it’ s near midnight, Arthur can still hear people out in the streets. After all that’ s happened that night, Arthur was glad for the sound of other people and looked up to find the moon in all its glory . “I should probably go inside. I was supposed to come back earlier ...I hope Mum isn’ t worried.” Merlin nods and looks back at the neighborhood. “Will I see you again?” Arthur gets out. Though it was barely a whisper , Merlin still hears it and smirks. “What? Are you going to miss me a lot?” He grins wide, showing his white teeth that reflect from the moon. “N-no! It’ s just–well, look…there’ s something about you, Merlin. I can’ t quite put my finger on it. That’ s all.” “Okay princess.” Arthur grumbles while Merlin laughs. Eventually , Arthur sighs and adjusts the sack on his shoulder . “Uh… see you, then?” “Yeah,” Merlin nods, “Until then.” Arthur walks to his front porch and presses the doorbell. He looks back to see if Merlin is still there, but all that’ s behind him is pavement. When his mother opens the door , he lets her hug him as tight as she wants, and if his hug lingers longer than usual, neither of them mention it. He asks for coco and when the hot chocolate is ready , both of them snuggle into the couch. Hocus Pocus is playing on the channel and they watch it together , and the two of them stay on the couch watching it and the movie after until they fall asleep. Chapter End Notes they're so cute!!! merlin cast as little children always make my heart soft T^T if you liked it, kudos and comments are much appreciated! Chapter 2 Chapter Summary "Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that,” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later , their trick- or-treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. Just typical park things, you know? Chapter Notes See the end of the chapter for notes Arthur never saw Merlin after that night. Thankfully , Halloween was on a Friday , so he could search around the neighborhood for the odd witch boy . No matter which house he went to, the parks he scoured, there was no Merlin anywhere. It was like he vanished from thin air . But that just can’t be possible. People don’ t just pop up one day , warn you about the (now arrested) cannibalistic lady , then poof from existence. For the whole weekend, Arthur looked for Merlin, but whenever his mother or friends asked him, he would deny it. Gwaine jokingly said that Merlin was actually a ghost. A troubled soul who was one of the lady’ s first victims, but shut up after Gwen began to cry . Elyan was not happy about that. Soon, the weekend ended, and Arthur had to continue on with school, though schoolwork was the farthest thing from his mind. It took until Christmas for him to believe that searching for Merlin was useless. Sometimes, he wonders if there even was a boy with him when he saved his friends. Maybe he invented the odd boy in his head to help him not feel as alone in a dark, abandoned house searching for his kidnapped friends. Arthur hated that thought. Despite the ten year old’ s inner turmoil, the world continued on as normal. Eventually , Arthur forgot about Merlin. Sometimes, he would stay up and think of the brown-haired witch with those really bright eyes, but other than that, finding Merlin and bombarding him with questions on where he’ s been isn't as important to Arthur anymore. There’ s no full moon this Halloween. But this year , it’s on a Saturday , so he can spend all of Halloween with his friends and figuring out a better game plan on which houses to go to. “You know , my brothers were talking about this old couple that—” “And I’m stopping you right there,” Elyan says, placing a hand on Gwaine’ s shoulder . “Last time, if you remember , your brothers led us to an abandoned house where a cannibal lived. No full bars anywhere and we were all scarred.” Gwaine shudders. “Right, yeah… good point.” It wasn’ t that hard to plan out which houses to go to, which houses to avoid; most of them have been living in this neighborhood all their life. Figuring out whether a house gave toothbrushes and those weird candied popcorn balls wasn’ t that hard to remember . The group agreed to start early , so as to have more opportunities at the popular homes. It was a normal Halloween, much to Arthur ’s discontent. No matter where they ventured in the neighborhood, he couldn’ t find Merlin. Arthur knows that just because it’ s Halloween doesn’ t mean he’ll actually show up. He’ s already tried looking for him and it was always dead ends. But for some reason, today felt dif ferent. Maybe it was because the wind sounds like it’ s whispering to him. Maybe it was because the sky seems more magical as the sun sets. Maybe it was because Arthur never really gave up on finding Merlin. He always searched no matter if he told his friends that he didn’ t think Merlin was really there. He always searched whenever he saw a head of brown hair that turned out to not be the bright eyed witch boy . Arthur kept looking even when he, himself, stopped believing. They were at the last house when it happened. Everyone just got down the steps when a loud squawk is heard. Squawk is probably the wrong word for it. Arthur thinks that it sounded like a possessed herd of geese flying overhead, but the sound of flapping wings made it feel like there was only one giant bird flying. Definitely odd. Thankfully , for Arthur ’s sake, everyone else jumped in surprise to the demonic sound of a giant flying creature. “Well,” Percival whistles, “someone is getting really into their halloween decorations. Got sound ef fects and everything.” “Oh, I can assure you,” says a familiar voice, “that was not sound ef fects.” Arthur spun around in surprise. He can’ t believe it. Right in front of him. Same height, same shabby clothes (he seriously needs to either pick a new costume or add more flair to this whole witch thing), and same bright, mischievous, blue eyes. “Hey! It’ s Witch Boy!” Gwaine exclaims and hugs him. He gives out an “oomf!” which is a classic reaction from being hugged by Gwaine. “T ell us then, how are you? Where have you been--” “Merlin!” Arthur finally lets out...a bit too loud. Merlin, still trapped in Gwaine’ s hug, moves his head over to face Arthur and smiles. “Hello, prat.” “Not a prat, idiot.” Merlin just continues to smile as if he can see right through Arthur . Once Gwaine lets go, Gwen goes to hug him and soon the rest of the gang give Merlin hugs, pats, hair ruf fles. Of course all of that is ruined by the demented screeching. “Right,” Merlin fixes his blue, pointy hat. “About that… you called it a sound ef fect?” Quickly , Merlin tells them all that, no, the screeching sound from above is not a herd of demonic geese but a full grown grif fin. How fun. “So… is the grif fin a danger to us?” asks Lancelot. Merlin shakes his head and starts to fuss with his sleeves. Arthur notices a thinly wrapped bracelet on his wrist. It seems to be one strand of metal wound around Merlin’ s wrist with a pale crystal dangling at the top. It must be new , seeing how Arthur doesn’ t remember seeing it last year . “Not really . It just isn’ t supposed to be here. Of course with today being when the V eil is open, something just had to get out.” When the V eil is open? What is Merlin talking about? Grif fins, open veils… all of this is too much. However , no one gets a chance to ask Merlin what exactly is the V eil because he quickly moves to a plan on how to send the grif fin back inside before anyone gets hurt. “Everybody got that?” No. No, everybody didn’ t. “Great!” Merlin claps his hands together , and for a second Arthur swears they spark. “Now , let’s see if we can get this giant bird out of here!” After hours of herding the beast, getting their costumes dirtied and ripped, they were finally able to lead the grif fin safely away from the neighborhood and into the wood where a portal ripped open for the creature to enter . “So… that really happened.” Merlin giggles. “Of course it did. I was with you the whole time, yeah?” “Right, right, I just...need a minute.” You know , because seeing the air in front of you split open into a swirling portal that the griffin flew into. Who knew grif fins were that big. Arthur almost got smacked by its tail earlier . Still, Arthur just saw a grif fin. A real, alive, flying grif fin. Arthur knows he feels a bit faint but does his best to stay awake. His father always told him to be strong and never show weakness to others. Gwaine and Elyan had fainted just at the sight of the creature. Merlin, though, he beamed and bounced with so much ener gy that Arthur didn’ t think it was possible. “So, what now?” Leon says. He was the only one who looked calm, and Arthur can’ t say that he isn’ t jealous. Although, Leon did squeal when the grif fin’s wings almost smacked him, so there’ s that. “Go to more houses?” Percival of fered. Gwen shook her head and motioned to her and her brother ’s baskets full of candy . “We’ve already been to so many , and I know that Arthur ’s sack will explode if we add anymore to it.” “Hey , my sack can hold anything! But, uh--” He gulps at the glare given to him by Gwen. “-- we don’ t need to go to more houses. How about…we stop at mine? If that’ s alright of course.” Everyone nods (including Gwaine and Elyan who are well awake by then). Arthur turns to Merlin, who stands close to where the veil once was. The wind isn’ t as harsh as it was minutes ago, but it’ s still there, blowing Merlin’ s tattered robes to and fro. As usual, Merlin is looking of f into the woods, inside his own head with his hat covering his expression. Arthur bets it’ s one where he looks idiotic with that soft smile and closed eyes. “Witch Boy!” That gets his attention. Merlin jumps abruptly and stumbles to turn toward Arthur . “We’re all coming to my house!” There’ s a small pause as Merlin scrunches his face at Arthur confused. “Okay…? And?” Arthur sighs heavily . He hears Leon and Gwen chastising him for being nicer , but it's Merlin. “You’re coming too, of course!” “I am?” Arthur huf fs at Merlin’ s surprised expression. He really can be dense. “What do you think ‘ of course’ means? Y es, you’re coming, Merlin, and you can’ t back out. It’s not allowed.” He can see Merlin’ s cheeks puf f up and his foot stamps on the dead leaves. “I know what that means, clotpole!” “Then come on! Y ou’ll be the last one there and miss my mother ’s hot chocolate at this rate!” Merlin hurried over to Arthur and gave him a shove. Arthur being Arthur , shoved him back but harder . This continued on until they reached Arthur ’s home. His mother greeted all of them, gave them hugs or hair ruf fles (much to Arthur ’s chagrin) and set to making her infamous hot cocoa. It happened like this every Halloween. Every year , Merlin would show up to hang out with Arthur and the gang or to warn them about some magical problem that leaked from the veil. The year after the grif fin, some pixies were creating havoc. Then it was a unicorn. Arthur remembers Merlin being so entranced by it, but he can’ t blame the guy because the unicorn was beautiful. Arthur likes that something magical always happens on Halloween even if some of them aren’ t exactly fun. Some years later , one of his cousins (Arthur isn’ t sure from which family) moves in since her father was a good friend of Arthur ’s. Her name is Mor gana, and Arthur quickly finds out that she is a harpy . Always getting him into trouble. Crying at the right moments to get at his parents’ heartstrings so she gets away with everything. Arthur hates it. That is until he beats her at chess. “You cheated.” Is all she says. Arthur can’ t help but grin at her smugly . They try checkers next, and he beats her there too. Arthur likes to count that as the best day of his life. They keep playing chess for the rest of the day , and eventually , Arthur starts to teach her better moves to play until she finally beats him near midnight. Arthur can’ t find it in him to be upset and celebrates with her . Soon, all of her “devilish” pranks and plans, Arthur is in on them too. He adds more details in her plans. Never do their pranks ever lead back to the two of them. It was nice having someone else around who wasn’ t staf f or his mother as company . He had his friends, yes, but they could only stay for a short while. Sometimes there were sleepovers, but eventually , they had to go back to their own home. Having Mor gana around was like having a little sister around to pick on, protect, and plan pranks with. She fit into the gang instantly , much to Arthur ’s relief, quickly becoming friends with Gwen and Leon. All Arthur needed was Merlin and their group would be complete. When Halloween came that year , Arthur found Merlin waiting by his fence as usual. Quickly , he ran up to him. Mother made him late again with all her fussing on his costume. He was dressed, this time, as a Camelot knight which is dif ferent from the other knights he dressed as years before, thank you very much. “Sorry , did you have to wait long?” Merlin shook his head causing his hat to tip to the right. “Nah, I just got here.” Arthur sighed in relief and looked up at the sky . “Ah man!” “What's wrong?” Merlin frowned. “It’s just… I know this sounds silly , but I was really hoping that it would be a full moon this year. Halloween always seems more mystical when it does.” Merlin hums and nods then quickly looks over at Arthur ’s porch. “Say , is that your mother calling you?” Quickly , Arthur turns to his porch but doesn’ t hear his mother call for him. All he sees is Morgana exiting the house in her “Empress” costume. He looks back to Merlin who wears his sheepish, "I-swear -I’m-innocent" face. Then he looks back at the sky and gasps. Up in the sky isn’ t the curvy crescent moon Arthur just saw . Instead is a bright, full moon shining in its silver glory . Arthur can’ t believe it. “How-how did this happen? W asn’t it just small a second ago?” Merlin hums again with his hand on his chin in a contemplating way . “That really is strange...W ell! Shall we go?” Arthur nods but his attention is still on the moon. “Arthur! Y ou’re mum said that you can’ t leave without me!” Merlin tilts his head. “Who are you?” “I’m Mor gana. Who are you?” Arthur snaps from his trance and begins to introduce Merlin and Mor gana to each other . Though there was a small hostile hiccup, the two start to get along. “I haven’ t seen you around, Merlin. Do you live farther away or something?” Mor gana asks after they meet up with the rest of the group. “You could say that,” Merlin says with that secretive smile of his. “Do you visit often?” “Only on Halloween.” “Why?” Merlin shrugs and continues on their trek through the neighborhood. Later , their trick-or - treating would be interrupted by an afanc terrorizing the fountain in the park. It was Morgana’ s first experience with magical creatures and would not stop talking about how magic is real and if she’ll get to see them again. It was also the night Arthur realized that Merlin wasn’ t joking when he said he could do magic. Merlin called him dense for that, but Arthur got him back by shoving him into the fountain. After that, the gang decided not to go trick-or -treating on Halloween, but go “monster hunting” instead. (Y es, this was Mor gana’ s idea.) Now , they would split of f into small groups of three and scour the neighborhood for any magical creatures that left the V eil. Unsurprisingly , being grouped with Merlin meant that they attracted most of the magical creatures, but that made it easier since Merlin could summon the veil and let them pass through. Gwaine likes to joke that they could create their own monster hunting Y ouTube channel, but Gwen would pipe in that it wouldn’ t be as popular seeing how most of the monsters come out on Halloween. Gwaine would then grumble about spoil-sports and just wanting to document their adventures. The next year , Percival brought his video cameras- one for each group. They never created a Y ouTube channel, but with the amount of recorded events they had, Arthur wouldn’ t be surprised if Gwaine and Percival made one. Even as they grew older and went to college, the gang would always come back on Halloween and go hunting for “monsters.” Of course, they found a way to contact Merlin, and Arthur makes sure to text him everyday . None of the group knows where exactly Merlin is from and why he can only visit on Halloween. Arthur has heard many of Mor gana’ s theories as to why . (“Think about it, Arthur . Why only Halloween? Why is our neighborhood the only place that has these problems?” Morgana drapes herself over Arthur ’s bed, leaving no room for Arthur to sit on. He breathes out a sigh and sits on his desk chair . She points her manicured nails at him as she rants about today’ s theory on why Merlin can only visit once a year . “Mor gana, I’m sure that other places have the same issues as ours. The V eil can open anywhere. Merlin said it’ s just this day that makes it open, not a special place.” He sees Mor gana perk up and turn around on the bed so her stomach is towards the floor . Her dark hair falling on her face made her look slightly deranged. Arthur knows that Gwen would call this messy look on Mor gana beautiful, but Arthur has a hard time associating anything beautiful with his sister . Terrifying? Absolutely . “Oh, I’m sorry , I thought you didn’ t listen to Merlin when he goes on about the…” “Mor gana,” Arthur sighed. “What did you call it? Ah, right,” “Mor gana,” Arthur hissed. He is not in the mood for this. “The ‘ hocus pocus thingy’ . But instead you do and just pretend not to. A w, is W artie really a softie for --” “Shut up, ‘Gana! It’ s not like that!” Already , he can feel his cheeks heating up, and Morgana’ s little grin is enough to know that she saw it too. “Sure it’ s not.”) Whether any of her theories are true or not doesn’ t matter too much to Arthur because, without fail, Merlin will always be there with him on Halloween. Whether early or late, Merlin will be there. “Do you remember the ogre?” asks Percival. Leon groans and Gwaine squeals at the memory . “Oh you bet, mate. How could I not!” “I could, I would definitely want that memory erased from my mind,” Leon mutters next to Arthur . Arthur pats Leon on the back and does his best not to laugh along with Gwaine. The ogre. Looking back, Arthur finds it hilarious, but at the time-- “MERLIN FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, CAST THE SPELL!” “I told you, Arthur . Spells like these take time! I can’ t just magic a portal and whisk Leon’ s beloved away!” “Please don’ t call her that,” sighs a distraught Leon. “I was drunk and it was thr ee in the morning. I’m not doing anything like this ever again” “SHUT UP , LEON!” --yeah… that was a stressful time. “Cheer up, Leon,” Elyan says as he slides into their booth, Lancelot trailing behind him. They’re at their usual pub, The Rising Sun, and, unfortunately , it’s crowded more than usual. Thankfully , Leon came in early (like the meticulous man he is) and saved the booth for them all. “Say , Arthur?” Arthur grunts in response as he reaches for his drink. Leon is back to being his dignified self again, so his arms are free to drink. “Did Merlin get a chance to let you know he’ s coming?” He hears Gwaine snicker and from the corner of his eye, see Percival roll his own at whatever Gwaine said. “You have his number , right?” Elyan nods. “There’ s your answer . Ask him yourself.” Arthur doesn’ t understand why his friends always ask him if Merlin is coming. It’ s not like the two of them talk that much. Sure, the moment Arthur got a phone, he immediately went to Merlin the next Halloween to gift the witch his own phone and exchange numbers with the rest of the group. But that was only because he couldn’ t stand their past communication of sending letters through birds. They would always scratch him or give his mother quite a freight if they swooped in from nowhere. Elyan sighs and turns to Lancelot exasperated. Arthur doesn’ t bother to understand his theatrics. Honestly , Gwaine’ s done worse. “Yeah, but Merlin always leaves me on read. When he does answer , it’s just short responses. Don’ t you two… have long conversations all the time-” (in the far distance of the other side of the booth, Gwaine whispers, “Whipped.”) “-and you always respond to him, so… maybe he’ll let you know?” Arthur sighs and drinks his beer . Finally he relents. Those dumb Smith siblings and their caring eyes that seem like they can see through your soul. “Yeah, Merlin said he was coming and to save him a seat. I already ordered for him, too.” Gwaine perks up. “Did you?” His grin is wide and cheshire like. Arthur knows that the next things out of Gwaine’ s mouth won’ t be anything good. At least, not for him. “What do you say , Elyan? My money’ s on two weeks.” O...kay ..? Not where Arthur thought Gwaine was going to take this conversation. He hears Elyan chuckle. “T wo weeks? Never thought you were one to hope when it came to this.” Arthur is very lost on what these two are talking about. “Oh believe me,” pipes in Percival, “When it comes to them, Gwaine can’ t help but have hope. Y ou should hear him going on about it all day .” That gets some laughs out of everyone but Arthur , who is still confused as to what is going on. “Of course, you would know about what Gwaine goes on about everyday , wouldn’ t you,” Leon teases. Percival flushes while Gwaine only giggles and snuggles more into the man’ s giant frame. Alright. T easing Percival about his crush on Gwaine. Arthur knows that. W ell, maybe Arthur shouldn’ t say crush since the two of them are dating now . However , Percival still gets embarrassed when the gang teases him and Gwaine about their relationship. Gwaine finds it adorable and never loses the chance to show them of f when the teasing starts. When Leon goes to buy them another round, Arthur notices that Elyan is short a few more people. “Weren’ t Mor gana and Gwen with you?” Elyan winces and rubs his necks. “They were… but, well--” “They decided to spend Halloween alone… together… after a heavy makeout session right in front of us.” Lancelot looks slightly haunted. The rest of the boys nod in understanding. Personally , when it came to PDA-obsessed couples, Arthur had assumed that Percival and Gwaine would be number one on that list but nope. T urns out his sister and Gwen can’ t ever seem to get their hands of f each other . Sometimes, they for get where they are and who they’re with and the constant kissing gets a little bit more… heated . Thankfully , the conversation shifts to Percival and Lancelot’ s job at a hardware store. Somehow , they get on the topic of dragons and whether one would ever come out from the Veil. It is here how Merlin finds them: almost drunk of f their asses debating the existence of the Fae. “I’m telling you, Leon,” slurs Lancelot, “they probably wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to get here. Y ou hear stories about them popping up when it’ s not even close to… what was the other name Halloween has?” “Samhain, you mean?” “Yes, yes, Samhain.” Lancelot bobs his head and the witch giggles at the sight. “Thank you, Merlin.” A pause. “MERLIN!” “Where have you been?” “Buddy! How you been?” “What took you so long, idiot!” Merlin just smiles and slides into the seat next to Arthur . He still wears that ragged, blue hat as always though this time, there’ s no robes to be seen. Instead, he wears a light brown jacket, a loose blue shirt with a red scarf wrapped around his neck. It’ s a nice look on him, Arthur can concede, even if it still looks like something Merlin just threw on. If they ever get the chance, Arthur is taking Merlin out to buy some real clothes that actually look fashionable. “Good to see you too, your royal highness.” Arthur rolls his eyes and gives Merlin his drink. For a brief second, their fingers touch. Only for a short moment, Arthur can feel how warm Merlin's hands are, but it ends just as it starts. Merlin brings the bottle to his full lips and the feeling of his hands are gone. “So, you guys talking about the Fair Folk? Y ou should be careful about what you say because they might not like it. For example--” “Come on, Mer lin! It’ s just harmless fun. Besides,” Arthur leans closer to Merlin. From here, he can see a small ring of gold around the witch’ s blue irises. From here, Merlin’ s eyes are so blue. Like the clear sky in mid-morning. Not light but not deep either . Arthur can feel Merlin’ s breath as he giggles. “W e’ll have you to bust us out of trouble, right?” Merlin huf fs and shrugs Arthur of f of him. Arthur falls onto Leon letting out an “oomf.” “Glad to see how you really feel about me. I thought our friendship was stronger than that.” Merlin sighs theatrically and pretends to nurse his beer bottle. “Y ou just want me for my magic.” Gwaine gives out a giggle and leans forward. “Don’ t worry , Merls. Magic isn’ t the only thing Arthur wants.” He wags his eyebrows and Arthur feels his face flush, though sober him would deny it. “Come of f it, Gwaine,” Arthur somehow stutters out. “Y ou’re drunk.” “Aye,” he hiccups, “but at least I’m not in denial.” You know what? Arthur is finding new friends. Friends who don’ t call him out like that. Arthur is perfectly fine with where things are. No need to say anything that might ruin it. “Alright, that’ s enough booze for you.” Percival takes Gwaine’ s bottle and hands him a glass of water . Where did the water come from? Maybe it was Leon. Or Lancelot. The rest of the night was spent rehashing their year to Merlin (who knew most of what happened because Arthur tells him everything). After catching up, the gang thought it’d be fun to ask Merlin about the V eil and what goes in and out. T urns out Lancelot was right in thinking that the Fae wouldn’ t need to use the V eil to leave the otherworld called A valon. Once it got close to midnight, the gang decided to call it a night and head back to their dorms. Leon was sober enough to drive them all to their designated places. Percival had to carry a sleeping Gwaine while Elyan and Lancelot stumbled together into their shared apartment. When they got to Arthur ’s apartment, Merlin of fered to help him inside. “Leon, I know you live on the other side of the campus. I can take him, don’ t worry .” Leon sighs and shakes his head fondly . “Alright, make sure to leave some aspirin on his desk so that his hangover won’ t bother him as much tomorrow .” “I’m right here, you know ,” Arthur slurs out. Hanging of f of Merlin’ s shoulder , Arthur feels loose. Like a puppet finally cut from its string but now has no direction on where to go. Merlin snorts and shifts Arthur ’s arm on his shoulder for a better grip. “Of course you’re here. Anyone can tell where you are by the sound of your pratish voice.” Arthur retaliates by butting his head on Merlin’ s neck. There. That would show him. Leon chuckles and waves one last goodbye to Merlin before driving away . “Alright, your royal pratty-ness, where do I take you?” It takes a couple stumbles but they make it to his apartment eventually . Sure, Merlin may have passed the elevator twice and almost dropped Arthur a couple more times, but they made it to his place in one piece. Arthur digs through his pocket, looking for his key but keeps missing the pocket entirely . Merlin rolls his eyes and reaches into his pocket instead. Once again, Arthur feels the warmth from Merlin's fingers. Even when they leave, the feeling lingers. Merlin finds the key quickly and unlocks the door with the finesse of a sober person, opening the door with a “tadah!” The two of them stumble inside and Merlin drops Arthur on the couch. Arthur squawks as the cushions hit his back. “Merlin!” Merlin pokes his head out from the kitchen. In his hands is a glass of water and in the other a bag of chips. “What?” He blinks at Arthur . Again, Arthur is lost, looking at Merlin’ s eyes. Blue ringed with gold and absolutely beautiful. “Yeah?” Merlin coughs out. Arthur snaps out of it. Right. Merlin. His friend. His best friend. Why did Arthur call on him again? Must not have been important if he’ s forgotten. “N-nevermind.” Merlin raises an eyebrow at that, but thankfully , lets it slide. Arthur gets up from the couch and walks over to the kitchen to join Merlin, who gives him a glass of water as well. They then start to talk about nonsense. How they’ve been, the pressures Arthur ’s father has on him, Merlin’ s new spells that he then shows of f to a delighted Arthur . It’s nice and quiet. Just the two of them. Arthur knows he’ s been sneaking glances every now and then. Hopefully , it isn’ t super obvious. Drunk or not, Arthur doesn’ t know what he would do if Merlin were to find out how Arthur ’s feelings for him isn’ t platonic anymore. Sometimes, Arthur thinks he spies Merlin sneaking glances also, but he knows that it’ s only the trick of the light. He looks to where the window resides just above the kitchen sink. It’ s a full moon. Full moons on Halloween are always the best in Arthur ’s opinion. The night sky alight with stars, the moon up high for all to see. But Arthur ’s favorite part of full moon Halloweens is spending that time under the moonlight with Merlin. Chapter End Notes these boys *shakes head* they're so silly but yeah that's chapter 2! i originally had plans to continue this to have a ch3 but for the moment just 2 parts is enough and it's super sweet anyway . (dw i have half of ch3 written but this wip has been on hold for sometime that i'm okay with leaving at two) if i ever do think to include ch3 here, it will be some later time and when i can figure out the ending. anyway , kudos and comments are much appreciated! Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 10,454
Chapters: 2/2

Merlin = Emrys?

Prompt from merthur-she-wrote over on Tumblr:When bringing magic back into Camelot, the druids propose that Arthur marry Emrys, the greatest and most powerful sorcerer who will ever live - magic incarnate.Arthur counters this by suggesting Merlin, his dorky but ever-loyal manservant, who just happens to have a little bit of magic in him.Druids: good, then we are in agreement.Arthur: wait- what?I may have riffed on this, but it did bring me out of a billion-year writing slumber, so there's that.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Getting Together, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Fluff (Merlin), Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2023-01-20
Words: 2,380
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 29
Kudos: 1,466
Bookmarks: 122
Hits: 9,097
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

Two parts of the same coin, two halves of the same soul

Arthur wears his soul on a chain outside of his chest.Emrys only has half a soul, wich he wears in a similar manner.Only one of them realized what he was missing.Filles the free square of my Merlin bingo card. (G3)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Uther Pendragon Never Banned Magic (Merlin), Uther Pendragon's A+ Parenting (Merlin), Fairy Tale Style, Creature Merlin (Merlin), God Merlin (Merlin), Lonely Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Platonic Soulmates, Symbolism, Sun and Moon Symbolism, Quote: Two sides of the same coin (Merlin), Awkward Conversations, Mute Merlin (Merlin), Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), Kid Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Neglectful Ygraine du bois, Ygraine de Bois Lives (Merlin), Merlin Bingo 2023 (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-02-02
Words: 1,884
Chapters: 4/4
Kudos: 106
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,128
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon & Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois/Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-02-17

Keep fit

Merlin doesn’t think that Arthur does enough exercise so he makes up a training program but little does he know that Arthur may have his own.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: exercise, Humor, Grumpy Arthur, Merlin being annoying in Arthur's view, arthur being a prat
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-08
Words: 2,269
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 11
Hits: 278
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

I'm glad I met you

I got up at 2 am to get some snacks at the convenience store down the street and opened my door to find you trying to sleep on the floor of the hallway because your roommate has his fiancée over so i guess I’ll lend you my couch for the night AU
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Merthur - Freeform, merthur au, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-10
Words: 4,584
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 7
Kudos: 247
Bookmarks: 24
Hits: 3,621
Categories: M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Freya (Merlin), Will (Merlin), Elena (Merlin)

Dreams are dangerous

Merlin has had a nightmare and Arthur comforts him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Nightmares, Hurt/Comfort, Caring Arthur
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-12
Words: 514
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 60
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,560
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

His Protective Warlock

To Arthur, Merlin was always different. A bit idiot, too. However when he saw his magic first, he also realized that how powerful Merlin was. It was terrifying but still Arthur fell in love with his both sides.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Happy Ending, Hurt/Comfort, Bad Parent Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Feelings, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Love Confessions, Idiots in Love, Everyone Hates Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Angst with a Happy Ending, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-03-10
Words: 4,862
Chapters: 2/2
Comments: 10
Kudos: 359
Bookmarks: 48
Hits: 5,917
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-03-13

Tiptoe

A spider invades Merlin's room and scares him off and all Arthur can do is mock him, until the tables are turned.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Spiders, Humor, Mice
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-16
Words: 905
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 16
Hits: 266
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

My Mistake

"Modern au, unestablished merthur .... Arthur doesn't know Merlins name is Merlin and has been calling him something else. Merlin is too polite to correct Arthur. One of their friends corrects him and Arthur is very embarrassed."
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Pre-Slash, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-17
Words: 256
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 78
Hits: 1,136

Merlin Grows A Beard

Merlin goes missing. That said, no one actually knows when or why or how or even whether that happened, because it wasassumedthat Merlin was binge-drinking for a couple of days. Arthur wildly theorises. A lot of plot happens. Chaos ensues.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin is Missing (Merlin), POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine Being Gwaine (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Crack, Long-Suffering Leon (Merlin), Confused Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mind Control, Mentioned Percival (Merlin), Mentioned Elyan (Merlin), POV Mordred (Merlin), Protective Mordred (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred Friendship (Merlin), BAMF Mordred (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-04-03
Words: 16,118
Chapters: 9/9
Comments: 3
Kudos: 92
Bookmarks: 13
Hits: 4,634
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Mordred (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Lancelot & Merlin (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred & Lan
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-05-30

24 Hours

"Gwaine." Arthur says finally, already feeling a headache set in."King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot." Gwaine smiles gracefully??At this, the knights and Arthur blanch as one. Of course he is possessed, Gwaine won't use a proper title to save his life."I am not possessed..." Gwaine declares, looking directly at Arthur, then a bit to his left, gaze softening almost imperceptibly, expression incredulous as he says, "... especially not by a fictitious arthropod/villain of a show that doesn't air for 1500 years."Arthur cannot tell you what the bastard meant with such an absurd proclamation, considering how it was utter codswallop. But Merlin seems to understand something he doesn't, and gives out a sort of 'meep' sound.orGeorge asks Arthur to get his head out of his ass. Leon slowly loses his will to live. Gwaine and Merlin remember floating in supernovas. Albion blooms.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merlin is a god, Merlin is a Little Shit (Merlin), Merlin is Emrys (Merlin), BAMF George (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), BAMF Gwaine (Merlin), Gwaine is Merlin's brother, Epic Bromance, Long-Suffering Leon (Merlin), God!Merlin, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), The Knights Know About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Knights Of The Round Table (Merlin) - Freeform, Protective Knights (Merlin), Protective Lancelot (Merlin), Angst, Fluff, Humor, Crack Treated Seriously, merlin is a warrior, Merlin is good With a sword, merlin remembers, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Pining Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Worried Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Falling In Love, Love Confessions, Getting Together, First Kiss, Arthur Pendragon Whump (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur knights Merlin (Merlin), How is that not a tag, Gods, The Old Religion (Merlin), The triple goddess - Freeform, Hindu Mythos, Gwaine is the Triple Goddess, i said what i said, God reveal, Merlin is Myrridin, Merlin is a Disaster (Merlin), Guilty Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin is a slut (Merlin), (allegedly) - Freeform, Angry Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-03-24
Words: 6,891
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 296
Bookmarks: 40
Hits: 4,252
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), George (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Cenred (Merlin)

Never let him slip away

From that moment on wards Arthur was determined to never let him slip away
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Sickfic, Hurt/Comfort, sick Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-20
Words: 363
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 266
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 6,292
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Sunrise in Ealdor, Sunset in Camelot

Merlin gets sick on an errand and is stuck in Ealdor. When delivering the medicine, Arthur accidentally discovers Merlin’s magic while he is asleep, and wants to protect him when they return to Camelot. The only way is to supervise him when he is asleep, which makes for an awkward sleeping situation. The two become more and more close and the boundaries between magic and love become blurred as Arthur asks himself the question: how much is too much change?“Some things,” he continued, “when hidden, become explosive. Secrets create guilt where there is none. If people ask questions, let them. We don’t have to say anything more than the truth.”“What do you know?”“More than I should,” he rose up one step, now eye-to-eye, “and yet, less than I want to.”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Ealdor (Merlin), Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Dreams and Nightmares, one bed, Idiots in Love, Sick Merlin (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon-centric (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Birthday Fluff, Birthday Presents, Awesome Hunith (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), merlin at the start, I like Ealdor and thought they could have done more with the place, Slow Burn, arthur on his cottage core arc, arthur is scared of dogs, animals love arthur, Holding Hands, Arthur talking about his feelings, Will and Merlin before canon, The “what are we?” conversation, sharing a saddle, Siblings Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Caretaking, Non-Sexual Intimacy, Slow Dancing, Drunk Dancing, Disguise, Mutual Pining, Getting Together, Merlin Doesn't Know that Arthur Pendragon Knows (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-03-19
Words: 96,094
Chapters: 19/19
Comments: 151
Kudos: 1,614
Bookmarks: 283
Hits: 49,376
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin), Morgana & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Minor or Background Relationship(s), Hunith & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Original Characters, Will (Merlin), Original Child Character(s), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-08-18

Stolen Glances

Arthur always notices when Merlin isn't looking at him... And when he is.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Drabble, Short, Snippet, gay ship, gay ships are yay ships, the adventures of merlin, BBC, bbc merlin - Freeform, merlinxarthur - Freeform, Camelot, pendragon, AU, Merlin AU, Fanfic, Fanfiction, merthur au, arthurian legends, Bradley James - Freeform, Colin Morgan - Freeform, emrys - Freeform, sorceror, Warlock - Freeform, prince - Freeform, Knight, dragonlord, King - Freeform, Gay, BoyxBoy, Angst, Fluff, Longing, kiss, Forbidden Love, all the usual stuff
Language: English
Published: 2015-08-29
Words: 1,622
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 297
Bookmarks: 21
Hits: 4,800
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Passing the Test

Episode tag for 'The Labyrinth of Gedref'.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Additional Tags: Episode Tag
Language: English
Published: 2008-12-06
Words: 1,578
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 206
Bookmarks: 29
Hits: 1,969
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin

5 Pick Up Lines Gwaine Tried on Merlin and 1 Merlin Tried On Arthur

What it says on the tin!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Universe, Humor, Fluff, Getting Together, Pick-Up Lines, Oblivious Merlin, Jealous Arthur, Gwaine Being Gwaine, Protective Gwaine, Protective Arthur, Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic, 5+1 Things, the fine art of flirting: Merlin doesn't grok it
Language: English
Published: 2023-04-30
Words: 2,374
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 49
Kudos: 1,268
Bookmarks: 132
Hits: 7,446
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur, Merlin & Gwaine, Arthur & Gwaine, Gwaine/Percival
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

Time Yet for a Hundred Indecisions

Post 1x10. Sequel to In a Minute There Is Time. Merlin reacts.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Episode Tag, Episode: s01e10 The Moment of Truth, Angst, Pre-Slash
Language: English
Published: 2012-07-25
Words: 1,024
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 95
Bookmarks: 4
Hits: 1,560
Categories: Gen, M/M
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gwen, Arthur Pendragon

You're the other side of my coin

Prompt: "I learned a while ago via a Merlin fanfic (and a couple google search results afterwards) that medieval peasants would break a coin in half and exchange it with their betrothed instead of exchanging rings for marriage.Merlin and Arthur are constantly referred to as two sides of the same coin.Do what you will with that information."Arthur gave Merlin his mother's sigil. Merlin gave Arthur one half of a coin. But they're so stupid to realise what these mean.A one shot of pure fluff and idiots in love.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: First Kiss, Love Confessions, Love, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, Fluff, Fluff and Humor, Idiots in Love, Everyone Ships Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Oblivious Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Boys In Love, Canon Era, Court Sorcerer Merlin (Merlin), Marriage Proposal, Marriage, Traditions, Courting Rituals, Dorks in Love, Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Magic Revealed, Post-Canon, So Married, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Dorks, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, One Shot, Relationship Reveal, Ygraine de Bois' Sigil (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-05-12
Words: 1,197
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 38
Kudos: 1,139
Bookmarks: 121
Hits: 9,324
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

Life's a battle all on its own

Arthur's first clue that something is wrong is the way Merlin walks into his room.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Banter, Flirting
Language: English
Published: 2012-08-03
Words: 683
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 56
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 1,429
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon

the girl with blue eyes and white hair (winter woes)

Merlin's secrets all came to light when he found his dragon-daughter in a strange cave, during a patrol with Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.Except, Aithusa was a baby, now. A human baby. And Merlin didn’t know what to do, much less how to explain all this to Arthur.And then, the cold started taking its toll on Merlin, in more ways than one.(aka, Merlin’s Blue-Eyes White Daughter)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Father-Daughter Relationship, Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Sad Merlin (Merlin), Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Sick Merlin (Merlin), Post-Season/Series 04, Pre-Episode: s05e01-02 Arthur's Bane (Merlin), Human Aithusa (Merlin), Guilty Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin gets a cold and says things he probably shouldn't, Arthur feels like a bad friend, but they make up, eventually, Magic Revealed, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Dad!Merlin, Hurt Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Protective Knights (Merlin), Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur is trying to be a good uncle, I'm not sure if he's succeeding tho, But he's trying, Fluff, Some Fluff for your hard times, Protective Gwaine (Merlin), Panic Attacks, Kinda, but tw for those i guess, Baby Aithusa (Merlin), Accidental Baby Acquisition, Kind Of, Terrible medieval medicical pratices, I know noting about medicine, Let Arthur Talk About His Feelings/Emotions, Arthur Pendragon Needs a Hug (Merlin), Shape-Shifting Aithusa, Happy Ending
Language: English
Published: 2023-05-07
Words: 32,257
Chapters: 6/6
Comments: 75
Kudos: 1,486
Bookmarks: 293
Hits: 21,057
Categories: Gen, F/M
Relationships: Aithusa & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Aithusa & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), past Freya/Merlin (Merlin) - Relationship, Freya/Merlin (Merlin), Mentioned Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Aithusa (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Freya (Merlin)
Completed: 2023-07-27

Quirky Merlin Things™

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
AU where it isn’t common knowledge that the eyes of magic users turn gold and Arthur just assumes it’s another Quirky Merlin Thing™. Or, Merlin thinks Arthur knows, and acts like it. Arthur is fine with the whole thing. Notes See the end of the work for notes It only happens when Merlin’s dragging. Only when they’ve all been run ragged– pushed to their limits and then past. Only when he can scarcely move one foot in front of the other, can’t even look in the direction of Arthur’s laundry. The first few times Arthur doesn’t even register it. His brain just files it away because Gold eyes? That isn’t something that happens. But one night he’s falling over himself into bed after a gruelling fight against a magical woodland creature he doesn’t even want to know the name of that they’re all painfully lucky to have escaped. Merlin mercifully ignores his shaking hands and Arthur looks the other way when Merlin’s face is damp after the thing is finally killed. And if Merlin’s hands are more tender that night as they unfasten his armor, Arthur chalks it up to the surprise of someone ill-acquainted with death. It had been a long ride back and his eyes were heavy long before the turrets of Camelot came into view. Laying there, collapsed on the sheets, Arthur has no idea how Merlin is still standing. He looks bone tired as he tries to drag Arthur’s boots off. Merlin’s putting his entire weight into pulling the boot when his fingers slip and he falls backward, landing on the floor with a loud thump. The boy chokes back a sob. Arthur wakes when Merlin stands again. He wonders how long it has been. Merlin looks determined now, as he grabs the boot again, and his eyes flash gold . The boot comes off and Merlin has the rest of his armor off and is gone before Arthur can really process anything. He’s asleep before he knows it. The next morning, however, it’s unmistakable. Sometimes Merlin’s eyes turn gold. It was really a very nice shade. It ought to have been unsettling but it was warm and inviting more than anything. He had asked around but no one seemed to know of gold eyes or even eyes occasionally changing color. And so, he assumed it was a Quirky Merlin Thing™. The thing about Merlin was that he was the most delightfully random human Arthur had the pleasure of knowing. He had a spectacular knowledge of herbs and Arthur found it embarrassingly enchanting o listen to him ramble about the medicinal value of birch bark. It was a Quirky Merlin Thing™. He constantly found the most ridiculous things to wear. Arthur asked him about the neck scarf one day, and Merlin had just stared at him with confusion as if it were the most common fashion trend in Camelot. Arthur gently pointed out that he had never met a single other human that wore one. Merlin didn’t seem to get the point. It was a Quirky Merlin Thing™. Sometimes he disappeared in the middle of the day without permission or apology. Quirky Merlin Thing™. He brought Arthur daisies one time. Quirky Merlin Thing™. He carved ducks into spare bits of wood when he was distracted. Quirky Merlin Thing™. He could walk on his hands, shockingly well. Quirky Merlin Thing™. He only ever drank lavender tea, despite complaining ardently that it tasted exactly like soap and making faces while consuming it. Quirky Merlin Thing™. Once, Arthur thought he saw him talk to a drape. And so, his brain helpfully filed Merlin’s gold eyes in this category and he moved happily on with his life. Except, the eyes fascinated him. He found himself staring sometimes, desperate to catch a glimpse again, to find out what he was missing, to watch the transformation and slip back to their normal dusty blue. He tried to figure out what caused them. Tiredness, he knew. But also empathy. It happened sometimes on Arthur’s birthday or the anniversary of his mother’s death when he couldn’t quite push the ache in his chest from his memory. It killed Merlin, Arthur knew, so most of the time he gave Merlin the day off or resorted to hiding. Merlin always found him. And sometimes, the eyes would happen. Late nights of travel had Arthur keeping Merlin later than he should have, eyes trained on the boy’s face. Long days saw the prince running through chambers to find his servant and keep him awake. Tournaments usually hit Arthur so hard that he couldn’t keep awake, but sometimes, when Arthur was particularly hurt, the eyes would glint sparks. – It had been a leisurely day. Arthur had given the knights the day off to spend with their families, preparing for Easter celebrations the next day. Merlin, of course, didn’t have any family to spend the day with as Gaius was tending to Morgana, particularly sick from a recent bout of nightmares. Absolutely nothing was happening. Merlin was polishing armor in the chair by the fireplace. Arthur was eating an apple. He had nothing better to do. “I’m bored.” Merlin sighs and looks at him resignedly. “You could help me polish.” Arthur stops chewing and stares at him for a moment. “‘M not that bored.” Merlin sighs again and resumes the movements of his cloth. The sun through the window lights up the floor around Merlin’s feet, basking his face in a sort of afterglow. His face is bright and his slender fingers appear to be magic as they flash in and out along the greaves. His brow is furrowed in concentration and Arthur smiles. He likes this Merlin, focused wholeheartedly on the task at hand, not distracted by things so far in his head that Arthur can’t get to him. He seems peaceful. He’s long since finished his apple. He also doesn’t know how long he’s been staring. “Merlin.” He says it softly, gently, unwilling to break the peaceful atmosphere in the room. Merlin looks up and fixes Arthur with that gentle smile, reserved only for him. Arthur licks his lips. “Do you know,” he says slowly, and he doesn’t know what makes him say it. He just wants Merlin to know that Arthur admires him and respects him. He just wants Merlin to smile, wants the tips of his ears to turn red, wants this soft, perfect moment to go on being soft and perfect for a little while longer and then maybe a little bit more. “Do you know that your eyes are beautiful when they glow gold?” It has the exact opposite of the intended effect. Merlin starts, and he starts badly, dropping the armor with a clang, which scares even him. His eyes are wide, terrified and then he’s running. He’s out of the room before Arthur can even call to him. Arthur is left faintly wondering what he did wrong, nursing a slight case of disappointment at the spoiled afternoon. – Gaius is not back and Merlin isn’t sure if he is happy or horrified at this. Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck. “Okay Merlin, Arthur knows. It’s just Arthur, right? Just Arthur, the crown prince. Just the crown prince of Camelot who is currently involved in a nation-wide witch hunt who knows that you happen to be a sorcerer. That’s all. Just Arthur.” He heaves a book at the nearest bookshelf, not at all gratified when the ancient thing splinters. He does feel bad and feels his magic putting the thing to rights. These are Gauis’ chambers after all. Merlin clenches and unclenches his hands on the wooden table, dragging deep breaths in and out. It had been the eyes that had given him away in Ealdor too. Magic hadn’t been gone for as long; it had taken Uther and his band of terrors almost a decade to reach every outlying village. Almost everyone remembered what the golden eyes were of magic. For his friends and neighbors, they were things of beauty and hope, but after Uther also things of pain and suffering. And Arthur knew. Arthur fucking knew. – He lays low for a few days. The next day is easy because it’s a holiday and the castle is busy and he pleads sick the second day. But by the third day he’s sick with worry and even more sick with waiting, so he leaves the rooms before dawn and makes his way to Arthur’s chambers. He lights the fire, and pulls Arthur’s clothes for the day, before pulling the curtains open. He swivels only to find a very awake Arthur. “You’re up.” “Couldn’t sleep.” Merlin perches on the end of his bed, uncertain. “So.” Arthur just looks at him, eyelids heavy with resignation. “You know.” Arthur’s brow is drawn, his lips quirked. “I do.” Merlin licks his lips. “How long?” “I mean, I’ve suspected for months but it was just too preposterous and then I was it directly one night. I really will never understand you Merlin. It shouldn’t even be physically possible.” Merlin stares at him. It’s a longer speech than he’s used to getting from Arthur and he wants to make sure that he’s quite finished. “Is that it? Are you going to do anything?” Arthur cocks his head slightly. “Noo.” Merlin glances at the coverlet and backs up. “Thank you.” And then he’s somehow at Arthur’s side, dragging him out of bed, and pulling him into new clothes, and informing him of the busy day ahead. – Gaius hates it when he gets wind of the situation. “If he knows ,” Merlin argues, “then what does it matter if I do it around him?” “It’s the principle. You can’t get careless Merlin. This is life and death; even if it hasn’t ended disastrously this time, that means nothing for the next time.” Merlin hears the wisdom. He really does. And he tries to heed the older man, most of the time. – After The Eye Incident, his manservant just gets weirder– and more wonderful. For starters, Arthur gets to see the golden eyes far more often. Anytime Merlin cleans or sews or looks for something, his eyes flash and Arthur has to stop what he’s doing to watch. Secondly, the man is madly skilled. He does chores in a fraction of the time Arthur thinks they should take and is able to get stains out of shirts that the scullery maids have given up on, and once, when Arthur complains about the cold water Merlin somehow ensures it stays warm for the rest of his bath. And, in Arthur’s eyes, It’s Just Merlin. Because of course, he can do all of those things. – It’s been long years. Arthur is now king. Uther is gone. Morgana is no longer his. Arthur is alone. Well, not entirely alone Arthur’s lips quirk and Merlin and Gwen burst into the room, laughing to each other. The crown is heavy on his head and this spot of mirth is a rare sight in halls that prepare for a war few expect to survive. Arthur is secluded in his thoughts. A scream tears through the stillness of the room. The three of them run to the window, to find a crowd building in the courtyard. Then they’re running. Merlin is closer to Arthur’s sword, and he grabs it and passes it awkwardly off as they scramble down the dark hallways, shouting at servants to take cover. By the time they make it, Arthur’s knights have assembled, filling the quart yard uncertainly. The creator of the scream hangs seven feet off the ground, face disfigured and dress hanging tattered around her. Behind her, an army of equally disturbing figures stands, waiting for her command. Once Merlin and Arthur make it to the courtyard, (Arthur has long since learned that Merlin refuses to remain in safety.) the witch grins. “Merlin, Merlin, Merlin,” her voice is grating, “just the man I wanted to see.” She laughs shrilly and Arthur winces. He looks at his manservant, confused as to why the witch is so interested in him, though it seems that most of the creatures they fight have an odd fascination with his skinny (er, not now as skinny as he used to be) companion. The crone is speaking again and Arthur drags his attention to the present. “It seems that you have a choice to make.” Her gaze is piercing and Arthur shivers. Beside him, Merlin is stock still. “Either Camelot dies–” She waves her staff and a ball of fire rises from the tip, “or you die at the hands of your beloved king.” Her grin is wide, revealing horrible teeth. Merlin relaxes beside him, ever so slightly, but Arthur is confused. The only thing in the land that holds the death penalty is magic-wielding, a policy left in place from Uther’s reign. And then Merlin, beside him is moving. He looks at the dark-haired man, along with the rest of the knights in the field. They’re all standing stock-still, waiting to see what happens. “Well,” and Merlin, beautiful, blessed idiot that he is, actually grins “you’ve only made one mistake.” Arthur imagines that the witch’s own smile is faltering but he doesn’t dare take his eyes off of the perfect boy in front of him. The air is positively electric. Merlin looks wholly different. There’s something in his veins. He looks as if he could conquer the world. And then, Merlin takes a step. Onto thin air. Arthur stares. “I already have the support of the king of Camelot.” And then Merlin sprints the rest of the way up the nonexistent stairs, reaching long fingers into the sky, closing his eyes and pulling lightning from the clouds above. And Arthur realizes that this is exactly the way Merlin is supposed to look, powerful, strong, with the universe bending around his lithe frame, desperate to please him. Without a moment’s hesitation, Arthur utters the order to charge. His knights attack. Merlin attacks. – The battle was over shockingly fast. The lightning strikes from heaven definitely took the wind out of their sails, Arthur supposes. When Merlin comes down from the air and stands on the pavement again, Arthur grabs Leon’s arm and touches Merlin with it. Satisfied that the man isn’t shocked, Arthur grabs Merlin’s arm and hauls. They stand in Arthur’s room, the place they’ve had so many conversations, arguments, laughs, and even a few, unacknowledged tears. Arthur faces his. “Merlin.” “Arthur.” “That’s all you’ve got?” “Look, I know it wasn’t ideal, but honestly what are you even doing with the magic ban? You obviously don’t believe in it or I would have been in the stocks years ago–” Arthur holds up a finger to stop him. He drags in a deep breath. “Years ago?” Wide-eyed, Merlin nods slowly. “Merlin, how on earth are you figuring that I somehow knew this before today?” Merlin blinks. “You– you didn’t know?” “No, you twat, I didn’t know. Why do you think I did?” Merlin is dumbfounded. “The– my– my eyes,” he’s stammering. “What about them?” “They turn gold.” “Yes, I know that.” A distinctly uncomfortable feeling is curling in the bottom of Arthur’s stomach. He’s cheeks flush slightly at the memory. “Arthur, the eyes of sorcerors turn gold when they practice magic.” It doesn’t even hit him for all of four seconds. When it does, his jaw drops. “I– you– all that time? And you– and I–” He lapses into stunned silence. They stand there for a long time, Arthur growing more and more dazed. Finally, “How was I supposed to know that yellow eyes meant magic? My father forbade anyone of ever speaking about it in my presence.” Merlin chuckles quietly. “I guess I hadn’t thought about that.” “So all this time, you thought I knew.” Merlin nods softly. And then Arthur’s head is snapping up again. “Hang on, this is the first time I’ve seen you practice magic, and yet your eyes are gold every day.” Merlin tilts his head. “Arthur, I’ve been practicing magic in front of you for years.” Arthur shakes his head fervently. “I think I would have noticed.” And then Merlin takes one of Arthur’s calloused hands into his, gently. “Arthur.” And Arthur feels his December-air cold hands begin to warm deliciously, from something that was distinctly not Merlin’s even colder fingers, nor his own body. “This is magic.” The fire behind the boy reaches higher up the wall. “That is magic.” Merlin whispers it against Arthur’s cheek. Beside them, the curtains ruffle slightly. “Magic.” Arthur can feel Merlin’s breath on his cheek. A buckle on his armor comes undone. Merlin doesn’t even say anything, just stands there, clinging to Arthur’s hand, cheek resting against Arthur’s chest plate. Around him, the room is alive. Flowers grow delicately along his mantle, and armor polishes itself. The laundry is being folded by an unseen hand and remaining wrinkles are shaken out of his bed. Arthur feels like he’s being caressed all over. Magic cards through his hair and presses into aching muscles. And suddenly Arthur understands. This magic is like nothing he ever dreamed. He thought it was powerful and bad and made a ruckus, but the way Merlin has been using it, for years is just– Merlin. The tiny comforts and beautiful things about life that Merlin made that way. They weren’t evil, they weren’t even big. They were just Merlin Things. Arthur draws in a deep breath, dangerously close to a cry. Merlin stays where he is. – It’s been two hours. Merlin has been showing Arthur everything he wants to see. He makes a tiny dragon out of magic, and Arthur is mesmerized as it lazily flaps its wings, gliding in circles around the golden head. Merlin smiles up at Arthur, seated in a dining chair. He suddenly has a thought. “Arthur you didn’t know .” Arthur, somewhat begrudgingly, looks away from the dragon toward Merlin before immediately snapping his gaze back. “No yeah, that’s pretty much the whole point.” “You didn’t know and you still ordered the entire Camelot army to back me up.” This time Arthur actually pins his gaze on Merlin. He hasn’t really had time to think about that. “Yeah. I guess I did.” They stare at each other. Arthur is the one to break the silence. “Look, Merlin, it’s you. Magic or no, I trust you, completely. That wasn’t the time for debate, that was the time for trust.” Tears well in Merlin’s eyes and before Arthur knows what’s happening the black-haired bundle is launching itself into his arms with far too much force and their chair is tipping backward and Arthur’s braces for the fall that never comes. When he opens his eyes, they’re levitating a few inches off the ground, Merlin’s arms wrapped around him. Gingerly, he snakes his arms around the boy’s waist. “Merlin, I’ll always choose you.” And the way Merlin nestles perfectly there in his arms, well, that's just a Quirky Merlin Thing™. End Notes Ahh, thank you sm for reading. I had so much fun writing this! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Angst, Arthur is an idiot, they're all very oblivious, Magic Reveal, Sort Of
Language: English
Published: 2023-06-06
Words: 3,111
Chapters: 1/1

In Which Merlin and Arthur Have Strawberry Milkshakes

For the prompt: "okay so its set in the 50s or 60s and hunith owns like a milkshake bar or something and merlin takes arthur out on a date there but arthur is super worried that ppl are going to get mad @ them the whole time and they order strawberry milkshakes and nobody gets mad but hunith and gwen congratulate them and its just super cute ok (and maybe arthur drives merlin home and kisses him under the stars or something else cliched and romantic idk)" by tumblr user merlinsghosties.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: First Date, Fluff, cliched kissing under the stars
Language: English
Published: 2015-09-21
Words: 644
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 71
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 915
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Crying in the Rain

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With his marriage to Arthur coming apart at the seams, Merlin is in a downward spiral, taking dangerous risks like a man with nothing to live for . Chasing storms with reckless abandon, determined to avoid facing his problems, he makes a disastrous mistake that could cost him his life. Arthur is in London when he gets the call he has been dreading. His worst nightmare has been realized. Faced with the devastating reality that he could lose Merlin for good, Arthur flies back to the US. Hoping and praying he will survive and that they will somehow be able to fix what went wrong between them. Sometimes the most tumultuous storms you can face in life are on the inside… Notes This is the long-awaited sequel to Living at the End of the W orld my original Storm Chaser Merlin fic I posted one year ago. Enjoy and I love feedback, good or bad!!! Thank you to all my readers!!! p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Flirting With Disaster “Merlin, damn you, get the fuck out of there!” “Back of f, Gwaine, I’ve got this. Just head south, and keep your distance,” Merlin said as he hit the gas, driving Excalibur down the narrow road following a drainage ditch heading right into the path of a massive rain-wrapped tornado that was bearing down on a small town. He looked up, realizing that he was way too close, but he kept going anyway . “Merlin, do you have a death wish?” Percival shouted, “Dammit, Merlin!” “Fuck it,” Merlin said then yanked his earpiece from his ear and tossed it on the passenger seat. He couldn’ t concentrate with his team yelling in his ear . “Okay , devil storm, it’ s just you and me now ,” he said, shoving his foot to the floor and the Jeep Gladiator tore along the gravel road until he came to a narrow bridge. T urning right, Merlin hit the brakes skidding to a stop in the middle of the bridge, and got out. He raised both hands shouting the spell while the mounted cameras took video of the dark, writhing mass of a storm. A piece of debris flew directly at his head, forcing him to duck down behind Excalibur before he could finish the spell. It was too close and too powerful for him to use magic to slow it down. There wasn’ t anything he could do. His magic was screaming beneath his skin, pulling at him, ur ging him to run. He stood up to get another look at the tornado just as it suddenly turned, heading right for him. Getting behind the wheel he threw the truck into reverse and turned it around, but it was too late. “Shit,” Merlin said as the rear end of the truck was hit by a lar ge piece of debris spinning him back around to face the storm. He hit the gas, but the rear wheels were no longer on the ground. Whatever hit him was wedged up underneath the frame. Fear and regret gripped his heart, and he shook his head, tears in his eyes. “Forgive me, Arthur…” he choked out just as the tornado swept him up and tossed the Gladiator end over end. “Merlin!” Mor gana screamed as they witnessed Excalibur lift of f the bridge and fly through the air . They lost sight of it in the rotation and airborne debris. “God, no!” she cried as Gwaine pulled her into his arms, turning her face into the crook of his neck. “Goddamn it, Merlin,” Percival choked, dropping to his knees on the edge of the road. The tornado continued its path of destruction missing the town while leveling a house and a dairy barn as the team watched helplessly , praying for a miracle. Praying that, against all odds, Merlin would survive. “Get in, let’ s go,” Gwaine said, “Leon call for help and please, tell me the tracker on Excalibur is giving of f a signal.” “I’m scanning,” Leon said, hitting the keys on the laptop, “Fuck, come on baby , where are you? Speak to me, sweetheart.” He scanned again as Gwaine turned the van onto the road and headed toward the bridge. “Got it, the signal is weak but it’ s there. About a quarter mile east of the bridge. God, Merlin…” he said realizing that the chances of Merlin surviving the impact after being thrown that distance were slim. He hit 91 1 on his cell phone. “Merlin, so help me, you better not be dead,” Gwaine muttered under his breath as he drove then reached over to grasp Mor gana’ s hand. She was struggling to keep it together . “God, please…please, no…” she sobbed, covering her mouth with her free hand. Merlin struggled to open his eyes. All he could see was darkness. Everything was deathly silent except for the sound of running water somewhere. He was disoriented and shaking, his body hurt all over . Reaching his right arm out toward the passenger seat, he felt around for his earpiece cursing himself for taking it out. He could move his legs, but his left arm was useless. “Fuck,” he breathed out. Reaching for his magic he struggled to focus it, to get a sense of where he was and hopefully find his phone or earpiece to call for help. Finally , his hand closed around the earpiece, and he winced in pain as he raised his arm putting it in his ear praying it was still on and would work. The entire side of his head was covered in blood. “That’ s not good,” Merlin huf fed, his chest hurt, and his lungs burned. “This is it…end of the road,” he choked out hoarsely . “Thank fuck, Merlin!” Gwaine’ s voice sounded in his ear . “I hear you…we’re coming. Just hold on, buddy .” “Gwaine…” Merlin said, his eyes were growing heavy , and it was getting harder to breathe. “Stay with me, Merlin!” Gwaine pleaded, “Y ou’re not dying, not like this.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Hold on, please.” “Mor gana,” Merlin smiled sadly , “Tell him…tell Arthur…” “No, Merlin, I am not telling my brother anything. Y ou are going to live through this, and you are going to fix things between you two.” Mor gana shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Y ou are not going to die. Y ou can’ t die.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded weakly . He felt his magic fading, his heartbeat slowing. “Arthur…” he whispered then the darkness swallowed him up and there was nothing. Gwaine pulled the van of f the road in the area where Excalibur ’s signal indicated. He got out, going to the back to pull out the emer gency kit. Mor gana was on the phone with 91 1 giving them their location. Leon and Percival made their way down a steep embankment. “Stay here, we’ll get him,” Gwaine said, kissing Mor gana then followed them. “Over here,” Percival shouted and pointed. Excalibur was wedged in beside a corrugated steel culvert that had been partially ripped from the earth by the tornado with water still pouring out of it. The water was knee-deep around it and rising. “Merlin!” Percival yelled running into the muddy water , reaching the passenger side door which was completely crushed. He yanked until it finally broke free and he was able to remove it. Climbing inside he felt Merlin’ s neck and wrist praying he would find a pulse. “Merlin, come on…” he said and sighed in relief when he finally got a pulse, though it was weak. The driver ’s side door was jammed up against a piece of concrete. Leon climbed up onto the back of the Gladiator and helped Percival to remove the damaged roof panels so they could get to Merlin easier . “He’ s alive, but barely ,” Percival said as Gwaine reached them with the emer gency kit. “Merlin, come on,” Gwaine said, taking Percival’ s place in the cab of the truck, “Y ou stupid son-of-a-bitch, what the fuck were you thinking?” He did everything he could to slow the bleeding, but Merlin’ s injuries were bad, very bad, and that was just what he could see. “Percival, can you get the back cover open and see if there is a blanket in there? Anything else we can use.” Percival managed to get the latches open and found two blankets. “Here,” he said, passing them through the shattered back window . Gwaine grabbed them and carefully covered Merlin. “Leon, go back to the van and find out how far out the paramedics are,” Gwaine shouted, “Merlin doesn’ t have much time. He’ s losing a lot of blood.” Leon nodded then ran back to the road. “Merlin,” Gwaine shook his head cupping his friend’ s cheek. “Y ou can’ t die. Hold on, please. I’m sorry…so sorry , I should have seen this coming.” He fought back tears, pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. “God, Merlin…” he choked. Life Flight landed in the middle of the road ten minutes later , the sherif f and an ambulance pulled up three minutes after . Gwaine stepped out of the Gladiator letting the rescue crew take over . Percival helped him up out of the water and put a hand on his shoulder . They looked at each other , worry and fear in their eyes. Morgana ran into Gwaine’ s arms as soon as he climbed back up to the road. He cupped the back of her head, holding her close as they waited, watched, and prayed. It took them twenty minutes to extract Merlin from what was left of the Gladiator , and it would take them a while to get him to the road and loaded into the helicopter . “I’ve got to call Arthur ,” Mor gana said clutching Gwaine’ s shirt. “You should call him now , baby , it will take him a while to get here from London.” Morgana nodded then got back into the van dialing her brother ’s number with trembling hands. She didn’ t even know what time it was in London. She couldn’ t think or focus. The phone rang four times, and she hung up and called back again. “Arthur , pick up, please.” Arthur rolled over in bed feeling for the nightstand and his vibrating phone. Finally , he grabbed it swiping the screen while wiping the sleep from his eyes and looking at the bedside clock. It was one in the morning. “Hello,” he said groggily . “Thank God,” Mor gana sobbed. “Mor gana?” Arthur asked, “What’ s wrong?” “Merlin, he’ s…God, Arthur…” Arthur sat upright, immediately alert, his heart in his throat. “Mor gana…what happened?” “Merlin…he—he got too close. The tornado…Arthur , you need to come. I don’ t know if he’s…” she choked back a sob. Gwaine came over to the van, opened the door , and gently took the phone from her . “Fuck,” Arthur said, his worst fears were being realized. “Merlin…” “Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “Gwaine…what happened?” Arthur asked as he grabbed his bag and started packing. “Arthur , Merlin got caught up in the tornado. It threw Excalibur a good quarter of a mile. Paramedics are here, Life Flight too, they are getting him out. He’ s alive, but barely .” “Fuck,” Arthur said, “I’ll call Hunith. W e will be there as soon as we can. I’ll call my father and get the jet. Gwaine, tell him I love him.” “Arthur , I’ll be honest, it doesn’ t look good. Get here,” Gwaine said then ended the call. Arthur immediately dialed Hunith’ s number , sitting down on the side of the bed struggling to keep his emotions under control. He had to keep calm and focused. “Arthur , what’ s wrong?” Hunith asked. “Hunith, Merlin…there was an accident. W e need to go.” “Oh my god,” she gasped, “My boy .” “He’ s alive, but Gwaine said it doesn’ t look good,” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “I’ll send a car for you within the hour , I need to call the hangar and have them ready the plane.” “I’ll be ready ,” Hunith said, fighting tears. “I’m sorry , I should have been there…” “Arthur , you cannot blame yourself. I will see you shortly , love.” “See you,” Arthur said, ending the call. He then called the airport and his father . Ninety minutes later they were in the air . Hunith was sitting quietly next to the window staring out into the darkness, tears in her eyes. Arthur sat next to her , leaning forward, with his elbows braced on his knees. Everything came rushing back…the last six months away from Merlin. Everything that happened before. None of it mattered now . “Fuck,” he choked, a sob escaping from his throat before he could stop it, his hands trembling as Hunith linked their fingers together . “It’ s my fault…I never should have left him.” “I understand why you did. It isn’ t your fault, Arthur .” “If I had been there, he wouldn’ t…” “You know as well as I do how stubborn and reckless my boy is.” “Hunith, I can’ t lose him. God, I still love him so damn much. I just want a chance to fix things between us and now I may not get that chance.” “You will. Merlin is a fighter , and he is strong. His magic protects him. He will be okay…I have to believe that. I need to believe that. Believe in him, Arthur ,” Hunith said drawing Arthur into her arms and kissing the back of his head as she held him. “I love you, dear boy ,” she whispered. “Arthur ,” Uther said, “I have a helicopter waiting to take us to the hospital as soon as we land.” “Thank you, Father ,” Arthur said, then sitting upright, pulled his phone out of his pocket. Uther put a hand on his shoulder , “Do not worry . We will do whatever it takes to save Merlin. I know you two have had your share of problems, but you still love each other .” Arthur nodded then sent a text to Mor gana letting her know they were in the air . “Hold on, Merlin,” he said wiping the tears from his eyes, “Just hold on.” He shook his head, thinking of the last words they had said to each other , and it terrified him that he may have to bury Merlin and never get the chance to erase those words. T o fix what went wrong between them. “What the hell do you think you were doing out there?” Arthur asked, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. “My job,” Merlin said with a shrug. “Your job! Y ou ignored my warning and you nearly got yourself killed. What the fuck is wrong with you? Y ou’re being an ass to everyone. Gwen said you blew of f two book signings. That’ s not like you. At the storm chaser event the other night you were drunk and moody . What’ s going on with you?” Merlin tried to walk away , but Arthur refused to let it go. For weeks he had been acting like an ass. All he wanted to do was chase storms and he was taking extreme risks. He’d taken off, leaving Arthur behind at the van with the team, to go after a tornado and nearly ended up rolling Excalibur . Merlin let out a low growl, “Y ou know how I feel about publicity and all the bullshit that goes with it. Sometimes I wish I had never written that goddamn book. I let you talk me into it, and now it controls my life and takes me away from my real job which is supposed to be chasing tornados and saving lives. It’ s what I do, and it is what I am fucking good at. I don’ t need all these speeches and interviews and ridiculous photo shoots. I want my anonymity back!” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That book is a fucking international bestseller and has brought so much attention to the world of storm chasing. Not to mention, it has helped in the research and development of your warning system, or have you for gotten that?” “Maybe I just need a break,” Merlin grumbled. “Fine! Great! I’m all for it. T ake a break…take time of f from storm chasing and get your head on straight before you get yourself or me or the team killed,” Arthur said, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. Merlin yanked it away , “I don’ t need a break from chasing. I need a break from you!” Arthur flinched. His eyes were wide with hurt. “That’ s what you want?” “Yes!” Merlin hissed. “I told you I was in this with you to the end and I won’ t walk away even if you want me to. I refuse to give up on us, just because you have a fucking death wish and are acting like a selfish prick.” Arthur stepped forward again grabbing Merlin’ s shoulder , spinning him around. “Y ou’re reckless and unfocused. Y ou’re drinking too much, and I know you’re having nightmares that you refuse to talk about. Dammit, Merlin, I really believed your walls were all down when it comes to me, but you have only replaced them with a fucking moat and set it on fire.” “Just let it go, Arthur…” Merlin said in a warning tone, “Get of f my back and let me do my fucking job. I don’ t need you second-guessing me or questioning my judgment. I was doing this long before you came along, and I will keep doing it, with or without you.” “Merlin, stop chasing, at least for a while. W e can take a trip somewhere…sailing maybe. You enjoyed that trip when we went before. W e can do it again. Y ou need to stop before you destroy everything we have worked so hard to build.” “I built this!” Merlin shouted, his eyes dark, “I am the only thing standing between innocent lives and violent tornados. No, I won’ t stop chasing. Y ou know that. Y ou knew that from the beginning. If you don’ t like it, you can walk away , I won’ t fucking stop you.” He started to turn away , but Arthur lunged forward, yanking him around. Merlin brought his fist up and swung catching Arthur across the jaw knocking him back, more from the shock than the actual impact. “Fuck, I can’ t believe you just hit me!” Arthur huf fed a breath, pressing his hand to his face. “I’m sorry , okay ,” Merlin said, averting his gaze, “Just leave me alone, Arthur . Leave me alone, please.” He then stormed of f, heading for the auto shop. Arthur stood there rubbing his jaw , tears shining in his blue eyes. He had no idea what to do. Merlin was out of control, hurtling towards the edge of a sheer clif f and he was powerless to stop him. He dropped to his knees staring up at the overcast sky . He was done. If Merlin didn’ t want him here, he would go. It would kill him, but he would walk away . Maybe if he did, it would shock Merlin out of this. If it didn’ t…well, then it was over . He could not stay and watch his husband self-destruct and take the team down with him. “Goodbye, Merlin,” he said then got to his feet. He walked over to Elyan who was just getting ready to leave. “Elyan, I need a ride into town…” “Arthur…” Merlin murmured in this sleep for the thousandth time as Mor gana watched over him. He had under gone a six-hour sur gery to try and relieve the swelling in his brain and to stop the internal bleeding. He had been in and out of consciousness since they moved him into ICU. Doctors had done all they could. He was lucky to be alive. It was a miracle that, other than several cracked ribs, he didn’ t have a single broken bone. Morgana moved to stand beside the bed, taking Merlin’ s hand in hers. “Merlin, he’ s coming. He will be here soon. Just hold on.” The doctor had warned them that when and if Merlin woke he would likely suf fer at least partial vision loss, if not full. While it would most likely be temporary , it would be jarring for him, and someone needed to be there when he opened his eyes. T o explain why they were bandaged. Morgana’ s phone rang and she immediately pulled it out of her pocket and swiped the screen. “Arthur , how much longer?” she asked, her voice breaking. “We just landed, boarding the helicopter in a few minutes. How is he?” “Still unconscious, keeps saying your name. Arthur , hurry .” “God, I am trying, Mor gana…I’m barely keeping it together .” “I know , he’s just so weak. Arthur , I can’ t really feel his magic. I’m scared we are losing him.” “He can’ t die, I have so much I need to say to him. I never should have left. I thought it would help, to put some distance between us for a while, but it only made things worse.” “You did what you felt you had to do…I know that. Merlin is just so damn stubborn and determined to sacrifice himself for the job.” “I have to go now , Mor gana,” Arthur said, “I’ll be there soon. I love you.” “Love you, my brother .” “Take care of him for me.” “I will,” she nodded then ended the call and looked down at Merlin. “Just a little longer , Merlin,” she said then bent over to press her lips to his. “I love you, don’ t leave us.” Arthur was quiet in the helicopter , remembering the day they first arrived at base camp, the auto shop. The day he first laid eyes on Merlin. The memory brought a sad smile to his face. How much their lives had changed in three years. It had been six months since the day he left Merlin. He hadn’ t planned to stay away , but Merlin had done nothing to bring him back, moving on with his life as if Arthur meant nothing to him. So, he’d stayed in London working for his father , chasing a few storms in The Netherlands and Germany . Doing so while missing Merlin every second of every day . Now Merlin lay in a hospital possibly dying and Arthur felt the weight of regret on his chest. The pang of guilt and a profound anguish at the thought of never being able to fix what was broken between them. His eyes pooling with tears, he leaned forward in his seat, pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead, his shoulders vibrating as he gave in to the feelings that were tearing him apart. “Arthur ,” Uther said softly , putting his arms around his son. He just held him, pressing his lips to the side of his head. “Merlin is going to be fine…you’ll see. Y ou’re not going to lose him.” Arthur melted into his father ’s embrace and let it all out. Love is Blind Merlin felt detached from his body . Like he wasn’ t in control of his limbs and his magic felt like a frightened kitten burrowed down in a dark space hissing and clawing every time he tried to reach for it. Something wasn’ t right. He tried to focus, to get his eyes to open, but they felt like they were glued shut. He was pretty sure he was alive because death was supposed to be peaceful and welcoming…this was anything but. “Arthur…” His voice sounded alien to his own ears. Like he was hearing it from a distance. What happened? Where was he? Then he remembered the tornado picking up Excalibur with him in it. Remembered absolute weightlessness, and the sound of tearing metal, and debris slamming into it. Then the crash, the impact, hitting the ground, hitting something. Then darkness…nothing. His mind rebelled then, yanking him away from that moment, slamming him back into wherever he was now . Back into this state of existence where nothing made sense. Then came the pain, excruciating pain, in his head and body . He screamed. “Merlin, shh, it’ s all right. Y ou’re in the hospital. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry .” Merlin felt the familiar touch…heard that voice. No, it couldn’ t be…he’d driven him away . It wasn’ t him. Maybe he really was dead, and this was his eternal punishment. Arthur was gone. He was never coming back. He had destroyed the one pure thing in his life. “Merlin, I’m here,” Arthur choked back a sob pressing his lips to Merlin’ s hand, “I’m so sorry . God, I never should have left you.” Merlin focused on the familiar connection. His fingers moved, chasing more of that warmth. He was cold, so cold. Arthur let out a relieved but rough laugh as Merlin’ s hand grasped his, long slender fingers intertwining with his own. “Shh, I’ve got you, Merlin. Y ou’re going to be okay .” “Arthur…it hurts,” Merlin grimaced. “I know . God, I wish I could take the pain away . But you are alive, you’re still with me. I’m never letting you go again. I should have been here.” “You should hate me…” “Merlin, no, I love you. I will always love you. When Mor gana called…I have never felt so lost, so helpless. Y our mom is here too. I brought her and my father with me. They are in the waiting room just across the hallway . Do you want me to get her for you?” Merlin shook his head slightly , causing another wave of pain. “Not yet…just you, please.” Arthur smiled, tears shining in his eyes. “Merlin, you idiot…what the hell were you thinking?” “How bad is it?” “You look kind of like you went ten rounds with some sort of giant washing machine, shredder hybrid with a battering ram thrown in to make it interesting,” Arthur said with a chuckle. “That’ s pretty much what it felt like,” Merlin gave him a weak grin. “How much do you remember?” Arthur asked. “All of it. Right up to the impact. I’m guessing Excalibur is totaled.” “Yeah, I haven’ t seen it yet, but Gwaine said it was bad.” “I’m sorry .” “Don’ t worry about that now ,” Arthur shook his head, then leaning over the bed, he kissed Merlin. “God, I have missed you.” “I can’ t open my eyes,” Merlin said. “No, they are covered. Y ou suf fered a TBI, the swelling is causing pressure on your optical nerve. They said you will likely experience partial or total vision loss, but it should only be temporary .” “And if it’ s not?” Merlin asked, panic seeping into his voice. “Merlin, we are going to do whatever it takes. My father has already been talking to specialists about your condition if we should need them. Chances are the swelling will go down and your vision will return to normal.” “Shit, I really fucked up, didn’ t I.” “Yes, you did, but we are going to get through this together .” “I don’ t deserve…” Merlin choked, and Arthur kissed him. “Merlin, I’m here. I love you and I am not going anywhere.” “I’m sorry…Arthur , what I did to you…” “Doesn’ t matter anymore. I am just as much at fault. I shouldn’ t have left you.” “It’s not like I gave you a choice.” Arthur shook his head, “I had a choice, and I made the wrong one.” Merlin squeezed his hand, “Arthur , when that tornado hit me…I just wanted one more chance to ask you to for give me. T o tell you that I love you.” “I do, Merlin…I for give you…if you can for give me for not fighting for us like I should have. I just walked away . I wanted so badly to come back, but you moved on with your life. I felt like there was no place for me in it anymore.” Merlin squeezed Arthur ’s hand. “I drove you away .” “Why?” “I don’ t know .” “Merlin, we promised to be by each other ’s side for the rest of our lives. Something made you lash out, push me away .” “I don’ t understand it myself,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. Arthur gently brushed his thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone. “It doesn’ t matter now . We will talk about things once you are back on your feet. Right now , I just need you to focus on healing. How is your magic?” “It’s there but not there,” Merlin said, “Hiding…” “Yes, Mor gana told me that she couldn’ t feel it.” “Arthur , the pain,” Merlin whimpered his face tightening. Arthur reached over and pressed the button to call the nurse. “Hold on, help is coming. We’ll get them to give you the good stuf f.” The nurses came in and Arthur stepped back out of the way as they checked Merlin’ s vitals. “Look at you, sweetie,” one of them smiled, “Good to see you’re awake. The doctor will be here soon to speak with you. How bad is the pain on a scale from one to ten?” she asked. Merlin winced when she gingerly touched his bound ribs. “Is there another option?” he asked. The nurse smiled, “No, I’m afraid not. One to ten, sweetheart?” “Seven point five,” Merlin huf fed. “Good boy ,” she laughed. “Does that mean I get the good stuf f?” he asked with a pained smirk. “That is up to the doctor . This should help,” the nurse said pushing medication into his IV . “You’re a lucky boy . I saw you when they brought you in, Merlin. It’ s truly a miracle that you’re still with us. I am Xena, by the way . And this is Nicole, she is going to take a little bit of blood.” “A nurse named Xena,” Merlin chuckled then winced. The second nurse drew blood from Merlin’ s arm and then left the room quickly . “I loved that show ,” he grinned, “Y ou kicked ass.” “Good, then you know not to mess with me. Y ou will do what I say ,” Xena smiled then winked at Arthur . “Let me know if you need anything, Arthur .” “I’m all right,” Arthur said then walked to the window closing his eyes trying not to think about how close he had come to losing his husband. He shook his head, fighting tears. Gwaine had told him some of the details while sparing him the worst of it. He heard the door open. “Merlin, you are awake. I am Dr . Annis Carlson.” Arthur turned to see an older , red-haired woman in a white coat. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid that shouldn’ t look good on a woman her age, but it suited her . She wore no makeup, not that she needed it. She was beautiful. He moved closer to the bed and extended his hand. “Dr. Carlson, I am Arthur Pendragon, Merlin’ s husband.” “Oh, good, they said you were flying in from London, you got here quickly .” “I left as soon as I got the call.” Hunith came into the room and the doctor smiled then nodded. “Y ou’re Merlin’ s mother?” “Yes,” Hunith said, “What can you tell us?” “Merlin suf fered a traumatic brain injury . I was able to relieve some of the pressure, and seeing as he is awake, that is a good sign. He has five cracked ribs and suf fered a collapsed lung and internal bleeding. He had a dislocated shoulder and more than his fair share of lacerations and contusions. He also had a metal object embedded in his skin just below his collarbone. As far as his vision goes, we will have to wait and see. It should return once the swelling goes down, but we won’ t know for sure until that happens.” “Dear God,” Hunith gasped, and Arthur put his arm around her . Dr. Carlson looked at them then Merlin. “Merlin is a lucky young man.” “Can you take the bandages of f my eyes?” Merlin asked. “We could, I just didn’ t want you to panic when you woke up,” the doctor smiled, “If you want me to I will remove them. Just be prepared that you may not see anything, or you could see light and shapes but little else.” “I understand, I just want them of f, please,” Merlin said. “Very well,” Dr . Carlson said then proceeded to remove the covering on his eyes. “Keep them closed for a moment,” she said as she removed the last of the bandages. “Okay , now slowly open your eyes and tell me what you see.” Merlin let out a breath, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly opened and then closed them again. Arthur reached out taking hold of his hand, and he tried again, his eyes opened fully this time and he made a sound that broke Arthur ’s heart. “Can’ t…can’ t see anything,” Merlin choked. “It’s to be expected,” Dr . Carlson said, “There’ s no reason not to believe your vision will return. Just give it time. I have seen this kind of thing many times. Once the swelling goes down and the pressure is relieved you should regain your sight. I could replace the bandages…” “No,” Merlin said, “It’ s fine.” “I will be by to check on you in a few hours. Rest, Merlin,” the doctor smiled. “Y ou are a strong young man, and I don’ t see any reason why you can’ t make a full recovery .” “Thank you, doctor ,” Hunith said moving to her son’ s side. “I’ll walk you out,” Arthur said then followed the doctor into the hallway . “Thank you for saving his life.” Dr. Carlson put a hand on Arthur ’s arm. “It’ s going to be a long road. Just keep encouraging him and keep his stress levels down.” “I can do that.” “It is good that he has you and his mother and so many friends who love him.” “How bad was it really?” Arthur asked, not sure he wanted to know , but needed to. Dr. Carlson nodded, “When I said he is a lucky young man I meant it. Arthur , when they brought him in, he was quite literally on the ver ge of death. He was covered in blood and barely breathing. If your friends had not found him as quickly as they did, he would not have survived. I heard your sister say that you and Merlin have been apart for a while.” Arthur nodded, “Six months. But I am back now , and I will never leave him again.” “I hope that is true. The paramedics told me that the whole flight in, despite his injuries, he kept saying your name over and over again.” Arthur nodded, “I should have been there, then he wouldn’ t be lying in that bed right now .” “Whatever dif ferences caused you two to separate, you need to set them aside and focus on him. He is going to need a lot of love and support to get through this.” “I know ,” Arthur said, “I am here for him.” “Good,” she smiled, “I will be back in a few hours. If you need me, have the nurses call.” “Thank you, Dr . Carlson.” “You’re welcome, Arthur ,” she said then walked away . “Arthur ,” Mor gana said as she approached him, “Merlin is awake?” “Yes,” he smiled then hugged her and she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Come on in with me.” They walked into the room together and Mor gana went straight to Merlin’ s bedside. “Merlin, thank god you’re awake. I was so scared.” “Mor gana,” Merlin smiled reaching up to touch her cheek. “Your eyes…” she said softly . “Yeah, can’ t see your gor geous face at the moment. I love you.” “I love you too. Don’ t ever do that again, Merlin. When I saw that tornado pick up and toss Excalibur…” she shook her head. “God, I thought you were…” she sobbed. “Shh, don’ t cry,” Merlin smiled, “I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere.” “You promise?” “I promise,” Merlin said. “I’m going to go call Gwaine and the others, let them know you are awake.” “Tell them I’m sorry for everything. I know I royally fucked up.” “It’s just a damn good thing the tracking signal on Excalibur worked or we never would have found you in time,” Mor gana said then she squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. “I will be back in a little while.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded. Morgana hugged Arthur then Hunith stood up and smiled, “I am going to call Gaius and Will. Y ou rest. I love you, my boy .” “Love you too, Mother ,” Merlin smiled. They left the room, and he heard the door shut. “Arthur?” “I’m here,” Arthur said taking hold of his hand. Merlin knew there was so much he needed to tell Arthur , but at the moment he just wanted to be with him. He smiled and Arthur grinned. “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Just so good to hear your voice. I missed you so damn much. I must have picked up my phone to call you a thousand times, but I was so ashamed of how I treated you and for hitting you. It was wrong and I am so sorry .” “I know you are. W e will talk things out, but not now . The doctor said we have to keep your stress levels down. It’ s not a good idea to discuss any of that until you are recovered.” “Well, when I am, you have my permission to punch me.” “I am not going to punch you, Merlin.” “Why not? I deserve it.” “True,” Arthur chuckled, “But I am not going to hit you.” “Um, how have you been?” Merlin asked, squeezing his hand. “I’ve been fucking miserable. Merlin, I don’ t know who I am when I am not with you. These past six months were hell. I too thought about calling, but I didn’ t know what to say to you. I didn’ t think you wanted to hear from me.” “I’m glad you’re here now .” “Me too,” Arthur said caressing his cheek, “I wish I could hug you, but it’ s not a good idea.” “Yeah, probably not.” “I think I should let you rest. I’m going to the cafeteria to get something to eat. I haven’ t had anything since the flight over . “I will be back in a little bit.” “Okay ,” Merlin said. Arthur kissed him tenderly and then left the room. As soon as he heard the door close, Merlin brought his right hand up to cover his mouth. “Fuck,” he said, tears streaming down his face as he bit his bottom lip. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, the room was quiet, but he could sense Arthur . “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked scrubbing a hand over his eyes as he sat upright on the cot Gwaine had brought in for him to sleep on. He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the bed. “Is the pain worse?” “No, about the same. Sorry , I woke you.” “It’s all right. Just fighting jetlag.” “You should go get a room in a motel. Y ou’d be more comfortable.” “I don’ t want to leave you alone.” “We need to talk about things,” Merlin said his voice a bit rough. “We will, just not now . Not until you are back on your feet.” “Tell me about London. What were you doing the past six months?” Arthur pulled a chair over and sat next to the bed holding Merlin’ s hand. “Y ou want to talk about me?” he asked. “It’s too quiet. Not being able to see…it’ s rather boring. Can’ t even watch crap tv ,” Merlin grinned, “I’m trying to find some humor in the situation.” “I’m afraid my life has been rather dull,” Arthur chuckled. “W orking for my father . I did chase a few storms in Germany and The Netherlands. They were rather underwhelming after the ones we chased here. I helped your mother out at the deli and hung out with some old friends.” “Girlfriends?” Merlin asked, dreading the answer . Arthur shook his head, “If you’re asking if I was seeing anyone else the answer is no. I would never do that to you, Merlin. Did you really think I would?” “No, sorry , I didn’ t…I was just afraid. After what I did…I half expected to be served with divorce papers at some point.” “Are you telling me you want a divorce?” Arthur asked. “God, no, Arthur…never , I love you. I don’ t deserve your for giveness. I wouldn’ t have blamed you if you had found someone better…” “Merlin, there is no one else. There will never be anyone else. Y ou are everything to me and that is never going to change no matter what.” Merlin smiled, “Even when I act like a giant, self-destructive prick?” “Yes,” Arthur grinned. “I think you need your head examined.” “Probably ,” Arthur nodded, “But then I knew you could be a giant, self-destructive prick even before I said I do. Not to mention a whiny control freak,” Arthur smirked. Merlin gripped Arthur ’s hand, bringing it up to his lips before holding it against his shoulder . “I honestly can’ t believe you are here,” he choked as tears pooled in his eyes, “I hurt you so badly .” “We hurt each other , Merlin. I am just as much to blame. I’m almost afraid to ask what you have been doing while I was gone.” Merlin let out a breath. “They told me you left with Elyan. I went to town the next morning to apologize, and you weren’ t there. Then Mor gana told me you left for London. I hoped that you would come back, but days turned into weeks then weeks into months. At first, I was just numb. Then angry and I decided that I was going to let you be. I knew it was my fault. I buried myself in work and went through the motions. The team…Gwaine was pissed at you at first, but I told him it wasn’ t your fault. I told him what I did. Mor gana wouldn’ t speak to me for a week. She probably would have quit and followed you back to London if it weren’ t for Gwaine and Gwen.” “Yes, she asked me if I wanted her to come home. I told her not to fuck things up with Gwaine just because I couldn’ t fix things with you. And I asked her to keep an eye on you for me. I knew she didn’ t want to come back to London, and I wasn’ t going to ask her to.” “Anyway , I went through a rough patch where I was drinking more. The whole team kicked my arse when I showed up at the auto shop completely pissed out of my head. I’d been out drinking all night and we were supposed to test the new sensors. Percival picked me up and threw me in a huge mud puddle in the field and left me there. I dragged myself out, covered head to toe in mud. Mor gana took pity on me and grabbed the hose to wash me of f. Needless to say , after that I was cold, wet, and halfway sobered up. She and I had a long talk and she said that I needed to pull my head out of my arse and fix things with you.” Arthur nodded, “She actually told me about that, well the conversation, not the mud bath. That I would have paid to see.” Merlin grinned, “It was not fun. The mud was like clay , so it did not wash of f easily . I was digging the stuf f out of every crack and crevice for a week. After that, I tried writing you an email. I never sent it. Still saved in my draft folder . I couldn’ t say what I needed to say to you through an email and I was too much of a coward to call you.” “Merlin…” Arthur shook his head. “No, you’re here now . I need to say this. Arthur , you are a good man, and I took you for granted. I didn’ t realize until you were gone just how much I truly needed you, and depended on you. When we first met, I was so determined not to go there with you. But my heart had other ideas. The first time we kissed, I knew that there would never be anyone else. It scared me in a way , but I was happy . I let the job come between us, and for that I am sorry . You were right about everything. I never wanted to hurt you, but I did and for that, I am deeply sorry .” “Can I say something now?” Arthur asked with a soft smile. “I guess so.” “I want us to get back to being happy , Merlin. I am sorry that I pushed you to write the book and put you in situations you were not comfortable in. I knew before I met you that you did not like attention and recognition. I had for gotten that…I had for gotten who you were. I understand why you were upset and angry . I didn’ t get it at the time, but I do now . I will never force you to do anything you don’ t want to do. I am extremely proud of you for the book, and the technology you have developed and put out there. I am so damned proud of the man you are, Merlin.” Merlin shook his head slightly , “It wasn’ t just about all that. Not really . I am glad I wrote the book. It has helped a lot of people. I get messages on the website from people all over the country . It was just that it pulled me away from so many other things that were important to me. Including us. T raveling to book signings and conferences and being away from you and from the team so much. Being away from the job. I felt like I was letting people down. I felt like I was letting you down by not being grateful for all of it. I didn’ t know how to tell you. I lashed out and I tried to drive you away . It was stupid. And now , with what happened…It all seems so petty and meaningless.” “Yes, I suppose almost dying changes a person’ s outlook on such things,” Arthur said. “Do you think we can ever be happy again?” Merlin asked. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said then stood up and kissed him, “My love for you has never wavered. Not for one single second.” “And if I tell you that I am not going to stop chasing even after this?” Merlin asked. Arthur nodded, “I already figured that. I do hope you will take a little time of f though.” “I’ll consider it. What about you? Are you going to stay and be my wingman again? Keep me out of trouble…or try to anyway?” “You want me to ride with you again?” “Only if it is what you want.” Arthur smiled, “Then yes, I will.” “Good, because as much as I love Elyan, he sucks at banter .” “Oh, you missed my witty comebacks and playful insults?” “I missed you, Arthur ,” Merlin said softly . “I missed you too, Merlin. More than I can ever say .” “Of course, if my eyesight doesn’ t return I won’ t be chasing anything.” “It will, I am sure of it.” “What time is it anyway?” Merlin asked. Arthur checked his phone. “It’ s three in the morning. Y ou need to rest, and I am about to drop. Are we good now?” Merlin smiled, “Y eah, I think so.” “Okay , get some sleep then. How’ s the pain?” “It’s bearable.” “Do you want me to get the nurse to give you something to help you sleep?” “No, I think I can manage. I just wanted to talk to you.” Arthur kissed him, “Close your eyes then and get some sleep. I will be here when you wake up.” “Think you can find me some bacon for breakfast?” “I will get you as much bacon as you can eat.” “You do love me,” Merlin said then closed his eyes and Arthur covered him with the blankets. “Yeah, I do,” he smiled then kissed his hand and went back over to the cot to lie down. “Arthur…” “Yeah?” “Sorry about Excalibur .” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “It was just a truck. It’ s replaceable, you aren’ t.” “Do you think we can get a blue one this time?” “Anything you want, Merlin. Now sleep.” “Night, Arthur .” “Night, Merlin.” Man Against Nature “Mor gana, make Arthur go home with you, or get a motel room,” Merlin said, “He’ s been here every night for over a week.” “I’m fine, Merlin. This cot is perfectly comfortable.” “Arthur , Merlin’ s right. Let me take you home. Y ou need a good night’ s rest and a home- cooked meal. Hunith and father are staying in rooms at the Hearthstone Hotel.” “I’m doing better , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled, “I can get by one night without you.” Arthur nodded and scratched his shoulder . “I’ll think about it. I could use a nice long hot shower . The shower room the nurses let me use is fine, but the water pressure isn’ t the greatest.” He looked at Merlin, “I just don’ t like leaving you alone when you can’ t see.” “I’ll be fine. I have Xena the W arrior Princess here to protect me tonight,” Merlin grinned, somehow sensing the nurse as she came into the room. “You’re getting very good at that, Merlin,” she laughed as she checked his vitals. “Your shoes…they make a dif ferent sound on the floors than everyone else, and you smell like roses,” Merlin chuckled. “Nicole’ s shoes are harder , and she walks really fast.” “How’ s the pain tonight?” Xena asked. “The ribs hurt worse than my head,” Merlin frowned. “When can I get out of here?” “That’ s up to Dr . Carlson. If it were up to the staf f, we would keep you here forever , purely for the fact that you’re such a wonderful patient.” “That is surprising,” Arthur grinned, “He’ s usually a whiny control freak.” “Prat,” Merlin laughed, “Xena, will you please tell Arthur that I will be fine? He can go take a break from here and come back tomorrow .” “Somehow I think no one can make Arthur do anything he doesn’ t want to do. He loves you,” Xena smiled and winked at Arthur . “Merlin, how’ s your vision? Any improvement?” “I catch flashes of light occasionally , but I’m not sure that isn’ t just my brain playing tricks on me.” “It may return gradually , or it could come back all at once. I’ve seen both. Dr . Carlson has ordered another MRI for you tomorrow . We will know more after that.” “Oh, yay , another MRI,” Merlin frowned. “Arthur , come home with me and I will bring you back in the morning,” Mor gana said, “He will be fine for one night.” “All right, I will go. Is there anything you need me to bring you, Merlin?” Arthur asked taking his hand. “Where were you staying before this happened?” “The Prairie Rose Motel, home sweet home,” Merlin said, “Gwaine already checked me out of my room and moved my stuf f to home base. “Why didn’ t you keep our apartment?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, “Didn’ t seem right. Not without you. I moved everything into storage.” “We will look for a new place once you’re back on your feet and we figure things out.” “I’d like that,” Merlin smiled. “Great,” Xena said, “I will be back to check on you again in a couple of hours. Y ou know the drill, call if you need anything.” “Will do,” Merlin said. “Are you sure?” Arthur asked. “I’m sure, get out of my hair , go get some food and rest and I’ll see you tomorrow .” “All right, I’ll go. I love you.” “Love you, Arthur ,” Merlin said pulling him close for a kiss and a hug even though it made his ribs ache. “See you in the morning.” “See you,” Arthur cupped his cheek and kissed him again. “See you in the morning, Merlin,” Mor gana said hugging him gently , “I love you.” “Love you too, take care of him for me.” “I will.” Merlin listened for the door to close then shifted his position to get comfortable. As his pain meds kicked in he drifted of f to sleep. He was jolted awake from a vivid nightmare by the sound of heavy rain on the windows and a low reverberating thunder . He listened for a moment, his magic humming beneath his skin. “Fuck,” Merlin muttered as he struggled to sit upright. He grabbed the IV pulling it from his arm and cast it aside, then slid his legs over the edge of the bed. He had to stop for a moment to breathe, the pain quickly reminding him that he was not supposed to be moving. He turned his head toward the window just as a flash of light assailed his vision followed by a loud clap of thunder . “Oh, God, no, no, no,” Merlin shook his head and slid of f the bed his feet hitting the floor , his knees nearly buckling. He extended a hand moving slowly toward the window , his fingers hitting the wall then slid sideways until they came in contact with the cool glass pane. Through his fingertips he could feel the vibrations and his magic screamed. It knew what was coming…he knew . “Fuck, no,” Merlin said then turned and made his way to the door yanking it open. He gripped the rail that ran along the hallway wall and started moving toward where he knew the nurses’ station was. “Xena…Nicole!” he shouted hearing nothing he moved back the other way. His ribs were throbbing, but he forced the pain down. He had to focus. “Xena!” he screamed. “Merlin,” Xena rushed to his side from where she had been in another patient’ s room down the hallway . “You are not supposed to be out of bed. Come on, let’ s get you…” “No, fuck, Xena, you have to listen to me. There is a tornado coming, it is going to hit the hospital. Y ou have to get people to the basement.” “Merlin, honey , I know you are worried. After what you went through, it is to be expected, but you need to get back to bed. Everything will be all right.” Merlin grabbed her upper arm and squeezed to get her attention. “Xena, if you don’ t listen to me, everyone in this hospital is going to die. Y ou know who I am. Y ou know what I do. People are going to die. Y ou have to believe me.” Xena stared at him for a moment, a cold chill shot down her spine as the hair on her arms stood on end. She knew then…Merlin was telling her the truth. “Oh, my god,” she gasped, and Merlin gave her a reassuring nod. “There’ s still time. Go…go save them.” “What about you?” she asked. “Don’ t worry about me. I may be flying blind, but I am not useless,” Merlin smiled, “Go… go now . I’ll do what I can.” “Merlin…” “Xena, please, just go.” Xena ran to the nurses’ station, made a call to security , and then called in every nurse, doctor , and other staf f member on duty . “There is a tornado coming right for us,” she said, “W e need to move now while there is still time. Get the patients into the basement. Use the elevators for those who are immobile. The rest, take them down the stairs.” “Merlin?” Nicole asked knowingly , meeting Xena’ s gaze. “Yes,” Xena nodded. “I need to help him,” Nicole said then headed for his room. She walked in to find the room empty . “Merlin! Merlin, where are you?” Merlin pushed his magic outward letting it guide him. He followed the rail along the wall until he came to the main lobby and the front doors. He was dressed in nothing but pajama bottoms that Mor gana had brought him and a white T -shirt that was too big. He had managed to grab a pair of slip-on shoes from the staf f locker room, so his feet were not bare. He would have laughed if the situation were not so dire. He must be quite a sight, stumbling around blind, looking for a fight with a fucking tornado. “Only you, Merlin, only you,” he huf fed and pushed the doors open. The moment he felt the wind on his face something shifted inside him. He smiled and moved away from the building, stepping out from beneath the shelter of the covered entry . The rain was relentless. Soaking him through in seconds. His magic flowed out his fingertips, swirling in the turbulent air , reaching out, searching. “There you are, you son-of-a-bitch.” “Arthur!” Mor gana shouted as she burst through the bedroom door . He was already on his feet and getting dressed, having heard the weather alert going of f on his phone. “Arthur , it’s heading right for the hospital!” “Holy fuck, Merlin…call the team. I need a vehicle!” “The van is out front, Gwaine is already out there. Go,” she said. “What about you?” Arthur asked grabbing his jacket. “You don’ t need me, just get to Merlin. He’ s going to do something stupid…you know he is. Get to him, before it’ s too late.” “All right,” Arthur kissed her cheek. “Be careful…I love you,” Mor gana said, covering her mouth with her hands as she said a prayer . Arthur ran out the door of Gwaine and Mor gana’ s house just as Gwaine slammed the doors shut on the van. He didn’ t bother ar guing, tossing the keys to Arthur who was already getting into the driver ’s seat. “Get in the back and monitor the storm,” he said and Gwaine nodded scrambling into the rear of the van where he already had all the equipment running. “Buckle up and hold on,” Arthur shouted as he started the engine and hit the gas, tearing out of the circular drive and onto the dark street. “Merlin, we’re coming,” he said under his breath, “Don’ t do it.” But he knew , he knew that Merlin, even blind and injured, would still do whatever he could to fight the storm and would end up getting himself killed in the process. “Fuck, Arthur ,” Gwaine yelled, “It’ s on the ground, and on a collision course with the hospital and hundreds of homes and businesses. “This is bad, real fucking bad.” “What’ s the shortest route to the hospital?” Arthur asked. “Hit the freeway for two miles then take the first exit. That will take us right to it,” Gwaine said then shook his head, “Arthur , Merlin…” “I know , which is why we have to get there before the goddamn tornado. How much time do we have?” “It’s hard to tell, the feed is all over the place. This is a monster . I can tell you that with absolute fucking certainty .” “Call Leon,” Arthur said, “Get the rest of the team caught up.” “Already got them on coms. Y our earpiece is in the console.” Arthur reached down and grabbed it, shoving it into his ear , and smiled. “Hell of a welcome back, boys,” Arthur huf fed, “Let’ s do this!” “And girls,” Gwen’ s voice chimed in. “Gwen, what are you doing?” Arthur asked. “Don’ t worry , I am staying home with the kids. Lance is loading up blankets, water , and medical supplies. He will meet you at the hospital. Handing this of f to him now .” “Hitting the road as we speak,” Lance said as he put the earpiece in his ear and kissed his wife goodbye then got into the driver ’s seat. “ET A twenty minutes if I don’ t run into traf fic.” “Lance, if you take Baseline Road and head north you should have pretty much a straight shot and little traf fic,” Leon said, “Arthur , good to hear your voice.” “Thanks,” Arthur smiled. “I need all of you to track this beast for me. I have got to get to the hospital because you know Merlin is going to try and fight this thing.” “But he can’ t,” Elyan said, “He can’ t even see it coming at him. It’ s suicide.” “Yes, well, when has Merlin ever worried about self-preservation?” Percival piped in. “He is going to do whatever it takes to hold of f the tornado and give the staf f time to save the patients,” Arthur said. “I pulled up the floorplan of the hospital online, Arthur ,” Elyan said, “It’ s a relatively new structure built five years ago. The basement is reinforced and there are massive backup generators. The elevator shafts and stairwells are also reinforced. If they can get all the patients to the lower levels they will be somewhat protected, but there is no guarantee.” “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, “Other storm chasers are saying this thing is growing stronger by the second. It’ s easily half a mile wide already and picking up strength. The lightning is constant, which means they can see it in the dark at least.” “Flashes of light,” Arthur huf fed, “Merlin said he was seeing flashes of light.” “You think he was seeing the lightning in his head?” Gwaine asked. “I don’ t know .” “Leave it to Merlin, to find a way around his blindness,” Leon said. “How far are you from the hospital, Leon?” Arthur asked. “Too far , Arthur . You and Gwaine are closer .” “Okay , I need you guys to chase the fucking tornado while we get to the hospital and help Merlin.” “You got it,” Leon said, “W e are a mile and a half away from it now and closing in.” Arthur nodded and hit the gas as soon as they mer ged onto the freeway . He turned on the emer gency flashers and laid on the horn and drivers moved over to the other lane letting them pass. He put his foot to the floor as soon as they were out of the worst of the traf fic. He spotted the exit and slowed down as he pulled of f the freeway , to avoid rolling the van. It was far dif ferent from driving the Gladiator . Especially with the crosswind. “I am sure missing Excalibur about now ,” he huf fed a laugh, shaking his head as they reached the light, which was thankfully green. He drove through it and turned onto the two-lane highway heading north. “How much farther?” he asked Gwaine. “Three miles you’ll see it on the left. This road will bring us right up to the front driveway and patient drop-of f and pickup area.” “Where’ s the tornado?” “Three miles away and closing fast.” “Fuck!” Arthur hit the steering wheel with both hands, “W e have to make it, Gwaine.” “We will, Arthur .” Merlin clutched his ribs, fighting the pain while trying to focus on the tornado. In his mind, he could see it scouring the land. The winds were pushing two-hundred-fifty miles per hour and steadily increasing. Any doubt that it would hit the hospital was completely gone. He knew . This was going to be catastrophic. “Okay , Merlin, what are you going to do?” He stepped out into the middle of the patient drop-of f zone and held his arms outward. The tornado seemed to be taunting him, daring him to challenge it. Merlin smiled, “Challenge accepted.” The rain changed to hail and Merlin calmly put up a shield to protect himself. He knew he wouldn’ t be able to keep it in place. He needed all his magic to try and hold of f the tornado as long as he could. Even if he had the power to knock it of f course, lives were going to be lost. The hospital was surrounded by residential homes and businesses. Nothing he did would save every life, but he had to at least give them time to get to shelter . “All right,” Merlin nodded, sensing the tornado closing in on him. The wind was ripping around his shield, hail the size of golf balls. Thunder rumbled and flashes of lightning snaked across the sky . He could feel everything. “It’ s now or never , Merlin,” he said then pushed his magic outward shouting the familiar spell, his voice deep and resonating. Dropping the shield his body was pummeled with hailstones, but he couldn’ t protect himself and fight at the same time. The massive golden vortex rose up from the ground growing, swirling, and sur ging toward the twister colliding with it. Merlin reached for all the magic in the earth and sky drawing from the wellspring before his own reserves. This was one fight he had to win…no matter the cost. He heard the sound of an engine revving and the thump of tires over a concrete curb as a vehicle came to a stop to his right and doors opened. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted running across the asphalt toward him. “Arthur , you have to run. Get back in the car and go!” “Fuck that,” Arthur ran to his side and covered Merlin’ s head with a heavy blanket in an attempt to protect him from the hail. “Can you really hold this thing of f?” Gwaine approached Merlin from the opposite side with another blanket. “Aren’ t you supposed to be in bed?” “Couldn’ t sleep,” Merlin shrugged, “Gwaine, go inside and help the staf f get the patients to the basement. I’ve got this.” “I know you do,” Gwaine nodded then ran into the building. “We’ve got this, Merlin,” Arthur said as he linked their fingers together and gave him a nod. “I love you…we do this together .” Merlin nodded then pushed his magic out sur ging from his connection to Arthur . He tilted his head back and shouted the spell again, his voice clear and deep sending shivers through Arthur ’s body . He felt the magic drawing from his core, and he let it happen, focusing on Merlin’ s hand in his. The heat radiating from Merlin was intense and he slid his other arm around his waist helping to give him something stable to lean against as the wind pummeled them both. The tornado collided with the second wave of magic and suddenly everything seemed to slow down. Arthur looked up into the dark sky to see the blacker -than-black writhing mass bearing down on them. He knew then that there was no stopping it. Merlin’ s magic was not going to be enough, yet the man would stop at nothing to hold it back even draining himself the way he did before, after the twin tornados, when Arthur nearly lost him the first time. “Merlin, you’ve done all you can, come on,” Arthur said then wrapped the blanket around Merlin and pushed him back toward the building. “Arthur , you have to let me!” Merlin cried out, struggling against his chest as Arthur practically carried him through the doors. “Just save yourself!” “No!” Arthur gripped his chin, “I will not let you die! Y ou mean too much to me.” “Arthur ,” Merlin choked, tears sliding down his face. “Come on,” Arthur said, and they headed for the middle of the building descending down into the stairwell. “The stairwells are reinforced,” he said, “It’ s our best chance to survive this.” Merlin nodded and followed him. They reached the bottom landing where there was a recess. Arthur pushed Merlin into the small space, up against the wall, and pinned him with his body , pulling the blanket over their heads just as all hell broke loose. The tornado hit the building with the force of a powerful bomb, tearing the roof of f. The walls were vibrating and the floor beneath their feet rolled as if it were an earthquake instead of a probable EF5 tornado. “Fuck!” Arthur yelled as the blanket was ripped away and he was hit with debris. Merlin clung to him as the suction threatened to pull Arthur away . Drawing from his own magic he shouted a spell. Golden tendrils bound him and Arthur together before anchoring them to the strongest points of the reinforced structure surrounding them. He had no idea if it would be enough, but it was the best he could do. “God, please,” Merlin cried out, wrapping his arms around Arthur ’s chest and his long leg around his lower body . “I’ve got you,” he said into his ear . “I’m so sorry…I love you.” “I love you,” Arthur said then looked into Merlin’ s eyes, realizing Merlin was looking back at him. He smiled, cupping his cheek. “Y ou can see me.” “Hi,” he grinned. “Hi,” Arthur laughed and kissed him while the world came crashing down around them. “Merlin…Arthur!” Gwaine’ s voice came through the static in Arthur ’s ear. “Gwaine…” Arthur muttered as he forced his eyes open. It was dark, the air was filled with dust and debris was still falling down around them. “Merlin?” “I’m okay , Arthur…you’re bleeding.” Arthur put a hand to the side of his head, his hair was caked with blood and pulverized drywall. “It’ s nothing…just a little cut.” “God, Arthur ,” Merlin said, tears pooling in his eyes, “The people…” “You did all you could, Merlin. Y ou did your best.” “Arthur?” Gwaine came through again. “Yeah, Gwaine, can you hear me?” “Thank God,” Gwaine let out a relieved breath. “Please, tell me Merlin is with you.” “Yes, we are in a recess in the wall at the bottom of the stairwell of f the lobby . We are buried under a shit ton of debris.” “Bad news, the whole lobby collapsed in on itself. It’ s going to be a while before we can get to you. Are either of you injured?” “Not seriously ,” Arthur said, looking up as Merlin cast a spell creating an orb of light to see by. “I think we are safe for now . It’s dark and hard to breathe with all the dust particles in the air , but we are okay .” The earpiece crackled and Arthur tapped it, turning it of f and back on again. “Did you get that, Gwaine?” “Got it, stairwell of f the lobby , first landing, recess, no serious injuries. Elyan is looking at the blueprints. W e know where you are. It’ s going to be a while before crews can get down to you.” “We’re not going anywhere,” Merlin said with a humorless chuckle. “Merlin,” Gwaine said, relief in his voice, “The patients are safe. Y ou did it, buddy .” Merlin’ s eyes welled with tears, and he nodded with relief. Arthur pulled him into his arms. “You’re incredible,” he smiled and kissed him. “You came for me.” “Yeah, I did.” “Kind of reckless,” Merlin grinned. Arthur chuckled, “Y eah, it was. But what do you expect, when I’m married to a certifiable lunatic with a selfless heart and the courage of a whole damn pride of lions.” “Thank you…” “You’re welcome. Are you sure you are okay? Y our ribs?” Merlin winced as he shifted his position slightly . “Still there,” he breathed out slowly , “Head still attached.” A lar ge piece of drywall fell from above, landing on the steps. Arthur carefully maneuvered around and sat with his back to the wall then drew Merlin down between his legs and held him there, carefully checking him for new injuries. Pulling up his T -shirt he checked the wrap over his ribs. There was a small cut on his neck and a myriad of new bruises from the hailstones. “Arthur ,” Merlin said softly , the adrenaline was beginning to wear of f. He could barely keep his eyes open. “Shh, it’ s all right, Merlin…I’ve got you.” “Do you get the feeling we have become the chasees rather than the chasers?” “Yeah, a bit,” Arthur said, kissing Merlin’ s shoulder . “Kind of pisses me of f,” Merlin huf fed. “Me too,” Arthur nodded, “Rest now . They will get us out of here soon.” Merlin relaxed against him and closed his eyes. “I want to go sailing again…with you.” “Anywhere you want, anytime you want,” Arthur smiled reaching around to splay his hand over Merlin’ s chest, holding him in place. “I won’ t stop chasing,” Merlin shook his head slightly . “I know ,” Arthur said, pressing his forehead to the back of Merlin’ s head, “And I’m going to be there beside you where I belong. Where I should have stayed instead of running away .” “Sometimes I would think about running away too, but I just…” his voice trailed of f and Arthur shook him gently . “Merlin…you still with me?” “Yeah, why did you come back?” “I never should have left you.” “But why come back now?” “You have to ask?” Arthur shook his head, “God, Merlin, when Mor gana called…all I could think about is you dying and our last words to each other being in anger . To have to bury you and never be able to fix the damage, the hurt we caused each other . I was so scared that I would never again have the chance to tell you that I love you. T o hold you in my arms and kiss you. A part of my soul would have died with you, Merlin. I would have died with you. Do you understand?” Merlin turned around in Arthur ’s arms and kissed him, tears sliding down his face. He couldn’ t speak, the words wouldn’ t come so he poured everything, all his love and strength and passion into that one kiss. When he drew back he rested his forehead against Arthur ’s looking into his eyes and reveling in the purity of the love emanating from them. Arthur smiled, bringing a hand up, using his thumb to wipe away the tears which mixed with the fine dust on his skin. “Y ou’re a beautiful mess, Merlin,” he chuckled. Merlin laughed and lowered his gaze for a moment before looking at him again. “So are you. I guess we can be beautiful messes together .” “I want nothing more. Except maybe to see you in a mud hole. I am truly sorry I missed that.” “I’m sure Percival would be more than happy to oblige you with a repeat performance.” Arthur kissed Merlin again, “W e are going to be okay .” “Yeah,” Merlin nodded then melted into Arthur ’s embrace. “I could sure use some bacon right now ,” he grinned. “Me too,” Arthur laughed heartily . Aftermath Five hours and thirty-two minutes…that’ s how long it took for the rescue crews to get to them. They were pulled out of the rubble and were now sitting in the van Arthur and Gwaine had arrived in. Which, by some miracle, the tornado had spared, left on all four wheels. It just shoved it up against the retaining wall, denting the side and front fender , and added some nice hail damage. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Lance asked as he cleaned the wound on Arthur ’s head. “You should really go with the paramedics.” “No, I’m fine.” “Merlin?” “I can see again so I am good,” Merlin grinned. “Was it your magic that gave you back your sight?” Lance asked. “I don’ t know , maybe. One second I couldn’ t see anything, then Arthur was pushing me inside, then suddenly I could see him…I could see everything as we were running down into the stairwell.” “Merlin!” a familiar voice cried out and he looked up to see Xena and Nicole running across the parking lot toward them. “Oh, thank God,” Xena said, framing his face with her hands. “I thought…Merlin, thank you. If not for you…” she choked back a sob, and he embraced her, reaching for Nicole’ s hand. “Everyone survived?” he asked. “Yes,” Nicole nodded, “Thanks to you we got everyone into the basement. Merlin, you saved two hundred and fifteen people…both patients and staf f. You’re a hero.” Merlin shook his head meeting her gaze, “Just doing my job.” “Merlin, your eyesight has returned?” Xena smiled. “Yeah,” he grinned, “Y ou’re missing your leather and your armor .” “Left them in my locker ,” she laughed then kissed his forehead, “Y ou are something else, Merlin.” “That he is,” Arthur said, placing a hand on the back of Merlin’ s neck. Merlin looked toward what was left of the hospital. The tornado had taken of f the roof and the top two floors. The first floor was still intact, with the exception of the lobby and offices. The south wing of the building was still standing, but every window was blown out and the roof was gone. “The basement held up?” he asked. “Yes,” Nicole nodded, “No damage below ground level.” “Merlin, the paramedics are waiting to transport you to another hospital with the other patients,” Xena said, and he shook his head. “I’m good. I am going home with my husband,” he said looking at Arthur . “Anything to get out of another MRI, huh?” she laughed, “W ell, I can’ t force you to go. Dr . Carlson will want to see you as soon as possible.” “Tell her I’ll give her a call in a couple of days. Right now , I just want to be with Arthur and my team. This is Lance, he is a trained medic…he’ll take good care of me.” “Which is a full-time job with this one,” Lance jerked a thumb toward Merlin. “I don’ t doubt it,” Xena smiled, “Y ou will go to a hospital if you have any complications. Blurred vision, increased pain.” “I will, I promise, but I feel pretty good actually .” “I’ll make sure,” Arthur said, “Thank you, Xena…Nicole, for everything.” “You’re welcome,” Nicole beamed and quickly kissed Merlin’ s cheek, “Y ou’re a guardian angel.” “I’m just me,” Merlin shook his head. “We have to go now . Take care of yourself, Merlin, see you soon,” Xena hugged him and kissed his cheek then with a nod she and Nicole headed for the waiting van that would take them to the new location where they would meet up with their patients. “I need to get going. I will call later to check on you,” Lance said to Merlin embracing him and Arthur . “I’m really glad you two are better ,” he smiled then headed for his vehicle, while Gwaine got behind the wheel of the van and started the engine. “Where to now?” he asked. “Back to your place,” Arthur said as he pulled the door shut, “W e are in desperate need of a shower .” Gwaine nodded then pulled out of the parking lot, turning for home. “I want to analyze the data on that storm,” Merlin said, “There was something of f about it and I can’ t quite figure it out.” “Merlin, there will be time for that. Y ou’re going to rest. The last thing you need is to be straining your eyes when you just got your vision back,” Arthur said. “Fine, twenty-four hours,” Merlin said, “Deal?” “You’re negotiating?” Arthur chuckled. “Yeah,” he nodded. “Seventy-two hours.” “Forty-eight,” Merlin smirked. “Seventy-two, no less…and you will refrain from using any device with a screen, except the tv,” Arthur said, narrowing his eyes at him. “Now who’ s the control freak?” Merlin asked and Gwaine laughed. Arthur leaned close and kissed him, wagging his eyebrows. “Y our acquiescence will be rewarded handsomely .” “Mmm, really?” Merlin asked, kissing him back. “Oh, yes,” Arthur said. “In that case, I shall comply fully and willingly with your demands.” “Promise?” “Absolutely ,” Merlin grinned his eyes glinting with mirth and desire, “God, I missed you.” “I missed you too.” Gwaine pulled into the driveway of the house and Mor gana came running outside, yanking the door open. Merlin stepped out and into her waiting embrace. “God, Merlin, I was so scared. I saw…I saw you and everyone die,” she choked back a sob, clinging to him. “I’m all right,” he said kissing her tenderly , “Arthur pulled me back from the edge just in time.” “The people?” “All of them made it to the basement in time. No casualties in the hospital, wish I could say the same for the surrounding area. I couldn’ t stop it,” Merlin said, then shook his head, tears shining in his eyes as he looked at her . “You’re beautiful.” “You can see?” Mor gana asked then squealed and hugged his neck. Arthur got out of the van and kissed his sister ’s cheek, “Let’ s go inside. Merlin has a seventy-two-hour date with a bed and all the crap tv he can handle.” “Don’ t forget about the reward part,” Merlin said, “And bacon…lots of bacon.” “Of course, bacon,” Arthur chuckled taking his hand, leading him into the house, up the stairs, and into the room where he had been sleeping when the alert went of f on his phone. Arthur pulled of f his shirt and kicked of f his shoes then helped Merlin undress and remove the wrapping around his ribs. “How do they feel? I can get Mor gana to re-wrap them for you after you’ve had a shower . I don’ t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been rolling in a sandbox for days.” “A shower would be most welcome,” Merlin smiled running his hands over Arthur ’s bare chest. He looked into his eyes and smiled. “Y ou’re really back.” “Yes, Merlin, I am really back, and I am never leaving you again.” “I’m sorry for everything…for what I said, for hitting you. I can’ t…” Arthur silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips and shook his head. “Let it go, Merlin.” “I don’ t know if I can.” “Well, I am asking you to…for me. Please. A fresh start.” “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “Yeah.” “Okay .” “Now , come on let’ s get in the shower . We are not getting into the bed covered in all this grit.” He led Merlin into the bathroom and turned on the shower drawing him into it with him. Merlin let out a deep moan of pleasure as the hot water washed over his battered body . “God, that feels so good even with the dull throbbing.” “Did Lance give you something to help with the pain?” Arthur asked as he picked up a washcloth and soap and then started to wash Merlin thoroughly but gently . “Yeah, he did, but it’ s not the good stuf f the hospital was giving me.” “We will call Dr . Carlson tomorrow and get you something.” Merlin turned in Arthur ’s embrace and kissed him. “All I need is you, Arthur .” “You have me.” “No, I mean I really need you,” he said huskily as his lips brushed against Arthur ’s, “Please.” “You’re hurt,” Arthur whispered against his mouth. “This is an ache that can’ t be fixed with pain meds,” Merlin shook his head slightly . Arthur let out a low moan as Merlin’ s hand wrapped around his rapidly hardening cock. “God, it has been so long. Merlin…” “We can be careful…but I need this.” Arthur looked into Merlin’ s eyes so filled with desperate longing and raw emotion. He was genuinely scared that Arthur would reject him. It was that look that convinced him. “God, Merlin,” Arthur said then sur ged forward kissing him with an ur gency that consumed them both quickly . “Arthur ,” Merlin whispered, his hands sliding over Arthur ’s wet, slick skin his lips and tongue kissing, tasting, sucking… “Fuck, Merlin, that is…” Merlin looked into his eyes as he went down on his knees pressing his lips to Arthur ’s hard stomach and his hip. He looked up at him as his tongue encircled the head of his cock and smiled when he was rewarded with a stuttered moan of pleasure. “Merlin, we shouldn’ t…” “There’ s nothing wrong with my knees or my mouth.” “No, definitely not,” Arthur huf fed a breathy laugh as Merlin sucked and licked him then swallowed him down to the base. “Holy hell, I missed that incredible mouth.” Merlin slid his hands up Arthur ’s legs to his thighs and hips before moving to grasp his arse pressing his fingers into the soft flesh as he worked his throat muscles, tongue, lips, and teeth around the girth, dragging sounds from his husband that he’d feared he would never hear again. Arthur tangled his fingers in Merlin’ s dark wet curls fighting the ur ge to thrust, scared he would hurt him. “Merlin…please,” Arthur said, his body shaking with the rush of pure pleasure sur ging through him. Merlin sucked him harder , then his eyes flashed gold and he pushed his middle finger into Arthur hitting his prostate. “Holy fuck,” he nearly shouted as he came, bracing himself against the tile wall. “Mmm, I missed that,” Merlin said then licked his length flicking his tongue over the slit, “Watching you come for me.” “Stand up,” Arthur said breathlessly , and Merlin complied. “See, I’m okay ,” he smiled. Arthur laughed, “Y ou are amazing.” Merlin trapped Arthur ’s leg between his thighs, his own cock hard and aching for attention. He moaned as he thrust against him, and Arthur kissed him filthily . His hands slid down Merlin’ s sides, mindful of his ribs, and cupped his perfect arse. “Arthur , fuck, I am so close already ,” Merlin said against his lips. “Come for me, Merlin…you’re so beautiful, so good,” Arthur nudged his long slender neck kissing the spot behind his ear . “That’ s it, I can feel you trembling,” he whispered in his ear as he reached down to press his thumb against the head of his cock. “God, you are hard for me.” “Fuck,” Merlin cried out as Arthur ’s voice sent him careening toward the edge, “God, Arthur!” “Look at you,” Arthur let out a low growl slowly increasing the pressure on the slit until Merlin’ s cock jerked and he spilled his seed against Arthur ’s thigh. “Y ou’re beautiful, Merlin,” he smiled kissing him as he held him up on shaky legs. “God, I needed that,” Merlin laughed breathlessly . “All right?” Arthur asked and he nodded. “I wish we could do more,” he smiled. “Not until you are recovered.” “That was really fucking hot though,” Merlin chuckled. Arthur kissed him and they finished washing each other . Just being together , touching, exploring, and getting to know each other again after so long apart. By the time they made their way to the bedroom, Merlin was barely awake and completely sated. “You need food, remember?” Arthur asked. “Food?” “Yes, remember bacon?” “Oh, yes, bacon!” Merlin sat up and pulled on the clean pair of jeans Gwaine left for him and the gray hoodie. “Need bacon…then sleep…” “Do you need your ribs wrapped again?” “No, I think they are okay for now .” Arthur pulled him to his feet and kissed him tenderly , “It’s good to be home.” “Except it isn’ t our home,” Merlin said. Arthur shook his head, “No, Merlin…it’ s you…you are my home, and you always will be.” “Are you trying to make me cry?” “Is it working?” “No, not at all,” Merlin said as a tear slid down his cheek and Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go find you some food.” Merlin stretched out on the bed with pillows behind him and a soft warm blanket while flipping through channels and eyeing Arthur who was at the desk working on the laptop. “You know , that is just cruel and inhumane,” he muttered. “What is?” “I am not allowed to use my laptop and you are sitting there dangling it right in front of me.” “First of all, this is my laptop, not yours and you promised,” Arthur grinned at him. “I’m bored to tears, there is nothing worth watching except Twister which I have already watched twice in less than two days. It’ s completely inaccurate and unrealistic. Though the special ef fects aren’ t bad. That Melissa woman is so annoying. At least come over here and entertain me.” “Are you whining, Merlin?” “No,” he scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue like a three-year -old, “Y ou’re mean.” Arthur closed the laptop and got up, walking over to the bed. He took the remote away from Merlin then bent over to kiss him. “I’m mean?” he asked with a smirk. “Yes,” Merlin said fighting a grin as Arthur climbed onto the bed and straddled his hips. “What would you like me to do then?” he asked his blue eyes glinting with mirth. “I have some ideas.” “I’m sure you do, and I bet they all involve physical activity of a sexual nature.” “Possibly .” “Dr. Carlson said you are not to engage in such carnal acts until your ribs are healed completely .” “She doesn’ t have to know ,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows as he gripped Arthur ’s shirt and pulled him down for an absolutely filthy kiss that had him moaning against his lips. “No…nope,” Arthur said putting up very little true resistance. He turned his head. Merlin laughed and released him. “I’m going mad,” he grumbled laying back on the pillows. “Well, that shouldn’ t take long,” Arthur chuckled, and Merlin threw a pillow at him. “Prat!” “Okay , okay , compromise.” “I’m listening.” “How about we call your mom and my father and invite them and the team over here for a barbecue? They are flying back to London in a couple of days, it would be good for you to spend some time with her ,” Arthur said as he got up of f the bed. “That sounds good,” Merlin nodded. “Great, I will go talk to Mor gana and make sure it is all right with her and Gwaine first.” Arthur started to leave the room when he caught Merlin looking longingly at the laptop. “Nuh-uh,” he grinned then picked it up and took it with him closing the door . “Ass,” Merlin yelled out and huf fed. Then his lips parted in a slow smile. As much as he was complaining, he was happy . He had Arthur back and things were good between them again…well, getting there at least. He knew they still had a lot to work through, but their love was as strong as ever . Arthur was doing his best to take care of him even though he wasn’ t making it easy . Closing his eyes, he yawned and then rolled onto his side. “Maybe just a little nap before the party…” he said then drifted of f to sleep. Coming Together Again Morgana and Gwaine’ s backyard was a beautiful oasis, lush, and green with tall trees for shade. There was a lar ge redwood deck of f the back of the house with a built-in hot tub. T o the right of the deck was a stone patio with comfortable outdoor furniture and to the left was a large pool which was currently occupied by Gwen and Lance and their daughter Annabella who was now three and their eighteen-month-old boy , Zachary . Hunith and Uther were sitting together on the patio talking to Xena and Dr . Carlson. Merlin sat on the lounge chair eating his bur ger and watching everyone. He smiled as he saw Nicole and Percival huddled together on a redwood bench beneath the trees talking and holding hands. Elyan and Leon couldn’ t make it as they were manning home base, keeping a watch on the weather , and going through the data that Merlin was itching to get his hands on. “Merlin!” “Yeah,” he said turning toward the gate as Lily came running toward him. “Lily!” he grinned as the now eight-year -old girl threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly . Merlin laughed and drew back. “Look at you, all grown up.” “Mommy and Daddy are here and my baby sister Meghan,” Lily said excitedly . “I brought you something,” she handed Merlin a pencil drawing of him and Arthur with a tornado in the background. It was stunning. “You drew this?” he asked, “It’ s incredible.” Lily nodded, “Mommy helped with the shading. I’m not very good at that.” “I love it, thank you. I will treasure it always.” “I heard what happened to you. Y ou must have been so scared.” “I was, but seeing you reminds me that it is all worth the risk.” Lily hugged him again, “Just promise you won’ t die.” Merlin closed his eyes, fighting tears. “I’ll try not to, darlin’.” “Good, because I would be very sad. Y ou’re my friend.” “Yes, I am,” Merlin nodded then kissed the top of her head. Arthur came down the steps from the deck and approached Merlin. “Is that Miss Lily?” he asked with a wide grin. “Arthur!” Lily squealed and jumped up to hug him, “I brought you and Merlin a present.” Merlin held up the framed drawing and Arthur shook his head, “That is amazing, sweetheart. You are very talented. It is so good to see you. Where are your parents?” “They are over there talking to Mor gana. She invited us.” “Well, I am glad she did. Why don’ t you go ask them if you can join the other kids in the pool?” “Okay ,” she said then skipped across the lawn toward her folks. Arthur sat down on the edge of the lounge and put a hand between Merlin’ s knees. “Y ou look happy . Feeling better?” “Yes,” Merlin grinned, “Thank you. This was a great idea.” “I have another surprise for you.” “What?” he asked. “Well, I got to thinking instead of finding us a new apartment and putting down roots in one spot, I decided to look into buying us a home on wheels…an R V. That way when we need to move we can go where we need to.” Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he chuckled, “Arthur Pendragon living in an R V?” “Yes, a nice one,” he grinned. “How nice?” “It’s parked out front. W ant to go take a look?” “It’s here?” Merlin asked raising an eyebrow , “Um, yes!” He got up and took Arthur ’s hand. They walked out through the gate and around the side of the house. His jaw dropped as he saw the incredible R V parked in the driveway . It was a sleek, beautiful motorhome with a custom blue and silver paint job featuring tornado graphics and the Excalibur logo within a black stripe. There were two slide-outs on each side. “Arthur…” he shook his head. “Do you like it? Y ou better , we can’ t take it back because it’ s already customized for our needs,” Arthur grinned. “Like it? God, Arthur it is brilliant. I want to see the inside,” Merlin said as he climbed the metal steps and opened the door . The inside was slightly lar ger than the small apartment they had rented for a short time. W ith all four of the slide-outs open it would be a lot bigger . Arthur had only extended two of them. “Do you even know how to drive this thing?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “I got it here didn’ t I?” Arthur shrugged. Merlin walked to the front to check out the cockpit area. He opened a door to a small bathroom with just a sink and a toilet. The kitchen and living area were in the middle. There was a bar to eat at and where the table would normally be, in the slide-out, was a computer work area with its own W i-Fi hotspot and wall-mounted monitors. “Arthur , it is so cool,” Merlin grinned, “I can’ t believe you did all this. How did you find the time to put this together?” “Actually , I’d already had the model chosen and the design in the works before our separation. I put the build on hold, then while you were in the hospital I made a call and here we are.” Merlin looked intently at Arthur . His eyes were filled with emotion. “Y ou were planning this even back then?” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, running a hand through his hair , “I wanted to find a way for us to live, work and travel together . I had hoped it would help us find some sort of balance.” “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said. “I told you, fresh start. This is what we need. Our new Excalibur will be ready in another week. It will have the same custom paint job and graphics and a custom-built trailer to haul it behind the motorhome when we need to. W e will have our home and our chase vehicle.” “Really?” Merlin grinned. “Yes. So, what do you think?” Merlin stepped forward and kissed Arthur , “I’ll let you know after I see the bedroom.” Arthur laughed, “Through that door .” “This one?” Merlin asked, opening it to find a surprisingly big sleeping area and another bathroom with a lar ge shower , a sink, and toilet. There was a king bed with a closet and a dresser . “W ow, this is luxury .” He sat down on the bed, bouncing a bit, running his hand over the dark blue bedding. “Come here,” he smiled, and Arthur moved onto the bed easing Merlin down onto the pillows, and kissed him. “Then you approve,” Arthur said nuzzling his throat, teeth, and lips grazing Merlin’ s collarbone. “Absolutely , can we stay in here tonight?” “Actually , I was thinking we could drive to the auto shop after the party , and park in the meadow next to the river . I found the perfect spot where we can watch the sunset.” “Mmm romantic.” Arthur looked at Merlin cupping his cheek, “W e are going to be okay , right?” “I think so. I hope so.” “I don’ t want to lose us.” “Neither do I,” Merlin shook his head and kissed Arthur , “Let’ s go back to the party for a bit longer and then say our goodbyes. Pack up our stuf f and go.” Arthur got of f the bed and stood up, helping Merlin to his feet. “Y ou’re really okay with this? I don’ t want to make you feel like I’m pushing you to do anything.” “Arthur , this is ideal for us. I am more than okay with it. Actually , just a second,” Merlin said then walked over to the sofa and picked up Lily’ s drawing of them, going back to the bedroom area, he hung it on the wall using a little magic to anchor it so it wouldn’ t move. He stood back and looked at it as Arthur wrapped his arms around him from behind. “Now , it’s perfect.” They stepped down to the ground and Arthur locked the motorhome then they walked through the gate and into the backyard. Lily was in the pool with Zachary and Anabella. Gwen was sitting on the edge of the pool watching them. Lance was dressed and helping Gwaine with the grill.” Morgana walked over and hugged Merlin, “What did you think?” “You knew about it?” “Of course, I did. Who do you think came up with the interior design? I wasn’ t going to leave that to Arthur .” “Thank you,” Merlin kissed her . “It was my pleasure. Anything to help you and my brother get your lives and your relationship back on track. I love you both so much.” “Love you too.” “Would it be rude for us to take of f?” Arthur asked her , “I want to get the motorhome to the meadow before dark.” “Not at all, go, everyone will understand,” she smiled. “Let’ s go say goodbye to my mother and Uther . Should also talk to Dr . Carlson and Xena before we go as well,” Merlin said. Arthur nodded and they made the rounds. An hour later , they had packed up their stuf f and climbed into the motorhome. Arthur brought the slide-outs in then got behind the wheel and Merlin settled in the copilot seat his long legs stretched out. “You look good at the helm,” Merlin said wagging his eyebrows. Arthur laughed and started the engine. He drove the R V around the circular drive and pulled out onto the street. He took the back roads to the highway that would take them to the auto shop and down to the river . “It’s surprisingly not that hard to drive,” Arthur said as Merlin was checking out the dashboard, the sound system, navigation system, buttons, switches, and cameras. “This is so cool.” “I stocked the fridge and the pantry with food. W e are set. I figure we can drive your old RAV4 until the new Excalibur is delivered.” “Arthur , between this and the new Jeep Gladiator , it’s a lot of money .” “Insurance is covering most of the replacement cost of Excalibur . As for this, it’ s more cost- effective than paying for motel rooms or an apartment we will rarely see.” “True,” Merlin nodded. “And if we want to go on a storm-chasing road trip we are set. There’ s room to store our equipment and we can cook meals instead of eating out.” “There’ s even an outdoor kitchen and grill underneath.” “You are a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Oh, and I had them put in the strongest glass available, all the windows and the skylights.” “Good thinking.” They pulled of f the highway and followed the road to the auto shop. They stopped when Leon and Elyan came out and waved. “Holy shit, that is incredible,” Leon said when they lowered the windows. “Talk about roughing it,” Elyan chuckled. “Sorry , boys,” Arthur said, “Need to go, want to get this baby parked in the meadow and leveled before dark. Follow us down there if you want.” “No, we will leave you two to get settled. W e need to get back inside anyway . There’ s a storm front brewing in Kansas and another in Nebraska.” “They are weak ones,” Merlin said, “Thunderstorms…they are unlikely to form tornados.” “Good to have you back, Merlin,” Leon smiled, “W e missed you.” “Thank you,” he nodded then Arthur drove the R V down the narrow gravel road toward the river. He lined it up with the stakes tied with red flags that he had placed. It didn’ t take long for them to have the motorhome leveled and all four slide-outs extended. Arthur connected to the power box he’d had put in for just this purpose.” “You thought of everything didn’ t you,” Merlin smiled, “The property owner approved this?” “Yeah, I did,” Arthur said with a shrug. “What?” “I, well we, own the property now . The land, the auto shop, the outbuildings…all of it.” “Arthur!” Merlin gasped. “When I contacted them to ask for permission, they told me they were thinking of selling it all to a developer for homes and a strip mall. The team would be uprooted, and I couldn’ t let that happen. Besides, I love it here and one day , when we retire from chasing, I want to build us a house here by the river .” “When did this all take place?” Merlin asked. “It was in the works before I went back to London. Just finalized the deal the day we…when we had our fight. I was planning to tell you, but then everything went to shit, and you were pissed of f. I decided to keep quiet about it.” Merlin sat down on the grass, drawing his knees up. He plucked a yellow wildflower rolling it between his fingers. He was silent as Arthur sat down next to him, unsure of what was going on in his head. “Merlin…” “Arthur , I really fucked things up between us…you were trying so hard to create a life for us and I was so caught up in my own bullshit…” Merlin huf fed a breath, letting out a bitter laugh, “I’m sorry I was so selfish. I didn’ t stop once to see things from your side. I never even asked what you wanted.” “All I wanted…all I want is to be with you. T o live, work, play , chase tornados, and love you until we are old, gray , toothless, and popping V iagra by the handful just to get it up. Merlin, I love you. I nearly lost you and I don’ t want to go through that again.” “I don’ t deserve you,” Merlin said, his voice breaking as he shook his head, fighting tears. “We are going to figure all this out. I promise.” They sat quietly together watching the sun go down. Arthur put an arm around Merlin, and he melted into his embrace. “Fuck, why do you put up with me?” “Because you’re Merlin…you’re stupidly brave, insanely intelligent, loyal to a fault and not to mention hot as hell. Then there’ s the whole magic thing and your very talented mouth.” “That’ s all?” Merlin chuckled. “You’re everything to me and I should have stayed and fought for us instead of running away .” “I pushed you away .” “I let you.” “This fresh start thing is not so easy .” “We will get there,” Arthur kissed him, “It will take time, but we will.” “It’s a warm night,” Merlin said with a flicker of mischief in his eyes as he got up and started stripping down and running toward the river . Buck naked he ran into the water up to his stomach. “Skinny dipping?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah, come on, join me.” “You’re supposed to be taking it easy .” “I am,” Merlin winked then laid back in the water kicking his long legs and moving his arms. Arthur got up and stripped of f his clothes. “Y ou’re certifiable, Merlin,” he said as he walked into the water and wrapped his arms around him. They kissed passionately , clinging to each other as the current moved lazily around them. “God, you are beautiful.” Merlin looked into his eyes, “I love you.” “I love you.” They swam until it got a little chilly then got out of the water gathering up their discarded clothing. Merlin playfully smacked Arthur on the arse when he bent over to pick up his boots. They laughed and ran into the motorhome and closed the door . “I hope the shower is big enough for both of us?” Merlin asked as Arthur headed into the bathroom. “Of course,” Arthur looked back at him, “That was my number one priority .” “Really?” “Come here.” Merlin stepped into the bathroom and Arthur opened the glass door and then drew him inside the shower which was nearly the full width of the R V minus the storage cabinet on one side. There were two shower heads, one a handheld and the other a rainfall shower . “Oh, this is nice,” he grinned as Arthur pulled him close. “How are your ribs feeling?” “Still a little sore, but I think my magic is speeding up the healing process. W on’t Doc Annis be surprised when I see her for my appointment.” “How are you going to explain that away?” “I guess I will just tell her the truth.” Arthur kissed Merlin tenderly , “I want so badly to make love to you right now , I just don’ t want to do anything that will cause a setback or aggravate your injuries.” “I know , I don’ t want that either .” “Merlin…” “Yeah?” “One thing keeps bothering me…I can’ t shake it.” “What is it?” Merlin asked. “What you said about the book…do you really feel like I pressured you into writing it? Do you really regret publishing it?” Merlin lowered his gaze and shook his head. “No, Arthur , I was a stupid ass…I am glad you encouraged me to write it and to publish it. I know I lashed out, but I didn’ t mean it. I’m sorry . I am grateful to you for helping me to step out of my comfort zone and to put myself out there more. Y ou were right about everything. And people love the cover photo you took of me. I get so many compliments on it.” “I am very proud of that photo.” Arthur pressed his forehead to Merlin’ s, “I never wanted to hurt you or make you feel overwhelmed or that you weren’ t in control of your own destiny . I should have listened to you.” “I was never really angry at you, Arthur . I was angry at myself. Y ou were just a convenient target, and I will never for give myself for what I did. It wasn’ t your fault, it was mine, and mine alone.” “I promise I will not pressure you into writing another book or anything you don’ t want to do.” “Funny you should mention that, because, well,” Merlin gave him a soft smile, “I already started writing a second book.” “You have?” “Yes, a few months ago. I’m not sure I will ever finish it.” “I’m proud of you, Merlin.” “Are you?” he smiled, kissing Arthur . “I am,” Arthur grinned as Merlin ran his hands down his back to his arse. “I do believe we’re getting the hang of this whole open communication thing.” “Better late than never ,” Arthur huf fed a laugh and moaned as Merlin’ s fingertips pressed into soft flesh drawing them closer , their hardening cocks responding with enthusiasm. “God, Merlin, we should…ah fuck yes.” Merlin’ s teeth grazed his shoulder then his throat and collarbone. “Y ou were saying?” he asked huskily . “Slipped my mind,” Arthur growled then devoured his mouth. “Mmm, that’ s good.” “Merlin, you’re making it very hard to resist.” “Very hard,” Merlin grinned looking down at their fully hard cocks, “Let me fuck you, please. I’ll be careful, go slow .” Arthur kissed him, looking into his heated gaze. He nodded and Merlin immediately turned off the water and they got out of the shower . He positioned Arthur by the sink in front of the mirror and dragged his fingers lightly down his sides to his hips their eyes meeting in the reflection. “God, I have missed you,” Merlin said. Arthur's breath caught when he saw the tell-tale golden glow in his lover ’s eyes and felt his body tremble and relax as magic coursed through him, conver ging in the one spot that Merlin focused on. He kissed the back of Arthur ’s shoulder , his fingers delving into his entrance working him open at a slow , languorous pace. “Merlin…God, I for got how good you are at this.” “Then let me refresh your memory ,” Merlin grinned running his tongue along Arthur ’s spine and down the cleft of his arse before pushing it into him and Arthur moaned filthily . “Holy fuck,” Arthur gasped struggling to keep from pushing back, “Merlin…” “I’ve got you. Just let go.” “Need more…fuck…now , Merlin.” He growled low in his throat when Merlin’ s teeth grazed the flesh of his arse cheeks and fingers pushed inside him finding that spot sending Arthur into breathless moans and ragged panting. “You’re so good for me, Arthur ,” Merlin said huskily . “Look at you.” He pressed his lips to the middle of Arthur ’s lower back working a third finger into him. “Merlin!” “You’re ready for me?” “God, yes…fuck me, please.” Merlin looked into his eyes in the mirror and slid his thick cock along the cleft of his arse. “Slow and easy ,” he said as he pressed the head of his cock into Arthur . “Fuck, you’re hot.” “Merlin,” Arthur whispered splaying his hands out on the granite countertop, his arms spread apart to brace himself. He felt the magic skimming over his flesh and teasing his nipples while leaving his cock untouched. “God, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s breath stuttered as he pushed into him, struggling against the ur ge to just pound into him hard and fast. “So good, love…I’ve missed you, Arthur .” He let out a cry of utter bliss when he was fully buried inside his husband. “So tight…” Arthur let out a breathy laugh, “I think you got bigger .” Merlin grinned pulling out to the head then eased into him again. Repeating the movement several times until he found a perfect rhythm, closing his eyes as he lost himself in the pure ecstasy of their bodies coming together over and over , slow , and languid. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together , finding that connection, that abiding bond that had been there since the beginning. The rift between them was healing. They were going to be okay . “I love you, God, I’m so sorry ,” he choked, suddenly breaking down, tears pooled in his eyes as he spilled inside Arthur . He withdrew and Arthur turned around catching him in his arms holding him against his chest, his hard shaft trapped between them. “Are you okay , are you hurting?” Arthur asked. “I’m fine, sorry , it just hit me.” “Come on let’ s go to bed.” Arthur led him into the bedroom and turned down the bedding. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Merlin nodded, “I love you.” “I love you too.” “You didn’ t come,” Merlin said reaching a hand out to stroke Arthur slowly . “I’m so close,” Arthur said closing his eyes. Merlin swallowed him down sucking and licking until finally he shuddered and spilled in his mouth and hand. Then they curled up together and just held each other kissing and touching. “Merlin…” “Yeah?” Merlin asked, his head resting on Arthur ’s chest, fingertips making figure eights on his hard stomach. “This feels good… “But?” Merlin asked, looking up into Arthur ’s eyes and hearing the hesitation in those words. Arthur smiled running a hand through his dark hair . “But I can’ t help but feel like there is still something…I don’ t know , maybe it is just me. I want so badly to feel secure in us again. T o know that we are okay…truly okay .” “It’s going to take time,” Merlin smiled and kissed his chest, “It’ s my fault and I am sorry that I did this to us. I wish I could magic away all our problems.” “Could you, please?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “I could, but then it wouldn’ t be real. W e need to find our balance.” “You’re very wise.” “Am I?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Mmhmm, extremely wise, unbelievably beautiful, intoxicating,” Arthur said his thumb pressing down on Merlin’ s bottom lip. “I am the luckiest man in all of this insane world to have you in my life and I am never running away again. If I lose you it will kill me.” Merlin moved on top of Arthur kissing him deeply , his hands on either side of his neck. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m like a cat…nine lives you know ,” he grinned. “Nine lives, huh? And how many of those have you used up,” Arthur smiled. “At least two so that leaves me with seven and I plan on spending every single one of those with you, Arthur . I love you.” “I love you too. Y ou should get of f me though because something is getting hard again.” Merlin sat upright, straddling Arthur ’s hips. His eyes flashed gold and Arthur moaned as he felt him slowly impaling himself on his shaft. He gripped Merlin’ s thighs. “Merlin…no… you’re hurt.” “Mmm, I’m okay…just going to…oh fuck that feels good,” he huf fed a laugh. “Merlin,” Arthur chuckled closing his eyes as he was fully sheathed inside his tight, wet, heat. “Y ou’re going to…oh God, yes…” he gasped. “I missed this…oh, Arthur…” “Go really slow ,” Arthur said. “I’m okay , more than okay ,” Merlin grinned slowly lifting up and lowering himself down again. “Merlin…fuck…please,” Arthur panted. Merlin let his head drift back, his mouth open in a breathy cry of bliss. “Oh, yes, that feels too good…Arthur…need to move more.” “Easy , Merlin…” Moving one hand back behind him, Merlin braced himself on Arthur ’s muscular thigh, the other hand splayed over his stomach. He closed his eyes rocking slowly then moved up and down on his shaft. “Oh, God, Arthur…touch me…touch me, please.” Arthur wrapped a hand around Merlin’ s cock stroking him slowly , swiping his thumb over the head and pressing against the slit. He smiled at the look of sheer pleasure on his face. “Fuck, yes, Arthur…” “Come for me, Merlin…I want to feel your body trembling around my cock. That’ s it, baby , come for me…you’re so close. I’m so close!” Arthur brought his knees up bracing his feet and thrust up into Merlin. He lowered his hips back down and moaned deeply his whole body shaking with the intensity of his rapidly building release. “God…Merlin, I’m coming,” he cried out feeling his seed spilling inside him. “Arthur!” Merlin shouted, his fingertips gripping Arthur ’s thigh as he impaled himself fully and shuddered with a powerful release that made his ribs ache, but he didn’ t care. It felt too good to be joined with Arthur so completely again. His seed pulsed from the head of his cock coating Arthur ’s hand and stomach. “Fuck, that was a good one!” he huf fed a breathless laugh. “You are going to be in so much trouble with Doc Annis,” Arthur grinned. “I won’ t tell if you won’ t…” Merlin said then leaned forward kissing him. “God, it was so worth it though.” “We might still have things to work out, but this part we are so good at.” “Yes, we are,” Arthur smiled, kissing him. “How about cleaning us up so we can get some sleep?” Merlin nodded, his eyes turning gold and he uttered a word. All the mess was gone, and the covers were pulled over them as he snuggled up against Arthur ’s side. “Baby?” he asked. Arthur looked at him, “What?” “You called me baby ,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur smiled. “I guess I did. What about it?” Merlin shook his head slightly , “Nothing…I rather liked it.” “I shall keep that in mind. Go to sleep now , baby ,” Arthur kissed him. “Good night,” Merlin smiled against his lips then rolled over onto his side snuggling down into the pillows. “This bed is really comfy ,” he muttered then drifted of f to sleep. Arthur lay next to him, listening to the steady rise and fall of his breathing until he too fell asleep. Keep it Between the Lines Arthur woke up to an empty bed and sat up, scrubbing a hand across his face. “Merlin?” he asked then reached for his phone. It was after ten. How did he sleep so long? “Merlin!” “I’m here,” Merlin said as he came into the bedroom. “I made breakfast. Do you want it in bed or at the bar?” Arthur reached for him, “Come here.” “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am now . Bad dream.” “I’m sorry .” “Nothing I can’ t handle. Just need to feel you.” “I’m here,” Merlin smiled kissing him tenderly , “Last night was amazing.” “That it was,” Arthur nuzzled his neck. “Are you sore this morning?” “A little, but nothing I can’ t handle,” he grinned. “You said something about breakfast,” Arthur said as his stomach growled. “Mmm, yes, come on, french toast and bacon.” “You and your bacon.” “Food of the gods,” Merlin said then took Arthur ’s hand. “Up and at ‘em, food is getting cold.” Arthur slid his legs over the side of the bed and reached for a clean pair of sweatpants and a tank top putting them on. He then followed Merlin into the kitchen area and sat down at the bar . “Smells delicious,” Arthur said as he picked up his fork and took a sip of hot cof fee. “Gwaine texted me a bit ago, he and Mor gana are on their way here. Mother and Uther are with them. Y ou get the feeling our parents are closer than they seem?” “Yeah,” Arthur smiled, “They say they are just friends, but I am not so sure.” “Not sure I want to know ,” Merlin laughed. “Maybe that’ s why they are keeping it on the down low .” “I guess it wouldn’ t be so bad. If they make each other happy ,” Merlin said, moving around the kitchen cleaning and putting things away between bites of his breakfast. “No, I suppose not.” Arthur watched him for a moment. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am fine, I promise. Just a little antsy , wanting to get back out there and I know I am not ready ,” Merlin smiled, his eyes filled with emotion as he took a drink of his orange juice. Arthur finished his breakfast just as their family arrived. He rinsed of f his plate and carried his cof fee with him as Merlin opened the door to let them inside. “Welcome to Camelot,” Merlin smiled waving a hand as they entered. “Camelot?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, we have Excalibur , need a name for our home so Camelot,” Merlin shrugged. “Makes perfect sense to me,” Uther chuckled. “This is beautiful,” he said, “V ery comfortable.” “It’s bigger than your old apartment,” Mor gana said as she hugged her brother and then Merlin. “Arthur is a genius,” Merlin smiled looking at his husband. “You two seem better ,” Gwaine said placing a hand on both their shoulders. “Happy even.” “We are,” Arthur nodded. “Have a seat…can I get anyone a drink?” “No, thank you, Arthur ,” Hunith beamed as she looked around. “I wouldn’ t mind living like this. T o be able to pick up and go whenever I want and see the whole country .” Arthur and Merlin did not miss the fond smile between their parents then looked at each other with a shrug. “That could be arranged,” Uther winked at her and Hunith blushed and shook her head smiling. “Do you two have something to tell us?” Arthur asked and Hunith giggled like a teenage girl. “Mother?” Merlin asked. Uther cleared his throat and then sat down in one of the reclining chairs. “Arthur…Merlin, I have asked Hunith to marry me. W e have been keeping our relationship a secret so as not to make things awkward with you two, but now we feel it is time for you to know . The wedding will be in the fall, a simple af fair. That way we won’ t interfere with what’ s left of the storm chase season.” Arthur and Merlin looked at each other and smiled. Their parents watched and waited nervously for their reaction. Hunith reached for her son’ s hand. “Merlin?” she asked, “Are you all right with this?” Merlin ran a hand through his messy hair and nodded, “Of course, this is good. I want you to be happy . I can’ t say it is completely unexpected. Arthur and I have suspected that you two were closer than you let on.” Hunith reached for Arthur , “Arthur , darling, are you okay with this?” “Yes, Hunith,” he grinned and hugged her , “I love you. I want you and my father to be happy .” Uther stood up and approached. Arthur shook his hand. He pulled him into a surprising hug. “I am so glad you and Merlin are working things out. I love you both so much.” “Love you too, father ,” Arthur said as Uther released him and hugged Merlin. “Thank you, Merlin. I promise I will take care of your mother .” “I know you will,” Merlin nodded. Hunith was beaming with happiness, tears shining in her eyes. She put an arm around Morgana kissing her cheek. Mor gana hugged her tightly . “You’ll be my mother ,” she said with a huge smile. “And it will be an honor . You and Arthur are already so special to me.” “Me too?” Gwaine asked with a pout. “Oh, Gwaine, you know you will always be my favorite,” Hunith hugged him, and he grinned sticking his tongue out at the others. “Love you, Mama H,” he said kissing her cheek. “Well, now that you all know . I should also tell you that I will be selling the deli and moving here to the US with Uther so we can be closer to all of you. W e haven’ t quite decided where we will put down roots yet, but we both want to be near our families especially since we have a little one on the way ,” she winked at Mor gana who blushed. “What,” Arthur exclaimed. “Oh, yes,” Mor gana said, “Gwaine and I are expecting.” Merlin hugged her tightly , “I love you.” “I’m going to be an uncle,” Arthur grinned, and she nodded then he pulled her into his arms. “I am so happy for you guys. So, is there going to be another wedding?” “Actually , we already got married a few months ago in Las V egas, we didn’ t want to say anything with you and Merlin…well, you’re both here now .” “You should have told me,” Arthur shook his head kissing her forehead. “How did I not know about this?” Merlin asked eyeing Gwaine intently . “We did it while you were at that storm chaser conference in Nashville,” Gwaine said looking sheepish. “Gwen and Lance went with us.” Uther nodded, “When we get married we will celebrate your marriage as well.” “You’re going to get married here?” Mor gana asked. “Yes, it will be much easier for us to come here than for all of you to travel to London, and since we will be living here afterward anyway ,” Hunith said. “It will be wonderful to have all of you here. W ill, Kylie, and Nicholas are moving back here as well. He got a job with the NWS he starts in August.” Two hours later , their family left to drive back to town and Merlin shook his head feeling a bit overwhelmed. Arthur put his arms around him. “You all right?” he asked. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a lot to take in.” “I know ,” Arthur said then kissed him. “It is a bit weird,” he chuckled, “My father and your mother…” Merlin scrunched up his nose, “That means you will be my stepbrother and my husband.” Arthur thought about it and then shook his head. “No, definitely not going there.” Merlin laughed and kissed him, “I love you.” “Love you too. What do you want to do today?” “Hmm, I think I would like to go back to bed with my hot husband slash stepbrother -to-be.” “You’re not going to let that go are you,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes. “What would you like to do today?” “I thought we could go take a look at the data on your storm you were itching to get your hands on. Y our seventy-two hours is up…more or less.” Merlin shook his head, “Later .” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “Later? Really? After you whined for three days?” “Let’ s just say I have other priorities at the moment,” Merlin said then kissed Arthur . “Merlin…I don’ t want you to…” Merlin silenced him with a kiss and smiled, “If we are going to strengthen this marriage and heal, I need to shift my focus and compromise. T o show you that I can be both a husband and a storm chaser . I can’ t keep making the same mistakes over and over again.” “I just don’ t want you to come to resent me.” “We can do this,” Merlin said kissing him again, “I can find a balance.” “All right,” Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go to bed.” The new Excalibur was delivered on Friday just in time for a massive weather front moving into the Midwest. Merlin was chomping at the bit watching the monitors in the auto shop. He was anxious to get out there and chase while a part of him was still a bit afraid. Not of the storms, but that going back to chasing would cause more strain on him and Arthur and their relationship. “Merlin,” Arthur said as he walked into the room, “Excalibur T wo is fueled up and ready to go. Are you sure you are ready to get back to it?” Merlin nodded, “Doc Annis cleared me. I’m good to go.” “She actually believed you about your magic?” “Yeah, well, after seeing me on the security camera footage from outside the hospital that night, it wasn’ t that dif ficult to convince her . So much for keeping my magic a secret,” he huffed a laugh, “At least I managed to convince them not to release it to the media.” “The footage was pretty impressive,” Arthur said as he put his arms around Merlin and kissed his neck. “I was there, and it was still stunning to see.” “I barely remember a lot of it,” Merlin said, “I was so focused on stopping the tornado that I didn’ t think about the cameras.” “So, which way are we headed?” Merlin shook his head, his lips pressed tightly together as he looked at his laptop screen. “Arthur , I’m second-guessing myself and that isn’ t good.” Arthur put his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders and turned him around. “Just focus. Y ou can do this. It’ s a part of you.” “I know , it’s not that…it’ s us. I’m…” he frowned, and Arthur moved his hands to his face and kissed him. “Talk to me, what is it?” “I can’ t focus if I am worried about us,” Merlin said. “I’m worried too, but we both need to chase. W e both need to get back out there and do what we do best.” Arthur hugged him, cupping the back of his neck, “Come on, let’ s do this. I love you.” Merlin kissed him then smiled, “T ogether .” “Together ,” Arthur nodded. “We’re going southwest,” Merlin said. “Southwest it is.” Arthur put in his earpiece and turned it on. “Load up, we’re rolling southwest, boys and girls.” He headed outside and Merlin chuckled shaking his head. Maybe they would be okay after all. “I’m driving,” Merlin said as he headed for the driver ’s side of their beautiful new Excalibur with the blue, gray , and black paint job and tornado graphics. Like the motorhome, it had their team logo within a black stripe. Arthur had added many upgrades including a stronger winch and tow package and more lighting. The glass had a special coating that would help prevent hail damage and the seats included custom seatbelts with an extra harness that could be put on in a hurry if there was immediate danger of impact with a tornado. Something Merlin really appreciated after what he had gone through. “Yes, boss,” Arthur grinned as he locked down the bed covers and got into the passenger side. Gwaine was behind the wheel of their only van. The other one was still in the body shop being repaired. Mor gana, refusing to remain behind, was in the passenger seat. Leon and Elyan were in the back manning the equipment. “Gwaine, if we get into it, keep our precious car go safe,” Merlin said as he started the engine. “You better not be referring to me,” Mor gana huf fed. “What? No, of course not,” Merlin chuckled. “Good,” Mor gana smiled at Gwaine, and he leaned over to kiss her , caressing her still flat stomach. “I will always keep them safe, boys.” “Ready ,” Arthur said as he fastened his seatbelt glancing at Merlin with a nod and a wide grin. He reached over to pat him on the thigh. “Let’ s go find us a storm to chase.” Merlin nodded, “Okay , we have a storm brewing on the border to the southwest. I’m not sensing anything too powerful on the ground yet, but there is strong potential. Eyes and ears, boys and girls.” He pulled up onto the road and headed for the highway . “God, this feels good,” he grinned running his hands over the steering wheel of Excalibur T wo. “I’ll always miss the original, but it’ s amazing.” “Are you going to drive it or make love to it?” Arthur asked, echoing his words from the test drive of the first Gladiator and they both laughed. They hit the highway and headed southwest. Merlin felt the welcome hum of his magic just beneath his skin. It was happy to be back on the road too. He smiled, his heart beating with the familiar rush of excitement and the welcome sense of relief that he was alive and back to doing what he does best. The reason he was put on this earth. And having Arthur sitting beside him again was more than he ever could have hoped for…more than he deserved. “Merlin, we have reports of a funnel cloud,” Elyan said. “Where?” Arthur asked, checking the screen. “Ah, there, I see it.” “It’s dropping in the middle of farmland,” Merlin said, “But there’ s a town just east of it… Dayville. Mor gana, speak to me, what are you feeling?” “I think it’ s going to hit the town. W e need to go,” she said, “But then you know that.” “I will always value your input,” Merlin said, “Let’ s do it. How far?” “Take the next exit and follow the two-lane highway to the west,” Arthur said, “W e should intercept it before it gets to Dayville. Merlin…” “I know , don’ t be reckless,” he grinned. Arthur shook his head, “I was going to say , keep it between the lines.” He smiled and then grabbed his cameras. Merlin laughed and then pulled of f the exit with the van right behind them. It took them only fifteen minutes to spot the twister on the ground. It was just getting started, quickly gaining strength, and growing in size. Merlin glanced back at the van. “Gwaine stick to the highway , do not follow us,” he said. “Merlin, it’ s going to shift east,” Mor gana said. “Yes, it is,” Merlin said then turned of f the highway onto a gravel road and drove straight for the tornado. His magic was pulsing, begging to be set free, but he held it back. “Not yet,” he muttered under his breath as Arthur took photos and video. The tornado turned to the east and he realized it had already doubled in size. “Dayville is going to take a direct hit, call it in, Leon. I’m going to skirt the edge and try to get ahead of it.” “Be careful, boys,” Gwaine said looking up at the rotation, “There’ s something not right with this one. The sky is a wicked shade of green and there’ s wild rotation behind it.” Morgana closed her eyes and nodded, “Merlin, Gwaine’ s right. Be careful.” “Arthur , are you ready?” Merlin asked. “Go for it,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin hit the accelerator . The gravel road turned to dirt then to mud as they ran into heavy rain and hail mixed. “Holy shit,” Arthur said as he held the camera on the dark grayish-green writhing twister that was picking up dirt and debris tossing it in every direction. “W atch the edge, there’ s a shallow ditch running along the road on this side.” “Hold on,” Merlin said as memories of his last chase, and the mistakes he’d made, pushed into his mind demanding attention. He shoved them all back behind a mental barrier and focused on the moment. “It’ s going to hit that house,” he said and put his foot to the floor . He drove across a field heading toward the home just as they spotted a second tornado reach the ground. It tore through a barn and tossed a tractor end over end right toward them. It flipped over and landed in the ditch narrowly missing them. “Fuck, that was close,” Arthur said. “Here we go,” Merlin said then punched through the space between the two separate twisters. He drove right up onto the lawn in front of the house, laying on the horn. No one came to the door , but Arthur spotted movement in the yard just beyond the house. Merlin ran to the house pounding on the door . “Tornado, get under cover!” he shouted as someone finally opened the door . The woman froze in fear as she saw the twister bearing down on them. Merlin grabbed her by the hands. “Are you alone? Is there anyone else here?” he shouted squeezing her hands and trying to get her to focus. She shook her head, and he dragged her out of the house and put her into the back seat. It was then that he saw Arthur running across the yard, the second twister was heading right for him. “Arthur!” he yelled his voice filled with panic. He got behind the wheel and hit the gas busting through the fence that Arthur had hopped over . Arthur looked back over his shoulder for just a second, but it was long enough to realize he was in trouble. He finally spotted the little boy huddled in the corner of the yard behind a stone building, clinging to his puppy . “Come on,” he shouted over the roar and grabbed him and the dog up in his arms looking around for an escape. He saw Excalibur barreling toward them across the pasture, but there was no way Merlin could reach them before the twister . He realized that the stone building was a pump house for a well and yanked the door open. “Hold on to me,” Arthur said to the boy, and he nodded, eyes wide and terror -filled. “W e’re going to be okay . Just hold on. I’ve got you.” Climbing down into the tight space between the pump and the wall, he curled his body over the child and covered his head with his jacket, closed his eyes, and braced for the impact. He heard the roar and the ground trembled beneath them. W ater sprayed from a burst pipe soaking them, but he held on tightly to the crying boy and the whimpering puppy . Everything around them exploded, the roof was ripped of f and Arthur prayed. It was then that he felt the warmth of Merlin’ s magic envelope them, shielding and protecting them. The tornado passed over them and Arthur heard Merlin yelling. He climbed out of the hole and ran toward his voice. There was nothing left of the building but crumbled stones. They reached him and Excalibur just as the original tornado was ripping the house apart. Merlin grabbed the puppy and Arthur jumped into the passenger seat with the boy clinging to him. “Merlin…Arthur!” Mor gana was crying as she saw them caught somewhere between the two tornados. “Mor gana, we need a way out. Can’ t see a damn thing,” Merlin said as he hit the gas continuing across the pasture and through a fence putting some distance between them and the tornado. “Cross the stream, then turn north, Merlin,” Mor gan said, “There’ s a bridge. Cross it, then turn left there is some sort of concrete dam. It may give you some cover .” “Got it,” Merlin nodded as they crossed the shallow stream. “Is he okay?” Merlin asked, glancing at the boy . “Yeah,” Arthur nodded, “I think so.” Crossing the bridge Merlin turned left and spotted the dam. There was no water in it, so he drove right down the steep embankment and in between the high concrete walls. “Hold on,” Merlin yelled as the tornado passed over the dam. They could feel the wheels of Excalibur lift of f the ground, but the twister couldn’ t quite get a grip on them. “Shit!” Merlin said as everything came rushing back. “Not this time.” He closed his eyes, pushing his magic outward and it wrapped around the Gladiator anchoring it to the concrete and rebar within. He felt Arthur ’s hand grasp his, locking their fingers together . “Merlin!” Gwaine shouted. The tornado mer ged with the other one forming one massive monster of a storm that miraculously shifted its direction again, heading away from Dayville into open farmland. Merlin drove them out the other end of the dam and up onto another gravel road just as the van came toward them from the opposite direction. Morgana got out of the van, running toward them. “Thank God,” she said as she reached Arthur , and he passed the little boy to her . “Hello, little one,” she hugged him close. “Got him?” Arthur asked, and she nodded carrying him back to the van. Merlin helped the woman out of the backseat, and she hugged him tightly . “Bless you,” she cried. He handed her over to Leon along with the puppy . “That was a bit too close for comfort,” Arthur said, and Merlin spun around and punched him in the shoulder . “Ow , what was that for?” “You tell me not to do anything reckless then you go and pull that shit,” Merlin yelled at him. “Sorry , I saw the boy and just reacted,” Arthur said. “You are an idiot,” Merlin said, shaking his head. “Like you wouldn’ t have done the same thing?” Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow . “Yeah, but I…” Merlin dropped his gaze and huf fed a laugh, “Fuck…” Arthur pulled him close and smiled, “I knew you would save us.” “Dammit, Arthur…” he said his eyes brimming with tears. “Hey , I’m okay . We saved three lives. That is our job, right?” “Yeah,” Merlin nodded, “It is.” Arthur grinned and kissed him, “W e are back, and I missed this so damn much. I missed you.” “Don’ t do anything like that again,” Merlin huf fed. “I won’ t if you won’ t.” Merlin chuckled and nodded, “All right, let’ s get them to a hospital.” “Where’ s Merlin?” Mor gana asked glancing around the waiting room of the hospital. The woman, Martha, and the boy , Keenan, were in the ER being examined. Martha was sixty years old and lived alone since her husband passed two years prior . She had been taking a nap when Merlin pounded on her door . She had no idea there was a tornado coming right for her . Keenan was six years old, he lived in a house up the hill from Martha. He had been playing in the pasture with his puppy Samson when lightning and thunder frightened the dog and it had run of f. He’d chased after it and that was when Arthur happened to spot him. His parents had arrived at the hospital shortly after they got there. His aunt was a nurse and called them as soon as the team came in with him. “I’ll find him,” Arthur said then headed out the doors walking toward their vehicles. He spotted Merlin perched on the bed of Excalibur his head tilted back looking up at the sky . It was raining lightly . “Merlin?” “How are they?” he asked without looking at him. “They are both going to be fine. Martha has a bad heart though, so they are going to monitor her overnight.” “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said. Arthur climbed up next to him and sat down. “For what?” “I am such a hypocrite,” he huf fed a laugh. “I wouldn’ t say that.” “What would you call it? I got mad at you for being reckless.” “To be fair , it was very reckless, and I knew I was in trouble. But I also knew that you would do the same thing, so it was either me or you. Besides, I trusted that you would save us.” “And what if I couldn’ t? Arthur , I couldn’ t even save myself that day .” “Merlin, I saw Excalibur…Gwaine took me to the wrecking yard to see what was left of it. Anyone else…” Arthur let out a breath, his voice breaking, “Merlin, no one else could have survived that. Y our magic protected you. W ithout it I would have lost you. W ithout it, a whole lot of people would not be alive today . I trust you. I believe in you, and I always will.” Merlin gave him a sideways glance, “Y ou did a good job today .” “Thank you,” Arthur leaned over and kissed him, “It seems that we are both a bit reckless.” “Maybe we should just embrace it, be reckless together ,” Merlin grinned. “I’d like that a lot.” “Me too.” It was late by the time they returned to home base. Arthur drove while Merlin dozed in the passenger seat. He parked next to the motorhome and nudged him awake. “W e’re home.” Merlin sat up and smiled sleepily , “It’s nice to not have to sleep in a motel room after a hard day of chasing.” “Yes, it is,” Arthur said as he got out and Merlin opened his door . He unlocked the motorhome and stepped inside to turn on the lights inside and out. He also turned on music that came through the exterior speakers. He moved back toward Excalibur where Merlin was still sitting in his seat. “Come here,” he said and pulled Merlin into his arms. “It’s a beautiful night,” Merlin smiled, slipping his arms around Arthur ’s waist, “Hi…” “Hi,” Arthur said then kissed him, “May I have this dance?” “You want to dance with me?” “Mmhmm,” Arthur kissed him again then led him into the light. “And they say romance is dead,” Merlin chuckled as they moved together to the music. Arthur laughed and spun Merlin around, “Just call me Prince Charming.” “Prince Arthur ,” Merlin grinned. “I like the sound of that.” “Thank you, for this.” “Anything for you, Merlin. I love you.” “Love you too.” “We should probably get some sleep. W e have a lot of data to go through tomorrow .” “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “Just hold me, please.” “With pleasure,” Arthur smiled. They moved together and Merlin tucked his face into the crook of Arthur ’s neck, tightening his embrace. Arthur felt the day’ s tension flow of f of Merlin and he relaxed against his chest. “Y ou okay?” “Better now ,” Merlin sighed. “I think getting back out there today did us both some good, despite the close call.” “It did, and Excalibur T wo is brilliant. Thank you.” “No need to thank me, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said, drawing back slightly , “What happened today , I lost focus for a moment. Memories of what happened to me came rushing back and I put us both at risk.” “Merlin, I would be more worried if you didn’ t have residual memories and fears after what you went through.” “I can’ t let myself be distracted. Not just for our safety but the people we are trying to save.” “There is no one I trust more than you, distracted or not. Y ou will always get the job done.” “You have so much faith in me,” Merlin gave him a nod and a soft smile. “And I always will,” Arthur cupped the back of his head and brushed their lips together . “Shall we go inside and get some sleep?” he asked tilting his head toward the motorhome. “Yeah,” Merlin said then they walked inside together . Nathan Merlin’ s phone rang just after dawn. He grumbled then reached out to grab it of f the small shelf next to the bed and swiped the screen. “Y eah, yeah, I’m awake…what?” “Good morning to you too,” Gwaine chuckled. “Sorry , good morning, Gwaine…what’ s up?” “Thought you might want to know you have visitors here at the auto shop.” “Visitors…who?” Merlin asked as silence followed and then the muf fled sound of movement as the phone was passed to someone else. “Merlin…” “Freya? What the fuck?” he asked running a hand through his hair . “I know , I’m the last person you expected to see or hear from again,” she said softly , “But I need your help.” “It has been four years, and you just show up here wanting my help?” “Merlin, it’ s not for me, it’ s for Nathan,” she said her voice breaking. “What’ s wrong? Is he hurt?” Merlin asked, his chest tightening. “No, he’ s fine. Merlin, I need to talk to you face to face.” Merlin glanced at Arthur who was looking at him intently . “I’ll be there in a few minutes, Freya.” “Thank you, Merlin,” she said then ended the call leaving Merlin staring at the screen on his phone. “Freya?” Arthur asked, his eyes going wide. Merlin got out of bed and got dressed quickly , slipping on his boots. “What the bloody hell…” he muttered shaking his head. Arthur got dressed and put his shoes on. There was no way he was letting Merlin face his ex on his own. “What did she say?” “She needs my help, something to do with Nathan.” “Probably wanting money ,” Arthur said, and Merlin shrugged and nodded. “Most likely , but I need to find out what she wants. Nathan may not be mine, but I still love him.” “I know you do.” They left the motorhome and got into Excalibur , Arthur drove them up to the auto shop and they got out and went inside. Merlin walked through the open garage bay and into the work room. Freya was sitting at the table. Merlin stopped as he saw Nathan with Gwaine looking at the weather monitors and grinning from ear to ear . The boy turned and met Merlin’ s stunned gaze. He raised his hand in an awkward gesture. “Merlin,” he smiled then crossed the floor throwing his arms around him. Merlin hugged him tightly cupping the back of his head as tears pooled in his eyes. Nathan was nearly as tall as he was. He was fourteen and still had the curious gleam in his brown eyes. “God, Nathan,” Merlin said, “Look at you.” “I missed you,” Nathan grinned. “I missed you too.” Arthur walked in behind Merlin, and he glanced back. “Um, this is my husband, Arthur Pendragon. Arthur this is my son, Nathan.” “Pleased to meet you, Nathan,” Arthur said shaking his hand. Freya stood up and slowly approached Merlin. She looked tiny and frail, beaten down, she had dark circles under her eyes and her dark hair was cropped very short. She was ghostly pale. “Hello, Merlin,” she said with a tight smile and watery brown eyes. “Freya,” Merlin said, “What…” She turned to Gwaine, “Gwaine, could you…” Gwaine nodded and took Nathan by the shoulder and steered him outside. Arthur remained with Merlin, not wanting to leave him. “What’ s going on, Freya?” Merlin asked, helping her to sit down at the table again as he took a seat next to her . Arthur remained standing but moved over near the window .” “Merlin, I’m so sorry for coming here, but you are the only person I can count on. I’m dying. Stage four pancreatic cancer . I have maybe weeks to live. Kevin left us after I was diagnosed. He couldn’ t handle it. Merlin, Nathan has no one else. I know it is a lot to ask of you, especially after what I put you through. But I am here to ask you, to beg you to take him. I know I have no right…” she said, her voice breaking of f for a moment as she took a breath. “Nathan needs you. He loves you. I never should have pushed you out of his life. You are the only person he ever wanted to be his father and I kept him from you. I am sorry…deeply sorry .” Merlin sat there his hands holding hers. “Freya…you were right about me. I couldn’ t be the father Nathan needed.” “But you are the father he wanted. God, Merlin, he never stops talking about you. He follows you online, he has your book, and he worships the ground you walk on. T o him, you are his father .” Merlin smiled, “Really?” “I would not ask this of you, but I have no family . You are the only person I can count on to take care of him after…after I’m gone.” “Freya, there’ s still hope, I will help you find treatment. Y ou can’ t die, Nathan needs you.” Freya shook her head and smiled through her tears. “No, Merlin, I have exhausted all avenues of treatment. There is nothing more anyone can do for me. I am dying and I need to know that my son will be cared for when I die.” Merlin embraced her , “God, Freya, I’m so sorry .” Freya pulled back and patted his chest, she looked from him to Arthur . “You’re married,” she said, “I am so happy for you.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Um, sorry…this is Arthur Pendragon…Arthur this is Freya.” “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur . You’re very handsome,” she winked, “I’m glad Merlin found someone.” “Freya,” Merlin said, “About Nathan…” “I know , it will be dif ficult with your work, but Merlin, he wants to work with you. It is all he has talked about for years. He will be fifteen soon and he wants to learn all there is to storm chasing. He knows what you do is important and that it will not be easy . Please, Merlin, you are all he has.” Freya stood up then, “I need to use the restroom. I will give you and Arthur time to talk.” Merlin got to his feet. Mor gana came out of the back room and nodded taking Freya’ s arm and helping her to the restroom. He turned to Arthur his eyes wide and desperate. “What am I going to do?” he asked. Arthur hugged him close, “Y ou’re going to say yes. W e are going to do whatever it takes to get Nathan through this. Merlin, you love that boy . In his eyes, you are his father . We can’ t turn our backs on him. No matter what Freya has done.” “You’re sure about this?” Merlin asked. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “W e will make it work. Whatever it takes. Nathan needs you.” “I know . I’m just scared.” “Of course, you are,” Arthur said placing his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders, “I would be too.” Merlin smiled his blue eyes shining with tears, “I’ll have my son back.” “Yes, you will.” Morgana returned with Freya helping her to sit down again. She looked up at Merlin with such hope in her eyes and he sat down taking her hands in his again and nodded. “Freya, you don’ t have to worry . Nathan can stay here with me…with us.” “Oh, thank God,” she said, hugging him as tears slid down her face. “Thank you, Merlin… Arthur , you have no idea what this means to me.” “Nathan will have a home here with us. It may not be the most conventional family , but we will love him and take care of him. He will want for nothing,” Arthur said as he bent over to embrace her . Mor gana looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. “Freya,” she said, “I can assure you that I will be here for Nathan as well. The whole team will be. Y ou won’ t have to worry about him.” Gwaine came back inside with Nathan then and the boy looked at Merlin. “Merlin?” Merlin got up and hugged him, “Nathan, you want to come live with me?” Nathan gave him a tearful nod and threw his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “I wasn’ t sure you would want me.” “God, Nathan, I never stopped loving you, son, not once,” Merlin said in a choked whisper . “Blood or not, you were always my boy .” “I love you too,” Nathan laughed, and Merlin drew back to look into his eyes. “You really want to be a storm chaser?” “Yes, more than anything. Just like you.” Merlin turned to Freya, “Where are you staying?” “We have a motel room in town. I wanted to bring Nathan here myself. T o speak to you in person.” Arthur met Merlin’ s gaze then looked at Freya, “Let us make some calls and get you a bed in a care facility where you will have nurses to assist you for however much time you have left.” “I cannot af ford that, but thank you, Arthur .” “I insist, Freya. I will cover all the costs. Y ou need to be cared for ,” Arthur said then looked at Mor gana and she nodded taking a seat next to Freya. “I will take care of it.” “You don’ t owe me anything, Arthur . You don’ t even know me.” “I want to help, Freya. Please accept, if only for the fact that it will help Nathan to know his mother is cared for .” “Mom, please, they are right. Y ou need to be in a place where you will be taken care of,” Nathan said. “I am your son, but I can only do so much.” “Let us help,” Merlin crouched down in front of her and smiled, “Everything is going to be okay . I promise.” “Merlin, you are such a good man. I am so sorry I hurt you.” “It’s forgotten.” “You do look happy ,” Freya said, “So, I suppose it was for the best because you wouldn’ t have Arthur .” Merlin nodded, “I did love you, Freya.” “I know you did, but we were not meant to be. I was happy with Kevin until this happened. I suppose I can’ t blame him for leaving. I’ve been going through treatments for over a year . The stress, the money , the pressures of having to take care of me while raising Nathan. It was too much for him.” “He’ s a fucking bastard,” Arthur said. “Why didn’ t you tell me sooner?” Merlin asked, “I could have helped you.” “I didn’ t want to bother you. If not for Nathan, I wouldn’ t have come to you now . If I had any other option…” “No, Freya, I am glad you came to me. I love Nathan, I wouldn’ t want anyone else to have him. He’ s my son.” Freya’ s eyes filled with tears and Merlin hugged her . “We will need to meet with a lawyer before…before I go,” she said. “I’ll call my attorney ,” Arthur said, “I will set up a meeting as soon as possible.” “I don’ t know what to say , you are all so kind,” Freya smiled as she caressed Merlin’ s cheek, “Thank you…all of you.” Two days after , Mor gana had arranged for Freya to move into a hospice care facility just twenty minutes away . Arthur ’s lawyer had taken care of all the paperwork putting a rush on everything to make sure by the time Freya passed Nathan would be legally adopted by Merlin and Arthur both. It had only taken sixteen days for her condition to deteriorate. Merlin was so grateful to Arthur , accepting Nathan without hesitation or question. Not only as Merlin’ s son, but to adopt him as his own. He smiled sadly , tears in his eyes, as he stood on the small, covered patio outside Freya’ s room watching the rain fall. Behind him, the sliding glass door was open, and he could hear Freya’ s ragged gur gling breathing that his mother always referred to as the death rattle. He had heard it before when his grandfather was dying. The end was not far of f. It was only a matter of hours. Nathan was struggling to remain strong for his mother . He was far too young to have to deal with the loss of his mother . “Dad…” Merlin turned around to see Nathan standing in the doorway , his eyes red from crying. He stepped inside and hugged him. They walked over to Freya’ s bedside together . Her eyes were open, but she wasn’ t seeing them anymore. Her hands were trembling where they lay across her breasts. “Nathan,” Merlin said, “She’ s holding on for you, son. T ell her it’ s okay .” Nathan nodded then stepped closer to the bed. He leaned over and brushed his mother ’s hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. “Mom, I’m gonna be okay . You can go now . I love you,” he said, his mouth next to her ear . He held her hand in his kissing her fingertips which were blue. “You don’ t have to worry , Freya,” Merlin said softly , placing a hand on the back of Nathan’ s neck, “I’m going to take care of our boy .” Three minutes later she fell silent and still and the alarm sounded. Nathan turned and buried his face against Merlin’ s chest sobbing quietly . “Shh, I’ve got you,” Merlin whispered, kissing the side of his head. Freya had insisted on not having any kind of funeral service. She just wanted to be cremated and her ashes scattered somewhere pretty . So, a week later , Merlin, Arthur , and Nathan stood on the edge of a beautiful lake in the woods and released her ashes into the wind with a little help from Merlin’ s magic to carry them far and wide. Gwaine and Mor gana stood nearby watching. “On the wings of a butterfly , Mom,” Nathan said with a soft smile. Merlin whispered a word of magic and suddenly the air was filled with tiny blue butterflies. Nathan let out a delighted laugh and grabbed Merlin’ s hand. “Thank you, Dad.” “I remember how much she loved butterflies,” Merlin smiled and nodded. “We can go now ,” Nathan said. Arthur hugged them both then they walked back to Excalibur . “Let’ s go to Grubbs and get some lunch,” he said. “Go ahead without us,” Mor gana said, “I have a doctor ’s appointment in an hour . We will see you later . Nathan, if you need anything just ask. I love you.” “Thank you, Mor gana, love you too,” he smiled and got into the backseat. “See you boys later ,” Gwaine nodded then helped Mor gana into his truck. “Later , Gwaine,” Merlin said then got behind the wheel while Arthur got into the passenger seat. “Dad, can we have a bonfire tonight?” “Sure, I don’ t see why not,” Merlin smiled then started the engine and turned the truck around to head back up the dirt road. “Thank you.” Arthur turned around in his seat and reached back to ruf fle Nathan’ s dark blonde hair . “Like Morgana said, anything you want or need just ask, okay .” “Okay ,” he nodded, “Arthur , since you have adopted me too…what should I call you?” “You can call me whatever you want. Merlin is Dad so that’ s taken,” he smiled. “I’ve always called my father ‘father ’ but whatever you feel comfortable with. I am fine with just calling me by my name too.” Nathan smiled, “Father sounds too formal.” “Just call us both Dad and use our name to dif ferentiate when necessary ,” Merlin chuckled. “That works,” Nathan nodded. “Are you doing okay?” Merlin asked. “I’m good, Mom’ s no longer in pain. She is free.” “My mother died giving birth to me, I never had the chance to know her ,” Arthur shook his head, “I know it isn’ t the same, but if you need to talk to me about anything I am here for you.” “I know , thank you, Dad,” Nathan smiled at Arthur . They pulled up in front of Grubb’ s and parked, Merlin shut of f the engine and they got out walking into the restaurant with Nathan between them. Arthur put his hands on the boy’ s shoulders and guided him through the door . Merlin smiled and then followed. Into the Fold That evening they had the bonfire that Nathan asked for , and everyone showed up to help him say goodbye to his mother . He was immediately adopted by the whole team. Merlin watched him throughout the evening surrounded by acceptance and love, and it made him happy . He lifted his head as a butterfly fluttered through the sky above him. He smiled and nodded. “He’ s going to be okay , Freya,” Merlin whispered. The butterfly fluttered around his head and then flew toward Nathan. He looked up and saw it and mouthed ‘ I love you, Mom’. Then with a wide grin, he held his hand up in the air . The butterfly landed on his fingertip for just a moment then flew away . He glanced over to meet Merlin’ s gaze with tears in his eyes. Morgana saw the whole thing and she came up behind Merlin resting her arm on his shoulder . “Did you do that?” she asked, and he responded with a slight shake of his head. “That was incredible.” “I’m a dad,” Merlin said his voice catching in his throat. “And you are a wonderful one. Y ou and Arthur both, I am so proud of you two. I am scared shitless as it is to be a mother . I cannot imagine what you are going through.” “I have always felt that he was mine, I never should have let Freya push me out of his life… keep me away . I should have fought to stay in the picture.” “What matters is you are here now . When he needs you most. Nathan is welcome to come stay with us if Camelot ever gets too cramped for the three of you.” Merlin smiled, “W e are good. He has taken over the fold-down bunk over the cab. He loves it. Calls it his tower room. Even has a small TV up there and storage. It will suit him for a while until we get the house built.” “How are you and Arthur going to balance fatherhood and the job while still keeping your relationship on track?” “I have no clue,” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “But Arthur has been amazing with Nathan.” “Probably because he reminds him of himself at that age.” “You think so?” Merlin asked as he watched Arthur put his arm around Nathan giving him a plate of food, encouraging him to eat. “They are very similar ,” Mor gana smiled then nudged Merlin’ s shoulder . “Percival and Nicole, they are getting quite close.” “He’ s always had a thing for nurses,” Merlin chuckled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am good,” he looked up at her and nodded. “I love you,” Mor gana kissed his cheek. “Love you too.” “You should eat something, Merlin, I’ll go fix you a plate,” she said then headed for the long tables that were lined with food before Merlin had a chance to refuse. Arthur looked at her , smiling as she approached and said something to him. He looked over at Merlin and nodded then quickly dished up food. He passed the sacred tools of the grill master and the apron over to Gwaine then headed toward Merlin, pausing just long enough to grab two bottles of beer from the cooler . “Hey good lookin’…whatcha got cookin’?” Merlin grinned. “My lovely sister just scolded me for neglecting my beautiful husband,” Arthur handed him the plate and one of the beers then kissed him. “For give me.” “You’re for given. Thank you.” “Are you okay?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to Merlin’ s. “Yeah, I am.” Arthur followed Merlin’ s gaze toward Nathan and nodded. “Y ou’re worried about him… scared. I know I am. But he’ s a great kid, smart as hell. It’ s almost scary how much he knows about weather and storm chasing.” “Yeah, and I can’ t very well tell him he can’ t do it, because in truth I was a bit younger than him when I started getting into storm chasing. What if something happens to him?” “Merlin, we will protect him, keep him grounded and focused. He’ s a Pendragon now , my father has already set up a trust for him and an account for his education,” Arthur smiled, as Merlin jerked his head around to look at him. “You’re serious?” “He insisted. Nathan will have the best education and a job waiting for him when he graduates if he wants it. Though I have a feeling we’re looking at the next generation of Excalibur Storm Chasers.” Merlin took a bite of the grilled chicken. “If only I could make the job of the storm chaser unnecessary .” “Would you stop if someone invented the perfect solution to predicting and warning people that made your job obsolete?” Arthur asked. Huffing a laugh, Merlin shook his head, “No, I wouldn’ t.” “Yeah, I didn’ t think so.” “Arthur , I need to say something…” “You really don’ t.” “Prat, shut up, and let me say this. Y ou have been incredible through all this with Nathan and Freya and helping me take care of things. All you did for Freya. Y ou didn’ t hesitate, accepting Nathan, adopting him. It means more to me than I can ever express. And now to know that your father is doing so much for him as well. Thank you is not enough.” “Merlin, it wasn’ t even a question…Nathan is your son. I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is taken care of and has support and love. I know what it’ s like to miss your mother . He has you and he has me and he has all of them,” Arthur nodded pointedly . “That he does,” Merlin smiled taking a bite of the baked beans and Dutch Oven potatoes. “What would you think about taking a week or so of f before school starts and we take Nathan sailing?” Arthur asked, “I know it will cut into storm season, but I think it would do us all some good.” Merlin nodded, “Y es, yes, I think that would be good. The team can handle things while we are gone.” “I will make plans then, if you are in.” “I’m in…let’ s do it.” Arthur smiled and kissed him then stole a deviled egg of f his plate popping it into his mouth. Merlin glared at him. “You stole my egg.” “Mmm, and it was delicious. Gwen makes the best deviled eggs.” “I wouldn’ t know since you just stole mine, you ass,” Merlin said though his eyes were glinting with mirth. “Y ou owe me.” “Ah, I am quite certain I will find a way to make amends,” Arthur said kissing him again. “Promise?” “Oh, yes.” “I can see I am going to need my earplugs tonight,” Nathan chuckled as he walked over and flopped down on the ground in front of them. “And maybe a blindfold too,” Arthur smirked. “Nathan, um, I guess we never really talked about this,” Merlin said blushing. “Please, Dad, I am almost fifteen. I don’ t need the talk ,” he smiled. “I have been around plenty of kids my age and adults who have same-sex relationships. Anyone can see that you two belong together . I would much rather live with two people who love each other and respect each other than what I lived with before. Kevin treated Mom horribly and I kept trying to get her to leave him, but she wouldn’ t. He had her self-esteem so beaten down that she wouldn’ t stand up for herself. I think she believed she deserved his treatment.” “He beat her?” Merlin asked, his voice cold. “No, never , he wouldn’ t dare lay a hand on her . He used words instead and sometimes words cut deeper and leave more scars.” “Did he ever hurt you?” Merlin asked ready to launch a full-on manhunt for the bastard and flay him alive if he did. “No, he pretty much left me alone. Ignored me like I wasn’ t even there. Unless I did something that reminded him…like set the shed on fire,” Nathan grinned. “You did?” Arthur asked. “Oh, I did. Should have seen him. He was so red in the face I thought his head would explode.” Both Merlin and Arthur struggled to contain their laughter . Nathan smirked, “He was pissed that I refused to accept him as my father figure. I told him he didn’ t deserve it. I told him that you were my dad,” he said, looking at Merlin, “No one else ever mattered to me.” “Merlin told me about you,” Arthur said, “Not long after we started working together .” “You did?” Nathan asked and Merlin nodded. “Nathan, we were just discussing maybe taking a week or so of f before school starts and going sailing. W ould you like to go?” “Sailing?” Nathan asked a huge grin on his face, “Y es, I would love that.” “Good,” Arthur nudged the boy’ s leg with his foot, “As long as you promise not to set anything on fire.” “I promise no fires,” he laughed. “Also, I got a call from my father…now your grandfather . He is setting up a trust for you and you will have an account to use for your education. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to study , and a job waiting for you when you graduate if you want it.” Nathan’ s eyes were shining with tears as he shook his head. “Really?” he asked. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “My boy , you are a Pendragon now .” “I never even thought about that. God, I don’ t even know what it’ s like to have a father , much less two fathers and a grandfather . But to have an actual education, a future…” Merlin nodded, “I know it’ s a lot. I had trouble with it myself in the beginning. I was using a duct-taped duf fel bag when Arthur showed up. Next thing I know I not only had a new bag but all the funding I needed and Excalibur to chase storms in.” Nathan nodded his eyes growing serious, “Gwaine told me what happened, Dad, that you nearly died. Y ou can’ t die on me.” “Gwaine shouldn’ t have told you,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes a bit. “Merlin knows he can’ t take stupid risks anymore,” Arthur said, looking pointedly at his husband. “So does Arthur ,” Merlin huf fed, staring back at him. “Risks are a part of the job,” Nathan said, “I know that. Just don’ t die on me, either of you. I can’t lose anyone else.” “All right,” Merlin nodded. “No dying,” Arthur said. “What’ s for dessert?” Nathan asked, then jumped up to go find out leaving his fathers grinning from ear to ear . “We’re going to have our hands full with that one,” Arthur grinned. “Yeah, and I have no fucking clue how to be a father .” “You’re doing fine so far .” “I am not exactly the best role model for a teenage boy .” “That’ s not true, Merlin. When are you going to stop doubting yourself?” “Probably never ,” Merlin gave him a sheepish grin. Arthur kissed him, “Y ou are the best man I know or will ever know . There is not a single person here who would disagree with me. Y ou for get that you built this…all of it. W ithout you, none of this would be possible.” “I had help.” “And those people who helped did so because they respect, admire, and care about you. They wouldn’ t be here if they didn’ t.” Merlin looked at Arthur , his eyes wide and filled with intense emotion, “Y ou wouldn’ t be here. Though I sometimes find myself wondering if you’d have come back to me if I hadn’ t been on death’ s door .” Arthur stared at him in silence for what seemed like an eternity then shook his head. “T o be completely honest, I don’ t know what I would have done. But I can tell you that leaving you was the worst thing I ever did in my life and my deepest regret. And I understand that we may never be able to get past it, but I love you, Merlin. I am here now , and I am not going anywhere.” “No, I know ,” Merlin shook his head, “I’m sorry . I shouldn’ t have said that.” “If it’ s what you feel then yes, you should. W e can’ t deal with these lurking shadows in our relationship until we shine the light on them. I need you to be open with me, Merlin. No matter how much it hurts to hear .” “I don’ t want to hurt you, Arthur . It’s not your fault what happened. I don’ t blame you for leaving, not really . And I am so fucking glad that you came back to me. I’m sorry .” Arthur took Merlin’ s nearly empty plate and placed it on a chair pulling him into his arms. “What do you say we take a walk, just you and me?” “I’d like that.” “Great, come on,” Arthur motioned to Mor gana, and she nodded understanding his nonverbal communication. He took Merlin’ s hand, and they walked around the front end of the motorhome and headed down a trail that followed the river into the wooded area beyond the meadow . The sun was just dipping toward the horizon. “I want to show you the spot where I would like to build our house.” “Okay ,” Merlin grinned, letting go of Arthur ’s hand as they climbed the trail to a rise that overlooked the whole property . “It’ s gor geous up here.” Arthur ran across the grass to a stand of trees. He looked back at Merlin with a grin on his face. “Over here,” he called out and Merlin ran after him into the shade of the trees. Arthur stopped and moved aside to reveal a hammock stretched between the two lar gest trees and Merlin laughed. “A hammock?” “Yeah, why not?” he smirked then laid down in the extra wide canvas hammock and reached for Merlin. “Get in here, it will hold both of us. I had Percival bounce around in it to make sure it would.” “Percival?” Merlin laughed heartily , “That would have been a sight to behold.” “Mer—lin,” Arthur said dragging out his name and beckoning him with his fingers. “You’re absolutely crazy ,” Merlin shook his head then eased himself into the hammock and Arthur ’s waiting arms. “There, see, perfect,” Arthur said kissing him. “Mmm, this is quite comfortable. V ery bouncy ,” he grinned then rolled over on top of Arthur demonstrating said bounciness by rocking his hips into him. “Oh, this could be interesting indeed.” “Indeed,” Arthur said pulling him down for a kiss that sent a shiver of arousal all through his body . “Fuck, this is an even better idea than I thought,” he moaned as Merlin proceeded to wiggle and writhe on top of him. “There’ s no one else around,” Merlin said huskily , biting at Arthur ’s bottom lip, “Shall we experiment?” “God, yes,” Arthur panted already fully hard in anticipation. “Mmm, I think this will require a bit of assistance,” Merlin smirked then his eyes flashed gold and their clothes and shoes vanished. Arthur looked around to find them draped neatly over a low tree branch. “Magic makes you entirely too lazy , Merlin,” he chuckled. “No, I just figured it was faster , seeing as we would have to get out of the hammock to undress.” “You are very wise,” Arthur kissed him filthily as his hands slid down his back to cup his perfect arse. Merlin moaned closing his eyes as he felt their cocks align together his magic creating a little slickness. “Fuck, Merlin…that’ s…oh yes.” “You in me or me in you,” Merlin asked, his mouth devouring Arthur ’s collarbone and his shoulders. “Whatever you want, baby ,” Arthur chuckled, “Whatever you want.” “Mmm, yep, I really like you calling me that,” Merlin grinned then he raised up on his knees and leaned back gripping the hammock with both hands as he stretched his legs out spreading them apart so he could position himself on top of Arthur and align them perfectly . His eyes flashed gold and he shivered as the magic flowed between them opening him up. “Oh, this is…” he moaned as he reached between his legs to finger himself while Arthur watched. “God, you are stunning,” he said, and Merlin threw his head back, his mouth open in a cry of bliss as he worked his fingers in and out faster and deeper until he was ready for Arthur . “Come on, baby , I need you…I need to be inside you.” Merlin shifted carefully , trying to keep from dumping them out of the hammock onto the ground while getting into position. Arthur gripped his cock holding it in position while Merlin fully impaled himself on it with one thrust punching the air from his lungs in the process and his eye went wide and dark with arousal. “Oh fuck, that is good,” he panted the angle putting direct pressure on his prostate causing a rush of heat and sparks behind his closed eyelids. “Arthur…” “Merlin, fuck, are you all right?” he asked with a breathless laugh. “Mmhmm…brilliant…you’re a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Here’ s where the bounce comes in handy ,” Arthur said as he gripped Merlin’ s thighs and thrust upward into him. “Holy fuck,” he growled, and Merlin rocked into him. They found the perfect rhythm, using their body movements in conjunction with the hammock’ s flexibility . “God, Merlin…so good, baby…you feel so good.” Gripping the hammock tightly Merlin spread his legs apart more until his bare feet reached the very edges of it. He let out a stuttered groan just as Arthur thrust upward hitting his prostate dead on again and again. “Arthur…Arthur…fuck, I am so close. Need to switch.” “You’re in control,” Arthur said his chest heaving. Merlin moved, letting Arthur slip out of him then he turned over onto his stomach and gripped the ends of the hammock finding balance on his knees as Arthur shifted a bit forward fingering him as he kissed the curve of his arse and flicked his tongue against his entrance pushing it inside. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned. “Hold on,” Arthur said as he moved into position behind him. The awkward angle was like nothing they ever tried before so he eased into him carefully and Merlin chanted his name. “Okay?” “Yes, yes, fuck me, Arthur .” It took a moment for Arthur to get in sync with the hammock’ s movements but finally , it all aligned, and he was pounding into Merlin hard, deep, and fast. “Oh, that is good, so good,” Arthur grunted. He didn’ t let up until Merlin was trembling and whimpering with every thrust. He stopped to catch his breath. Merlin let go of the end of the hammock and Arthur laid back bringing Merlin back with him so that he was lying on his chest still impaled on his cock. “Hold on, Merlin,” Arthur growled and pushed his feet against the ropes on the edges utilizing the full bounce of the hammock driving upward into Merlin while wrapping a hand around his cock. “That’ s it, baby , I want you to come for me,” he whispered in his ear , biting his earlobe. “Fuck, fuck, Arthur ,” Merlin shuddered violently . He came hard, his seed shooting into the air and Arthur followed spilling inside him. “Holy…” Merlin said his chest heaving. They were both shaking with the aftershocks of their releases. “Definitely one of my better ideas,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “God, yes,” Merlin grinned. “We are definitely keeping this,” he said. They lay together until the sun had gone down then managed to drag themselves out of the hammock and got dressed before walking back down to the party which was still in full swing. Percival gave them a knowing wag of his eyebrows and Merlin blushed profusely . “I assume it passed the test,” Percival said keeping his voice low as he winked. “With flying colors,” Arthur grinned. “You don’ t mind if I try it out myself sometime, you know?” “Not at all,” Merlin laughed. Someone had brought a couple of acoustic guitars which Merlin was immediately drawn to. He picked up one and Nathan grabbed the other . They sat down by the fire and started to play together like they used to. Singing songs while everyone watched. “I didn’ t know Merlin could sing,” Mor gana said, and Arthur smiled. He loved seeing the spark of joy and mischief in his husband’ s eyes again. “He is a man of many talents,” Arthur said. “I’m sure he is,” Mor gana giggled nudging her brother , “Getting it on in the woods, Arthur . I am impressed.” “Shut up,” he laughed and kissed her cheek then went to sit between Merlin and Nathan who passed the guitar to Arthur . He took it and started to play along with Merlin. Mor gana was beaming at them as Gwaine wrapped his arms around her , placing a hand on her belly . “I think they are going to be okay ,” he said. “Yes, they will be,” Mor gana said leaning back against his chest, “I love you.” “Love you too, baby ,” Gwaine smiled, kissing her tenderly . “I’m going to help Gwen and Nicole with the clean up then we can head home.” “Okay ,” he said, “Just let me know when you’re ready to go.” Morgana walked behind Arthur and Merlin then stopped to kiss the top of Nathan’ s head. He looked up at her with a wide grin. “Quite a group we have,” Percival said to Gwaine as he placed a hand on his friend’ s shoulder . “Yeah,” Gwaine said with a nod, his eyes shining with tears, “And I would die to protect each and every one of them.” “Me too,” Percival patted his shoulder then went to help Nicole. After finishing another song, Arthur leaned over to kiss Merlin, and everyone applauded, cheered, and whistled. Merlin laughed at something he whispered in his ear then shoved him playfully while Nathan rolled his eyes and reached over to grab a Pepsi from the cooler . Gwaine smiled. It was so good to see Merlin finally allowing himself to be happy . He had Arthur back and he had Nathan now . Perhaps he would start to realize that there was too much to live for to keep putting himself in harm’ s way . “Penny for your thoughts,” Leon said nudging Gwaine’ s arm. “They’re worth at least a nickel, if not a dime,” Gwaine huf fed. “How about I give you a quarter and you tell me what’ s got you looking so pensive?” “Just a feeling. Maybe Mor gana is rubbing of f on me,” he chuckled. “Well, if I were you, I would trust that feeling,” Leon nodded. “What’ s going on?” “Just can’ t help but feel like this is the calm before the storm. Which in our line of work is literal.” “You think something big is coming?” Gwaine shook his head, “Y eah, maybe.” “We’ll just have to keep alert and watch out for them,” Leon said nodding pointedly at the group. “If it will make you feel any better , I will go on up to the auto shop and check on things.” “Thanks, man.” “No, problem,” Leon said then headed up the hill on foot. “Where’ s Leon going?” Arthur asked as he stood up and walked over next to Gwaine. “To the shop.” “Anything wrong?” Arthur asked. “Not yet,” Gwaine shook his head. “What did the doctor say?” “Everything is looking good. W e are ten and a half weeks along.” “You’ll be a great father , my friend.” “You’re doing pretty well in that department I see,” Gwaine smiled. “Making it up as I go along,” Arthur huf fed. “Arthur , it’s no secret that I was pissed as hell at you for leaving Merlin the way you did. He explained to me what happened, but it was all I could do not to jump on a plane and fly to London to drag your arse back here.” Arthur nodded, “I know . I will regret what I did for the rest of my life.” “No, you’re going to fucking let it go,” Gwaine said, turning to face Arthur . “You’re going to focus on the here and now and for get the past because if you don’ t it will eat away at you until nothing is left and Merlin needs you. Nathan needs you. Let it go…” “I will try ,” Arthur said. “Next time I will kick your fucking arse,” Gwaine gave him a tight-lipped grin. “There won’ t be a next time, I can assure you of that.” “Good to know . Don’ t get me wrong. I know Merlin played his part. He has been my best friend…my brother for a long time and I know how he can be. I know he shut you out and pushed you away . But, man, after you left he went down a bad road. I think he was intent on taking himself out one way or another . That day…” Gwaine shook his head fighting tears, “God, that day when I crawled into Excalibur . I blamed myself because I should have seen it coming. I should have seen how bad it truly was, but I didn’ t…I messed up and nearly lost him.” “You couldn’ t have stopped Merlin anymore than I could if I had been here, Gwaine. Even before I left, he wouldn’ t listen to me.” “Look, I don’ t want to keep hounding you. God, Arthur , you are a good man, and you don’ t deserve to have the blame laid at your feet. W e all were hesitant to even tell you how bad it got. But you need to know .” “Thank you, Gwaine. Y ou’re right, I need to know . Merlin is not going to tell me and hell, I doubt he even realizes how bad it was.” “I’m sorry to drop this on you now . I have been trying to find the right time…” Arthur nodded, “There is no right time.” “I love you, man, I do. Just be careful,” Gwaine embraced him, and Merlin glanced up at them with a look of concern in his eyes as if he knew what they were talking about. “I will. It’ s not just me and Merlin I have to think about now…we have a teenage boy .” Gwaine looked over at Mor gana who was waving at him. “Looks like that’ s my cue to head out. I will see you later , my friend.” “Thank you, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Y ou’re a good man too and I know you’ll always take good care of my sister .” “Until my last breath,” Gwaine smiled then headed toward her as Merlin got up and walked over to Arthur . “Dare I ask what you two were talking about? W as it about me?” Arthur hugged him and kissed his lips, “It was, but nothing I didn’ t need to hear .” “Shit, I should have known he would eventually get around to it.” “Merlin, he was right to tell me.” “I guess,” Merlin shook his head and lowered his gaze, “I’m just ashamed…” “He said I need to let it go and focus on the here and now , and he’ s right. What happened is out of our control now . All we can do is focus on us…you, me, and Nathan have a whole new family dynamic to sort out. That is what is important now .” “I know . How much did Gwaine tell you?” “It’s done, Merlin. I love you and it is time to let it go. Gwaine and Mor gana headed home. Looks like the others are getting close. Let’ s get stuf f put away and go to bed.” Merlin nodded and Arthur kissed him again then they walked over to where the tables were. The food had already been cleared away , so they flipped the tables over and folded the legs then slid them into their custom storage bay beneath the motorhome. Nathan folded up the chairs that weren’ t being utilized and put them away as well. “Arthur ,” Lance said, shaking his hand, “Gwen and I are taking of f. Our babysitter is on the phone. She said Zachary is running a slight fever .” “Get going then, we’ve got this. Give him a hug for us.” “Will do,” Lance nodded then turned and headed toward their car where Gwen was already sitting in the passenger seat talking on the phone. She waved to Arthur and smiled apologetically . He waved goodbye and threw her a kiss. “What’ s wrong?” Merlin asked as he approached. “Zachary is running a fever they had to go.” “I hope it’ s nothing serious.” “Hope not. Where’ s Nathan?” “He’ s arm wrestling Percival,” Merlin chuckled. “This I gotta see,” Arthur laughed then they walked over to the pair . Percival was putting on a show pretending he was losing. Then he grunted and let Nathan win. “Ah, man, so much for being undefeated,” Percival smirked. “Right,” Nathan laughed, “Y ou let me win.” “Nope, you won fair and square, Nate, my boy .” “I’ll take my twenty bucks then,” Nathan gave him a wide grin and held out his hand. Percival put the money in his palm and then mussed his hair . “That’ s it for me, time to go home,” he winked. Nicole hooked her arm through his, “Good night boys.” “Night you two,” Merlin said. Merlin extinguished the bonfire with a word and a flicker of gold in his eyes. Nathan was already climbing into the motorhome. Arthur put his arms around Merlin then they followed. They sat on the sofa and drank a couple of beers while Nathan took a shower . He came out wearing Merlin’ s old pajama pants and Arthur ’s T-shirt which was too big for him. “Didn’ t we just buy you new clothes?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah,” Nathan grinned and shrugged, “I like to be comfortable.” “Love you, kiddo,” Merlin stood up and hugged him, “Y ou okay?” “Trying to be,” he nodded. “Good night, love you guys.” “Night,” Arthur smiled, “Love you too, buddy .” Merlin helped Arthur up of f the sofa and they made their way to the back shutting of f the lights while Nathan climbed into his bunk. They walked into their bedroom and closed the door. Merlin stripped and headed into the shower while Arthur undressed and laid back on the bed closing his eyes. He dozed of f and was treated to a dripping-wet Merlin crawling on top of him kissing his chest. “Hi,” Merlin said huskily as his teeth grazed Arthur ’s nipples and collarbone. “Hi,” Arthur moaned, “Thought you would be tired from our earlier workout.” “Nope, are you?” Arthur flipped Merlin onto his back and kissed him deep and hard. “Never ,” he said then kissed his way down Merlin’ s body taking his hard cock into his mouth. “Ah, that’ s good.” “The hammock was fun, but there’ s something to be said for a nice soft bed too,” Arthur said as he pushed Merlin’ s legs apart and up hooking his strong arms around them holding him still as his lips, tongue, and teeth teased his arse avoiding the actual goal driving him mad with need. “Fuck, Arthur…” Arthur grinned and pushed his tongue inside him drawing a desperate and guttural moan from his throat. He held nothing back fucking into him with his tongue then a finger joined in. Merlin was writhing on the bed his hands tangled in the bedding, head thrown back, mouth open wide. Arthur loved seeing him in such a state. He was beautiful. “I’m going to make you come just like this, baby .” “Arthur…please…” “Let go, Merlin…just let go,” Arthur kissed the cheek of his arse then his mouth traveled upward over his balls to the base of his cock, his tongue trailing upward along his length to tease the slit before swallowing him down at the same moment his fingers hit his prostate and Merlin bit his bottom lip to keep from crying out in pleasure. “God, Arthur that feels good…too good.” Arthur bobbed his head up and down hollowing out his cheeks and pushed in a third finger sending Merlin over the edge. His seed hit the back of Arthur ’s throat and he swallowed greedily before letting him slip from his mouth and immediately moved up between his legs and thrust into his spasming hole. “Oh, fuck, that feels incredible,” Arthur groaned snapping and rolling his hips. “Merlin…” “Arthur , harder ,” Merlin gasped his body shaking with the aftershocks of his release. “Ah, baby , you are amazing, I love you.” Merlin raised his legs up over Arthur ’s shoulders changing the angle of penetration. “Fuck, yes, that’ s…just like that…God, Arthur…” Reaching back, Arthur cupped Merlin’ s arse pounding into him at a furious pace until finally he reached the precipice. T urning his head, he kissed and licked Merlin’ s leg as he filled him with his seed. His hips moving with short hard thrusts. “Holy hell,” Merlin gasped, and Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Every time I think it can’ t possibly get any better ,” Arthur smiled, kissing him as he lowered his legs. “Yes, I don’ t think married sex is supposed to be this good.” “It will always be with us.” “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him. “Now I need a shower ,” Arthur grinned, “Care to join me?” “Can’ t move, think I’ll just use magic.” “Lazy arse,” Arthur chuckled playfully smacking his arse as he rolled onto his side. He got off the bed and went into the bathroom. When he came out Merlin was curled up under the covers sound asleep. Arthur smiled and turned out the lights then got into bed with him. He kissed him tenderly . “Good night, Merlin.” “Mmm, night,” Merlin smiled in his sleep. Arthur was wide awake for some reason, so he reached for his phone. There was a text message from Leon with screenshots of possible severe weather activity for their area in the next couple of days. Looks like it was back to work for them. He glanced at Merlin deciding not to wake him. It would wait until morning, there was nothing indicating immediate danger . Just in case, he pulled up the live feed. Getting out of bed he slipped on his jeans and went quietly into the work area in the middle of the R V and booted up the computer and lar ge monitors. “What’ s going on, Dad?” Nathan asked as he climbed down from his bunk and came to stand beside Arthur . “Leon sent me some data, just checking it out. Nothing to worry about yet.” “That looks ugly ,” Nathan said pointing to a spot near the Nebraska-Colorado border . “The Jetstream is shifting, that’ s going to stir up some storms. There’ s a pronounced hook echo right there. Barely noticeable, but it’ s there.” “I see it,” Arthur nodded. “The dryline is setting up along here. Definite supercell development all along there.” “Impressive,” Arthur looked at him, “Y ou really taught yourself all this stuf f?” Nathan shrugged, “It was a way for me to feel connected to Dad. I ate up everything I could find online. Every photo and glimpse of him on some video no matter how blurry it was.” Arthur chuckled, “I know the feeling. Before I ever met Merlin I followed him online. Devouring every bit of information. Back then it was much harder because your dad was elusive and hated publicity…avoided it at all cost. It was only after he wrote and published Beauty and Chaos that he started to embrace it a bit, but it still makes him uncomfortable.” “That was such a great book,” Nathan said pride in his eyes, “I’ve read it probably ten times through.” “He told me he started a second book. Maybe you can encourage him to finish it.” “I’ll definitely work on him,” Nathan smiled. “We should go to bed,” Arthur said, “Looks like the next few days are going to be interesting.” Nathan stood up as he got to his feet then he hugged him. “Thank you…for everything.” “You’re welcome,” Arthur kissed the side of his head and released him. “You didn’ t have to accept me so readily , I know that. It means a lot to me.” “Nathan, you’re a part of Merlin, that makes you a part of me. I love you.” “Love you too,” he grinned. “Get to bed now ,” Arthur nudged him toward his bunk, “See you in the morning.” “Night, Dad,” Nathan said then scrambled up the ladder . “Night, Son,” Arthur smiled then turned of f the lights going back into their bedroom. “Everything okay?” Merlin asked groggily . “Yes, all good, go back to sleep,” Arthur kissed him then got into bed. “Nathan…” “He’ s fine. That kid is brilliant,” he said as he laid back on the pillows. “Are you sure he isn’t really yours?” “Positive, I didn’ t even know his mother when he was born. W ish it were so.” Arthur wrapped Merlin in his arms, drawing him against his chest. “Go back to sleep.” “Okay ,” Merlin nuzzled into the crook of his neck and closed his eyes. “God, I love you so much,” Arthur whispered. He smiled as Merlin snored softly , his warm breath against his skin. “Sleep, my love, sleep.” Conscious Destruction Merlin woke up to the sound of knocking on the door of their bedroom. “Nathan?” “Yeah, Dad, you need to see this,” Nathan said, “Hurry .” “Coming,” Merlin said, reaching over to shake Arthur awake. “Nathan needs us for something.” “Yeah, yeah, I’m up,” Arthur said pushing himself upright, throwing his legs over the side of the bed to grab his jeans while rubbing his eyes. Merlin had his jeans on and pulled a hoodie over his head then opened the door . Nathan was in the work area with a blanket and a bottle of apple juice. Merlin kissed the top of his head and looked at the screens. “What’ s going on?” “Check this out,” Nathan’ s fingers flew over the keyboard. When he hit enter all three screens switched to dif ferent areas where supercell thunderstorms were popping up all along the dryline. “Holy shit,” Merlin said. “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked as he came out of the bedroom running a hand through his messy hair . He looked at the screens and he was suddenly wide awake. “Fuck…” Nathan turned to look at them, “I couldn’ t sleep so I upgraded your system with all the new tracking tools and graphics programs. The tiny hook echo we saw last night in northwestern Nebraska turned into a tornado, touched down three hours ago, with winds over two hundred miles per hour . Damage information is incoming, but it looks like a possible EF4-EF5. T wo towns took a direct hit. This is going to get ugly .” Merlin leaned over the keyboard hitting keys checking out what Nathan had done to the system and smiled. “Impressive, you’re a genius,” he nodded mussing his son’ s hair . “Thanks,” Nathan grinned. Arthur pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent out a text alert to all the team’ s phones. “Calling in the calvary ,” he said. “What’ s the plan?” “Good, we are going to need to mobilize quickly . Glad we have both vans back. Let’ s do Gwaine, Mor gana, and Nathan in van one and Leon, Elyan, and Percival in two.” “You’re actually letting me go along?” Nathan asked, his eyes lighting up. Merlin nodded, “As long as you promise to stay in the van. Gwaine will keep you safe. I need you to man the equipment and be our eyes. Do you think you can handle that?” “Yes, absolutely ,” Nathan said then jumped up and hugged Merlin tightly , “Thank you!” “Yeah, yeah, go get dressed,” Merlin laughed, and the boy headed for his bunk to get ready while Merlin took his place at the workstation typing in a password to log in to the team database. “You sure?” Arthur asked, keeping his voice down. “We need another pair of eyes. And, as I said, I was younger than him when I started, and he is far more technologically savvy than anyone I could hire. Besides, he will be in the van with Gwaine who is already focused on keeping Mor gana and the baby safe. Nathan couldn’ t be in better hands.” “True,” Arthur nodded, “Which way are we headed? What’ s your magic telling you?” “Everything in me is saying to stay close to home. The dryline is there, the jet stream is running along here, that’ s going to steer the lar gest of the supercells this way . My magic is telling me to position us somewhere in this area,” he pointed toward the screen indicating an area about fifteen to twenty miles northwest of homebase. “V an one should stick closer to us. V an two will run up this highway to watch our flank and alert us to any oddities.” Arthur ’s phone chimed with incoming texts. “They’re all on their way . Lance said he and Gwen have been up all night with Zachary , but if we need him to call. He really misses chasing.” “He needs to be with his family ,” Merlin said. “Okay , I am going to finish getting dressed,” Arthur kissed Merlin’ s head and then went back into the bedroom. “Is this suitable storm chaser attire?” Nathan asked as he turned around in a circle. He was wearing jeans, boots, and a tattered T wister movie T -shirt that looked oddly familiar and Merlin chuckled. “Where did you find my old shirt?” he asked. “Mom had a box with all your stuf f in it. I might have raided it and pulled out some things. I also have your old notebooks and a shoebox of photos,” Nathan grinned, “Oh, and I have your old watch. I had it repaired so it works again.” He held up his wrist and Merlin reached out to run his fingers over the old watch and the leather band and smiled. “It was my father ’s,” he nodded, “It’ s the only thing I have of his.” Nathan’ s smile faltered, “Y ou should have it back then.” He started to take it of f, but Merlin shook his head and gripped his hand. “It’s where it should be. Y ou wear it, son.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Merlin said, “Y ou’re my boy . He would be proud of you…as I am.” Nathan hugged him. When he drew back, he quickly swiped away a tear . “Thank you. And thank you for letting me go along on the chase with you.” “Yes, well, it would be rather hypocritical for me to tell you that you’re too young to go. I was younger than you when I started chasing storms. As soon as I learned to drive I started taking my Dad’ s old truck out, against my mother ’s wishes, following storms. Then I totaled it and had to save up money to buy another old clunker to use.” “I bet Grandma Hunith was pissed,” Nathan grinned. “Just a bit,” Merlin laughed. “I love you, Dad.” “Love you too, Nathan. Thank you for what you did here. This is great.” “It was nothing. There are some other upgrades that are rather expensive, but they would speed everything up and give us more tools to utilize.” Merlin smiled and then got up from the chair . “Make us a list of what you think we need, and I will discuss it with Arthur . Right now , I need to get myself ready to go.” He headed toward the bedroom as Arthur was coming back out. He kissed him then winked and went into their bedroom to grab his boots and into the bathroom to try and tame his wild hair . “Twister , huh?” Arthur asked tugging at the ratty old T -shirt. “It was Dad’ s,” Nathan grinned. “Might have known. Ah, you’re missing something,” Arthur said then went to a row of drawers. He pulled one open and took out one of the of ficial Excalibur team jackets. “Here you go, now you’re of ficial.” “Cool, thanks!” Nathan said then slipped it on, it fit him perfectly . It was black with blue and gray bands and the team logo on the back with a tornado graphic above it. “Looks good on you,” Arthur mussed his dark blonde hair . “I can’ t believe I am going chasing with you all.” “You wanted to be a storm chaser . Your Dad is the best there is. Y ou should learn all you can from him.” “And you too,” Nathan smiled then he looked at Arthur hesitant to say anything, but he needed to know . “Um, how bad was it…what happened to Dad? I overheard the others talking about it.” Arthur shook his head, “I was in London when it happened. I flew back here as soon as I got the call. Y our Dad and I had separated for a while…six months to be exact. He would have died had it not been for his magic protecting him.” “You two are good now , right?” “We’re working on it,” Arthur nodded, “W e love each other that has never changed. It’ s just that your Dad tends to put up walls and push people away when he is hurt or angry or feeling overwhelmed. I missed the signs and took it as him shutting me out…which I guess in a way he was. But I never stopped loving him and I never will. He is my heart and soul. W e have a unique bond that nothing will ever break.” “Yes, I heard the evidence of said bond,” Nathan said cheekily , and Arthur laughed. “Earplugs,” Arthur said, sticking his fingers in his ears. “I left them in my bag in Excalibur .” “Speaking of which…” Arthur said as he pulled open a drawer in the desk and took out a case. He opened it and handed Nathan his own earpiece which was fully char ged up and ready to go. He put his own in his ear and as Merlin returned he handed his to him. “Let’ s roll,” he said and opened the door stepping down to the ground. Nathan followed while Merlin locked up the R V and looked up at the sky . “I better put a little spell on Camelot to protect her in case a storm hits,” he said pressing a hand against the side as his eyes turned gold. A shimmering golden bubble grew around the motorhome sealing it inside the protective barrier .” “Handy ,” Nathan grinned as he watched. “Get in,” Merlin said steering him to the backseat. They drove up to the auto shop parking inside the empty garage bay . Arthur booted up the computers and the equipment getting it ready while Merlin made a pot of cof fee and went to the storeroom to grab the case with their drones. “What’ s in there?” Nathan asked nodding pointedly toward the case. “Drones,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou know how to fly them?” “Sweet, yes!” “Good, we will take them along in case we need to get a bird’ s eye view .” The rest of the team arrived within half an hour and twenty minutes later , they were ready to go. Merlin put his hands on Nathan’ s shoulders. “You’ll do what Gwaine tells you. Stay in the van and help him protect Mor gana and the baby .” “You got it,” he smiled. “Good boy ,” Merlin patted his cheek then headed for Excalibur , climbing behind the wheel, and starting the engine. “All aboard,” Gwaine said, tugging on the sleeve of his jacket, “That looks good on you.” “Thanks,” Nathan said then climbed into the van shutting the door . He took up his position in the back at the laptop and fastened his seatbelt. “T esting, testing, can you all hear me?” he asked. “Welcome to Excalibur , Nate,” Percival chuckled, “Y ou owe me a rematch.” “You got it, big guy ,” Nathan grinned. “Everybody ready ,” Merlin asked, looking at Arthur who was laughing. “Ready ,” Leon said. “Give me just a bit,” Mor gana said as she took a seat next to Nathan. “Let’ s get you set up back here,” she smiled, showing him what he needed to do. The kid took to it like a duck to water . “Okay , we are ready , let’s roll, boys,” she smiled as she returned to the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Gwaine started the engine and then pulled out, following Excalibur along the road to the highway . Leon and the others were right behind them. “Okay , boys and girls,” Merlin said, “As you are all now aware, we have a new team member . I know you will all watch out for Nathan. He may be young, but he is a genius and the boss’ s son.” Nathan laughed heartily , “I don’ t expect any special treatment.” “Good, because you won’ t get any ,” Gwaine said. “Okay , Nathan,” Arthur said, “Show the team what you can do.” “All right, we are heading northwest, we have supercells popping up all along the dryline. Gonna be a wild ride. W eather peeps are predicting multiple tornados possible. Already looking at a hook echo just this side of the Nebraska border . Dad’ s magic is pointing us in that direction and as you all know we always trust the magic,” Nathan said with a nod. “How’d I do, my two dads?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou’re going to fit right in, my boy .” “Good job,” Arthur smiled. “We’re going to stick fairly close to home,” Merlin said, “Everything is telling me the action is coming at us. Seems the chasers are becoming the chasees these days. Leon stick to the main highway and Gwaine you’ll watch our six but keep a safe distance. Maintain situational awareness…keep your heads on a swivel.” “You got it,” Gwaine responded knowing what his unspoken duty was…protect Mor gana and Nathan at any cost.” “Mor gana, how’ s your magic, sweetheart?” Merlin asked. “It’s buzzing beneath my skin at the moment. Never imagined that pregnancy hormones could af fect my magic. I’m good though.” “Okay , I will need your instincts. If this gets hairy . What’ s it telling you?” “That we are heading in the right direction and there are multiple rotations in the sky just itching to drop a twister . Merlin…” she added somberly . “Yeah, I know…lives are going to be lost today , I’m afraid. But we are going to do whatever it takes to lessen the impact. Nathan, give me the names of the towns that are in the most danger .” “Give me just a sec,” Nathan said then quickly finished tweaking the software and refreshed the screen. “All right…we have Marysville, Stonebridge, and Brookline…then just across the border we have Dry Creek.” “Marysville,” Merlin said, his magic spiking, “Marysville and Dry Creek are most at risk.” “The hook echo is nearly on top of Marysville,” Percival said. “Dad, there’ s another hook echo growing just west of Dry Creek,” Nathan said. “Reflectivity is showing possible lar ge hail and heavy rains.” “Which one?” Arthur asked. Merlin fell silent and intensely focused for several minutes as he drove. Then he nodded sharply . “W e’re heading to Dry Creek,” he said, “Keep watch on Marysville and the other towns let me know what pops up.” Arthur leaned forward and refreshed the feed on his laptop then pulled out his cameras to get them ready . He gave Merlin a sidelong glance. He looked tense all of a sudden, his eyes were dark with worry . It was obvious that he was torn between the two towns and hoped he was making the right decision. “Merlin…” “I’m all right.” “Trust yourself…no second-guessing.” Merlin nodded and smiled, “Right.” “Dry Creek?” Arthur asked. “Yes, Dry Creek it is.” “Leon, break of f at the next crossroad and take the highway , that will keep you on our right flank,” Arthur said. “Gwaine, hang back, watch your backs too.” “Got it,” Leon said. “Boys,” Gwaine said leaning forward to look up, “Y ou have a funnel cloud forming right above you. It’ s a tiny little rope but watch yourselves.” “See it,” Arthur said, and Merlin looked up. “It’s weak, we are good. Thanks for the heads up, Gwaine.” “No problem,” he responded. Merlin drove down the practically single-lane road that was riddled with potholes. “I need a better road, Arthur , this is not going to work.” “Next intersection…take a right.” “Got it,” Merlin said slowing to make the turn. “Dad,” Nathan said, “The hook is growing, you’re heading right for it.” “Yeah, seeing the rotation now , buddy ,” Arthur said pointing up as he snapped photos and took video. “There it goes.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Be careful.” “Hang back, Gwaine,” Merlin said, “This is the one.” He hit the gas and Excalibur ate up the gravel road heading right into the rapidly rotating and lowering wall cloud. The tornado touched down just to their left and headed right toward Dry Creek. “Fuck, I hate being right sometimes,” he muttered under his breath then pressed the brake, slowing to get a good look at the wicked twister and a feel for what it wanted to do. “Dad, this thing is not stable. Be careful. Y ou’re going to run into hail any second.” Merlin smiled as a hailstone hit the hood of Excalibur , “That’ s my boy .” Arthur grinned and snapped photos. “Look at that inflow ,” he said. “Nathan is right, this thing is not stable,” Merlin said, “It’ s all over the place. I’m going to try and cut through and make it to Dry Creek before it gets there. Percival, call in the alerts.” “Already on it,” Percival said. “Let’ s do this then,” Merlin said then put his foot down to the floor . Excalibur shot across the field heading for the main road into Dry Creek. They hit a shallow ditch and went a bit airborne before reaching the asphalt and Merlin turned the wheel a hard right and hit the gas again. They were doing nearly ninety miles an hour , and the tornado was keeping up with them easily . “Merlin, it’ s picking up speed you need to move,” Gwaine shouted as he saw the tornado ripping up and tossing a whole fence line. He swore under his breath and slowed down as posts were tossed at them like missiles. “Fuck! Hold on,” he said and turned of f the asphalt and onto a dirt road then followed a canal taking them away from the writhing base of the storm. “Boys, we are of f course. Evading incoming fenceposts.” “Get clear ,” Merlin said, “Head for Marysville and warn the people. This thing is unpredictable right now .” “Dad, we have another one, rotation just to the west between here and Marysville,” Nathan said his voice calm but tinged with fear . The real world of storm chasing was both exhilarating and freaking scary . “Be careful, you both promised, no dying.” “No dying,” Arthur nodded. Merlin looked back then shook his head, “Fuck this.” He turned the wheel to the right driving down into a shallow , dry riverbed and up the other bank. He turned left again and hit the gas as the wheels dug into the gravel spitting it out the back and they tore down the road and over the railroad tracks tearing into town with the horn blaring. Arthur flipped on the loudspeaker . People were casually walking on the street oblivious to the danger . “Fucking people do they ever heed the warnings?” Arthur muttered then held the mic up to his mouth. “Get of f the streets! Seek shelter now!” he said his tone commanding. “T ornado heading for Dry Creek, get of f the streets! Move!” People looked at their vehicle suddenly realizing who they were then scattered, running for cover . Arthur turned up the volume. “Seek shelter now! Dangerous tornado, move!” “Fuck,” Merlin said, “Hold on.” The tornado hit the railroad tracks tossing train cars and sending them rolling into homes and buildings. He hit the accelerator and turned down the main street which was nearly clear . There was a sherif f’s vehicle parked in the intersection. He saluted them as they passed then took of f toward the center of the town with lights flashing and sirens blaring. “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Where are you?” “In town, the tornado is on our ass.” “You need to get to the river ,” she said, “Run!” Merlin nodded and looked up as the tornado slammed down on the buildings to their right. “Shit,” he yelled, “The fuck…this thing is erratic.” “The river , Merlin!” Mor gana cried. Merlin hit the gas and headed down the main street crossing back over the railroad tracks before turning down River Road. The water level was low enough, so he drove across, water spraying up around them obscuring the storm until they reached the other side and headed down the highway that followed the river on one side and a concrete train bridge on the other . Spotting an unused train tunnel, Merlin drove of f the road, turned the Gladiator around positioning it to straddle the rail, then backed into the tunnel. Arthur flipped on all their exterior lights as he backed as far away from the entrance as possible. Not even a minute later the tornado passed over them. The roar was deafening, and they could feel the suction pulling at Excalibur trying to drag them out of the tunnel. “Fuck, that was close,” Arthur said. “Dad!” Nathan’ s voice crackled in their ears. “We’re okay , Nathan,” Merlin said letting out a deep breath as he laid his head back against the seat. “Where are you?” “We are in Marysville. People are cleared out. W e are heading toward the school. There’ s a storm shelter there.” “Good, get to the shelter . We will catch up as soon as we get out of this train tunnel.” “You’re in a train tunnel,” Nathan huf fed. “Mor gana, thank you for the guidance,” Arthur said. “You’re welcome,” she said her voice a little shaky . “Leon, where are you?” “We are in Marysville.” “Wait,” Nathan said, hitting the keys on the computer and then refreshing the feed. “Stop, Gwaine!” “What?” “Trust me, stop!” Nathan shouted and as soon as Gwaine pulled over , Mor gana moved to the back with him. “What do you see?” she asked. “That,” he said pointing at a dark spot right ahead of their current position, “Nearly right over the school.” “Oh, no,” she gasped, “Merlin, there’ s something unnatural happening here.” “What is it?” Merlin asked as they drove out of the tunnel. He had to gun the engine to get them over broken trees and other debris and back onto the highway then turned toward Marysville. “This storm has changed direction. It’ s no longer heading toward you.” “Doesn’ t matter ,” Nathan said, “This storm is already here. Sitting right over the town like a giant pissed-of f cat waiting for the right moment to pounce.” “Gwaine, get them out of there,” Merlin said. “No,” Nathan shook his head, we need to stay put. Right here.” “Nathan is right,” Mor gana said, feeling it in her gut, “This freaking thing is rotating in place just ahead of our position.” Leon pulled up right next to them and stopped the van, getting out to look up at the sky . It was a dark, swirling mass resembling a whirlpool in water . The others got out as well and Nathan walked into the middle of the street with camera in hand. The air was eerily still, no sound, no birds, complete silence but for the distant rumble of thunder . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked. “This is really fucking creepy ,” Gwaine said. Nathan snapped photos and took videos as well. He couldn’ t help but be in awe of the beauty and the utter chaos. This was what his dad witnessed countless times. What he wrote about in his book. “This is so cool,” he smiled. A moment later a long twisted finger lowered from the center of the darkness and touched the ground the only sound coming from it was a low groaning whistle. Then the demons were released. The finger scoured the asphalt as it moved down the street heading right for the school. “Shit,” Gwaine said wrapping his arms around Mor gana. The air remained still around them as if they were in some sort of pocket. The tornado tossed cars and ripped a roof of f the gas station. Broken power lines writhed around like headless snakes before catching spilled fuel causing the whole place to erupt in a ball of fire and a deafening roar . Flames quickly spread through the neighboring buildings and homes. The school blew apart as the tornado slammed into it with vengeful force. The roof lifted of f, practically in one piece only to be carried into the air before breaking apart. “Holy hell,” Leon gasped. “Fuck,” Percival said. “We would have been right in the middle of that had we kept going,” Elyan said, “Nathan, you saved us.” “But the people,” Nathan said, his voice breaking as Percival wrapped him in his strong embrace. “Shh, it’ s all right. W e have to hope they all made it to the town shelter beneath the school.” Merlin spotted the vans. He drove across the railroad tracks pulling up next to them, then jumped out of the truck, heading straight for his son. Nathan moved away from Percival and walked into his embrace. “Are you okay?” Merlin asked holding him. “Yeah, I’m fine. Though I have a much deeper respect for what you do,” Nathan said. “Shit,” Arthur said as he took in the scene before them. It was apocalyptic. Devastation and raging fires. He put his arm around Nathan and gently squeezed his shoulder . They stood together in silence watching the storm, there was nothing they could do to help anyone in its path. V iolent and vicious, mindless destruction and death before their eyes. The sky opened up then, dumping rain on them as they all ran for the vehicles. Nathan got into the back seat of Excalibur and Merlin started the engine while Arthur was on the phone calling 91 1 to get help. “Need to find a way around the fires,” Merlin said. “Hand me your phone, Dad,” Nathan said, and Merlin passed it back to him. He quickly pulled up the GPS location and found the school. “Okay , turn left down that alleyway go two blocks we will come to a bike trail. T ake it until we reach the bridge then cross the river there.” “The fire is out of control,” Merlin shook his head, “I need to do something.” “The rain is helping,” Arthur said, “Y ou need to focus on getting to the school. W e may need your magic to get to the people buried in the storm shelter .” Merlin turned down the alley , the vans were right behind them. “Fuck, I hate feeling helpless. People are dying and I can’ t stop it.” Nathan put his hand on the back of his neck and squeezed gently , “You can only do so much, Dad. Y ou’re only human.” “I know , but what good are my abilities if I can’ t save them all?” “You’re not meant to save everyone,” Nathan said his voice filled with emotion, “Y our job is to be a beacon of hope. That’ s your purpose. Save those you can.” Arthur looked back at him and smiled. “Couldn’ t have said it better myself.” Merlin huf fed a soft laugh and turned onto the bike trail. He looked in the rearview mirror and Nathan gave him a slight nod. Arthur reached over to pat Merlin’ s thigh. “Smart kid. Y ou should listen to him.” “Maybe so,” Merlin nodded. The bridge was still intact, but it was littered with burning debris. The rain was still coming down as they got out and started trying to clear the bridge. Percival and Leon managed to heave part of a downed tree over the railing into the river and cleared a path for them. Getting back into the vehicles they drove across the narrow bridge which was just barely wide enough as it was part of the bike trail. “Go one block then turn back toward the school,” Nathan said. Merlin hit the gas busting through more debris. Downed trees, pieces of buildings, roofs, wrecked cars, and puddles of water burning because of spilled fuel and chemicals. It was like Armageddon hit Marysville. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, pointing ahead of them, “There are people trapped in those cars.” “Percival, we have people in vehicles. See what you guys can do while the rest of us continue on to the school,” Merlin said. “On it,” Percival said as Leon pulled the van over and he got out to assess the situation. “Elyan, call 91 1, Leon, with me.” They managed to quickly get the three people out of the cars and moved them to a covered structure in the nearby park. They had only minor injuries. “Paramedics are on the way ,” Percival told them as Elyan gave them blankets and water . “We need to get to the school to help out. Y ou’re safe here until help arrives.” “Let’ s go boys,” Leon said then got back in the van. “Merlin, are you feeling that?” Mor gana asked. “Yeah, yeah, I am,” he said, “W e need to hurry .” “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Another tornado developing, just west of us.” “Shit,” Nathan said, and Merlin gave him a look. “Sorry…crap.” “Over there,” Arthur pointed toward the school. “Where’ s the entrance to the shelter?” Merlin asked. “Somewhere under all that,” Nathan said as they took in the completely collapsed brick walls and burning wood. “Holy fuck,” Gwaine said as they got out of the vehicles. Arthur opened the covers on the bed of Excalibur and pulled out shovels and flashlights. “Nathan, you should stay here.” “No, I can help, please,” he said. Merlin looked at him. “Nathan, it’ s dangerous.” “Yeah, it is, and I am going with you,” Nathan looked at him intently . Merlin turned to look at Arthur questioningly and he nodded. “Fine, you can come with us, but I want you to stay close. Grab the medical kit from the back of the truck. Mor gana, you stay in the van. There could be all kinds of chemicals and such in there. Y ou need to stay put.” “Yes, Gwaine has already made that quite clear ,” she said. Gwaine came toward them with a heavy duf fle bag of equipment. “Let’ s do this.” They made their way through the rubble, stepping carefully to avoid exposed nails, rebar , broken glass, and sharp pieces of sheet metal. Arthur scanned the area trying to spot the entrance to the shelter . “Hello! Can anyone hear me?” he shouted getting no response. “Over here!” Gwaine called out as he put gloves on and started pulling pieces of sheet metal and broken beams of f the solid steel structure in the ground near the foundation of the school. “Hello! Can you hear me?” he shouted pounding on the door . It was secured from the inside which meant there were people in there. The outside latch had been mangled beyond repair so they couldn’ t open it. Arthur and Merlin put on gloves and then helped to clear away the bricks. Merlin knelt down, splaying his hands over the cold, wet steel. His eyes flashed gold as he uttered a spell, and they heard the metal groan as the interior latch securing the door released. “Gwaine, help me,” Arthur said. They pulled the heavy door up letting it fall to the side. Turning on flashlights, they made their way down into the structure that thankfully remained intact. “Hello? It’ s okay , the storm has passed.” They heard movement and the murmur of relieved voices. Gwaine approached a group of five people huddled around three small children and two dogs. Arthur walked around a concrete dividing wall and his heart shattered. Children, all sobbing silently holding each other…more than forty of them. Around the next corner he found more children and at least twenty adults all with varying injuries and burns. “Dear God in Heaven,” he whispered tears in his eyes. Merlin appeared at his side. “It’s okay he said. The storm is passed, help is coming,” he said as he knelt down to help a young woman with a bleeding gash in her neck. “Can you tell me your name, honey?” he asked with a reassuring smile. “Angel,” she whimpered. “Good, Angel, we are going to take care of you, all right. Paramedics will be here soon. Can you tell me if you have any other injuries?” “My ankle, I think it is broken,” she said, tears streaming down her face. Merlin looked back toward the entrance where Nathan was helping to get kids up the steps then Percival and Leon were carrying them to safety while Elyan was treating injuries. “Nathan, I need you,” Merlin said. Nathan ran toward him with the medical kit and dropped to his knees and opened it up immediately getting to work. “Y ou really know what you’re doing,” Merlin smiled. “Two years of first aid and survival training,” Nathan said, “The only nice thing Kevin ever did for me.” “Angel, this is my son, he is going to help clean your wound. Nathan, her ankle may be broken as well,” Merlin said, and he nodded. “Don’ t worry , Angel, we’ve got this, yeah,” Nathan smiled at her , and she nodded gratefully . Merlin made his way over to a man who was lying on his stomach. He checked him for injuries and felt for a pulse finding none. He was dead. Likely a heart attack from the sheer terror . “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said then reached for a blanket covering the body so the children wouldn’ t see. He got up and walked along the back wall where kids were lined up on their feet, their eyes wide with fear . “I’m Merlin,” he smiled, “Are any of you hurt?” They all shook their heads not taking their eyes of f him. “Okay , I’m going to get you all out of here. Hold hands and come with me.” He took the hand of a little blonde girl and waited until the others got in line holding each other ’s hands. He led them to the door then lifted two at a time up to Percival who put one on each hip and carried them through the rubble to the road where rescue vehicles were beginning to arrive. It took two hours to get everyone out and the injured stabilized and into ambulances to be transported to hospitals. It was getting close to sunset when the team climbed out of the shelter and made their way to their vehicles. Morgana hugged Gwaine and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. The storm that was still churning to the west was losing strength, but no less a threat. Merlin could feel it pulsing, rumbling, flashes of lightning zipping horizontally across the evening sky . “What now?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, focused, and clearly troubled. “This isn’ t over .” “I was afraid you would say that.” “Where’ s Nathan?” Merlin asked, looking around. “He’ s in the van checking the weather feed. That kid is something else.” “I’d say he’ s a chip of f the old block, but yeah,” Merlin chuckled. “He may not be yours by blood, but he is your son in every other way . He’ s brave as hell… cares for people and he is smart and strong. Completely calm under pressure. Y ou should be very proud of him, I know I am.” “I am proud of him. He is in his element out here and that scares the shit out of me.” Arthur grinned, “I guess now you know what you put your mother through all these years.” “God, Mom, I am so sorry…for give me,” Merlin said shaking his head. “Where to now?” Gwaine asked. “It will be dark soon,” Mor gana frowned. “Are you okay?” Arthur asked her , giving his sister a hug and a kiss on her forehead. “I’m good, just worried.” Leon approached them running a hand through his hair . “I was talking to the sherif f,” he said, “So far there are ninety-one dead, more than two hundred injured, and countless missing.” Merlin dropped his gaze to the ground pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead. “Fuck,” he swore under his breath. Arthur cupped the back of his neck and drew him into his arms. “You can’ t do this to yourself, Merlin,” he whispered against his ear . “I feel like I’m fighting a living, breathing, conscious entity ,” he growled, “There was something wrong with the tornado that hit the hospital, there was something wrong with this one. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I have no idea how to stop it.” “Guys, you need to see this,” Nathan hollered from the van. Merlin ran over and climbed in with him. “What is it?” “Look,” he said pointing toward another dark shape on the screen, even lar ger than the one before. “This is not normal,” Merlin shook his head and hit some keys on the laptop then refreshed the feed. “Dammit,” he exhaled sharply , his elbows on his knees, chin resting on his folded hands. “Okay ,” he turned to look at Mor gana and she nodded in understanding, “Leon, you guys load up and head west on Dworshak Road, Gwaine, you, Mor gana and Nathan take Juniper Road north. Arthur and I will take Excalibur and run the diagonal between these two points,” he tapped the map. “This thing will drop at any moment, and it is going to make this last tornado look like a dust devil with an attitude.” “What are you going to do?” Mor gana asked. “I have no fucking idea how , but I have to stop it.” “How are you going to do that without killing yourself?” Arthur asked, his eyes dark. “Better me than hundreds of unsuspecting souls,” Merlin said, getting out of the van and heading for Excalibur with Arthur on his heels. “Merlin, no,” he said, “I won’ t let you do this.” “You can’ t stop me, Arthur .” “Goddamn it, Merlin, I thought we were past this.” Merlin spun around to face him, “I have no choice, Arthur . I am the only one who can do this.” “And if you die…what about Nathan, what about me? Y ou promised…” “Fuck, Arthur , I don’ t have time for this right now . I have a job to do, and I am going to do it. If you don’ t want to come, fine. Stay with Nathan,” Merlin said, tears shining in his eyes. “He will need you if…” his voice trailed of f, “Just take care of him, please.” “If you think I am letting you go out there alone to face this thing…” Merlin let out a breath and looked up at the sky running a hand through his unruly hair . “I don’t know what else to do, Arthur ,” he choked on the words and Arthur embraced him. “We will go after it, you will do what you can, but I won’ t let you sacrifice yourself, Merlin. I will fight for you, for us, for Nathan. I won’ t run away…not again. So, give me the damn keys, and let’ s go.” Merlin handed him the keys and then got into the passenger seat rebooting the laptop. Arthur got in the driver ’s seat and a moment later Nathan got into the back seat. Merlin jerked his head around. “No, absolutely not!” he shouted, “Out, go back and get in the van with Gwaine and Morgana.” “Nope, the way I figure, if I am with you, you won’ t do anything stupid and get yourself dead,” Nathan said as he fastened his seatbelt and the extra harness as well. “Let’ s roll, Dad,” he smiled, and Arthur looked at Merlin. “He’ s got a point,” Arthur said. “God, fine…you two…” Merlin said then he and Arthur both fastened their seatbelts and harnesses. Arthur glanced in the rearview mirror meeting Nathan’ s gaze. They smiled at each other despite the situation and the fear in their eyes. They both knew that if they let Merlin go on his own that he would get himself killed. The sky had turned a deep turquoise color with tinges of gold from the setting sun. Merlin handed Nathan the camera. “If you’re going to ride with us you get to handle the camera since Arthur ’s driving.” “Deal,” Nathan grinned, “Love you, Dad.” “Yeah, yeah, love you too, brat,” Merlin said his lips quirking slightly as he fought a grin. “Merlin, how are you going to do this without draining your magic?” Arthur asked. “I have no idea, but I can’ t sit by and do nothing.” “What about a magical artifact…like that crystal your father gave you?” “If I had something like that it would help, but I don’ t. Gaius said he has searched for similar artifacts for years with no luck.” “Dad, what would one of these artifacts look like?” “Usually a crystal, or something made of natural minerals or wood that has been enchanted. A magical artifact will usually have special properties that the magic will naturally bond to.” Nathan grinned, “Oh, I have something.” Merlin turned to look at him, “What?” The boy dug into his bag and pulled out a leather pouch. He loosened the drawstrings and dumped the contents into his palm. “W ill this do?” he asked grinning from ear to ear .” “Where did you get that?” Merlin asked his eyes wide as he smiled. “Your ratty old T wister shirt and Grandpa’ s watch weren’ t the only things in that box. Mom said you gave this to her when you were dating. She said you told her that it would protect her.” Merlin reached out to grasp the amulet in his hand and shook his head, “I am surprised she kept it. I thought she tossed it after we broke up.” “Does it still hold magic?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, yeah, it does,” Merlin grinned, “I can feel it.” “Will it help you?” Nathan asked. “It certainly can’ t hurt. Thank you, son.” “You’re welcome. Now , aren’ t you glad I came,” he said smugly . Merlin laughed putting the amulet over his head positioning it in the center of his chest and closed his eyes. When he opened them, his irises were bright gold. Arthur focused on driving and the twisting storm directly overhead. “Arthur , pull over and stop just before the crossroads,” Merlin said, and Arthur did as he asked. “Stay in the truck,” Merlin told them in a tone that let them know it was an order , not a request. “Merlin!” Arthur said. Merlin walked around to the driver ’s side window and Arthur lowered it. “Stay! I love you both.” He then turned and walked into the crossroads and looked up at the sky and the swirling vortex that almost seemed to be directly tar geting him. “Holy fuck,” Arthur said. “We aren’ t really going to just sit here?” Nathan asked fretfully . “Give him a bit,” Arthur nodded, though he was itching to go out there and grab Merlin and yank him back into the truck. Merlin dropped his head and closed his eyes his hand clutching the amulet. It was made of a rare stone that could no longer be found in nature. Made in the time of dragons and sorcery , it was imbued with an ancient magic more powerful than anything except for the man wearing it. Merlin threw his head back and roared stealing Arthur ’s breath away . He gripped the steering wheel watching in awe as Merlin’ s eyes turned from gold to a bright white and his body contorted and transformed before their eyes. “What the hell?” Arthur gasped. “Holy shit!” Nathan cried out. There before them in the headlights of Excalibur stood a thirty-foot purple dragon with glowing eyes and wings that lifted it of f the ground. Merlin had changed himself into a fucking dragon. Arthur and Nathan got out of the truck and watched as the dragon flew directly into the center of the storm and let loose a barrage of flames and magic. “God in Heaven,” Arthur said, his eyes filling with tears as he pulled Nathan close to his chest holding him. “Okay , now that is the coolest thing I have ever seen!” Nathan exclaimed. The dragon flew circles around and around the vortex tightening the ring until the storm had stopped its forward momentum and seemingly balked at the attack. Merlin was right, the damn thing had a consciousness and intent. This was no normal tornado. “Merlin…” Arthur said completely awestruck at what they were watching. “Get it, Dad!” Nathan shouted at the top of his lungs. The storm twisted and writhed then turned and Arthur grabbed Nathan and shoved him back into the truck. “Buckle up!” He threw Excalibur into reverse and backed away from the crossroads until he felt they were clear for the moment. The dragon punched through the vortex, its powerful wings unphased by the winds, claws ripping and tearing at the dark roiling mass as magic explosions and golden tentacles of light wrapped around the body of the tornado squeezing it, tightening the vise. The dragon swooped down low and then shot straight up the bowels of the beast until the whole thing blew apart in a spectacular shower of golden sparks and white light. Bolts of lightning struck the ground. “What the fuck is that?” Gwaine asked in their ears. “Never seen a dragon before?” Nathan asked. “No, can’ t say that I have,” Gwaine chuckled, “Fuck, Merlin, you are just full of surprises.” “That dragon is Merlin?” Leon and Percival chimed in at the same time. “Yes,” Arthur said as he got out of the truck again and Nathan followed, “Y es, it is.” Both vans pulled up and parked behind Excalibur and the whole team stood around with their mouths open staring at the incredible scene before them. The dragon swooped down and came around before flying up into the last of the storm blasting it with magic and fire. “There will be no explaining this away if anyone else sees it,” Mor gana said her eye wide and bright as she smiled. The tornado tried to form again, the winds whipping around them. The dragon roared and with a crack of its wings and a blast of fire, the magic blew it apart destroying the entity at the heart of it. W ith a high-pitched wail it died and with it the wind. Suddenly there was only silence except for the sound of leathery wings cutting through the air . The dragon landed with a thud in the middle of the crossroads. Arthur and Nathan took of f running toward it as the dragon wrapped its wings around its body and vanished leaving behind its human form lying on the ground. “Merlin!” Arthur cried out as he dropped to his knees next to Merlin’ s limp body . “God, please, no…wake up. Merlin!” “Ow,” Merlin chuckled wrapping his hand around Arthur ’s wrist. “Dad!” Nathan hugged him hard, “That was incredible. How did you do that?” “The amulet, it was handed down to me from my father and his father before him. W e are descendants of the ancient Dragonlords.” “Are you all right?” Arthur asked kissing him. “Yeah, did you see it? There was some sort of entity within the tornado. It’ s dead now .” “Can you get up?” Arthur eased his arms around him, and Merlin pushed himself to his feet swaying a bit. “Easy ,” he whispered wrapping his arms around him. “Y ou’re amazing. I love you.” “Love you too,” Merlin said his hand gripping Arthur ’s shirt. “Dad,” Nathan said, “The amulet…” Merlin looked down and smiled. He reached up and took it of f, slipping it over Nathan’ s head. “Y ou hold onto it. It will protect you.” “Will it turn me into a dragon?” he grinned. “Afraid not,” Merlin laughed mussing his hair then he hugged him tightly , “I love you, son.” “Love you too, Dad.” Merlin glanced around at his team as they surrounded him. “I need food, let’ s go,” he smiled then headed for Excalibur . Arthur and Nathan followed while the team stared after them. “Did that really just happen?” Gwaine asked, huf fing a laugh. “I think so,” Mor gana smiled. “Unbelievable,” Percival shook his head. “It is Merlin,” Leon said with a shrug then they all walked back toward the vans. Portal to Hell “What the hell was that thing?” Arthur asked Merlin as the team sat in the back of an all- night cafe eating and drinking tons of black cof fee. Merlin shook his head, “I’m not exactly sure, but it was powerful and otherworldly…almost demonic. It was gaining strength with every storm. Something was fueling it. It was evil.” Nathan was quiet, typing away on the laptop while picking at his food. Merlin tapped on his shoulder then pointed at the computer , and he looked up. “What? Oh, yeah, sorry , just give me a sec. I have a theory .” “About?” Arthur asked, taking a bite of his bur ger. “That thing…the entity ,” Nathan said, “Following a gut feeling.” “Are you sure he isn’ t your kid?” Gwaine asked Merlin. “Okay…hear me out before you tell me I am crazy ,” Nathan grinned then turned the laptop around to face Merlin. “The idea came to me because I’m a big fan of the show Supernatural. The town of Lawrence, Kansas is the hometown of Sam and Dean W inchester . Real town and not far from a rather infamous cemetery…” “Stull Cemetery ,” Mor gana said, and Nathan nodded. “Stull Cemetery took a direct hit from an EF4 tornado two months ago. It destroyed many of the oldest graves including what was left of a church that dated from the late 1800s. A church rumored to have been built over the gate to hell…a portal. What if by destroying it, the doorway was opened, and this entity escaped, attaching itself to that tornado and others since then? It has been wreaking havoc and feeding of f the souls of the dead the tornados have claimed. It explains what you said about the storms being unnatural and you said yourself that it felt like you were the chasee rather than the chaser .” “It makes sense,” Merlin nodded, “The storm that hit the hospital felt the same…like it was a conscious entity bearing down on the one place where it would find the most souls.” “How far are we from Stull Cemetery?” Mor gana asked, “W e should go there and check it out.” “Less than two hours from here,” Nathan said then looked at Merlin questioningly . Merlin nodded, “Let’ s go. If this portal is open, I have to seal it somehow to keep other entities from coming through.” “How?” Arthur asked and Merlin raised an eyebrow giving him a tightlipped smile, “The same way I killed that thing…dragon magic.” “Dragonlord magic,” Nathan grinned. “I’m in,” Mor gana said. The whole team nodded in agreement. Only Arthur held back, clearly uncertain and worried. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, “It will be okay . If Nathan’ s theory is wrong, no harm no foul.” “And if he’ s not?” Arthur asked. “Then I have to seal the portal. It’ s the only way to keep this from happening again.” “And what if there are already more of these entities on this side of the veil? Y ou’ll be making yourself a tar get for them,” Arthur said sharply . “I’m already a tar get for them. W e all are,” Merlin said, “I have to do something. These storms today and the one that hit the hospital were nothing compared to what they could produce if I don’ t stop them. The storms themselves were very real and natural, but the entity’ s power made them even more dangerous and destructive. It gave them direction and intent, using them to feed on the victims’ souls. I can seal the portal, and hopefully , that will pull any other entities that may be out there, back into hell as it closes. If I do nothing these things will continue to wipe out towns and cities.” Arthur knew Merlin was right, he looked at Nathan and nodded, “All right. Let’ s go.” They all got up, quickly downing the last of their cof fee, then headed for the exit while Merlin paid the bill. He turned to find Arthur standing behind him. “It will be okay ,” Merlin said, “T rust me.” “I do trust you. I just…” “Love you.” “Love you too,” Arthur smiled, and they left the cafe. It was nearly one in the morning when they got into the vehicles and Merlin started the engine. “Stull Cemetery ,” Nathan grinned, “T wo-hour drive will put us there during the witching hour of three to four a.m.” “That’ s reassuring,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Sorry , but I can’ t wait, I have always been into the paranormal, Dad,” Nathan patted his shoulder . “Stull Cemetery is legendary in the ghost hunter world. So many stories of hauntings and Satanic rituals and mysterious sightings.” “I don’ t think you’re helping the situation, my boy ,” Merlin chuckled as he turned out of the parking lot and onto the highway heading south. “Are you scared of ghosts?” “No,” Arthur said, “Just prefer living breathing people.” “But you believe in them, right?” “I suppose, yeah…I mean magic is real so obviously there are things that exist that we cannot necessarily explain away .” Merlin nodded, “Everything has a spirit…an ener gy, including the earth. I have seen much in my life that people would never believe if I told them.” They arrived at Stull Cemetery at exactly three a.m. and Merlin used magic to open the locked gate. No one was around as they drove down the narrow road between rows of graves. They came to the area where the tornado damage was obvious. A lar ge stone church had been reduced to rubble and multiple other headstones were damaged or toppled. Getting out of the truck, Merlin walked toward the center . “Can you feel that?” Mor gana asked him. “Yes, there’ s definitely something here,” he nodded then crouched down placing a hand on the ground his eyes flashing gold. He could feel the power emanating from within and around the church. Lowering his head, Merlin uttered words of a spell, his voice starting out low and growing louder as he stood up and looked into the sky . He heard what could only be described as hushed voices coming from all around him. “Y ou must return to where you belong,” Merlin bellowed, his voice deep and rough. “Merlin,” Mor gana said, her voice calm despite the situation they found themselves in. “Are you sure you can do this?” “I have no choice,” he said then shouted the spell again and suddenly the sky was alive with sickly green streaks of light. Nathan stepped forward. “You’re gonna need this,” he smiled, and Merlin took the amulet from his outstretched hand putting it over his head then he climbed to a high spot away from the graves. The team moved back to stand near the vehicles as they watched Merlin’ s body contort and twist then transformed into the massive dragon again. “W icked,” Nathan grinned as the dragon launched into the air . “Get down,” Arthur shouted, and everyone ducked behind the vans as the dragon soared above them and was immediately attacked by the entities…what seemed like hundreds of them. “Fuck, Merlin!” The dragon screamed through the air letting out a powerful roar and a burst of flames. It flew up into the sky , higher and higher as the entities continued their relentless attack. Flipping and rolling, wings snapping and the massive tail swiping at them. Letting out another loud roar that made the ground vibrate, the dragon dipped and dodged flying in a tight circle over the crumbled church. A burst of golden mist flowed from its mouth the streaks of green light turned and ran but the light enveloped them. Thunder rumbled across the sky and suddenly the ground opened up and the entities were sucked into it as the dragon scorched the earth sealing the rupture for good. Arthur and Nathan stood up and ran to the area, hurrying to paint the symbols Merlin showed them on each of the four cornerstones of the Church while Mor gana uttered the spell casting a blanket of protection over the land and the graves. The dragon flipped over in the air , spinning around, its wings suddenly going limp, it dropped like a stone, spiraling toward the ground and landing with a sickening thud. It then vanished leaving a deathly still Merlin lying on his back in the grass, arms outstretched. “Merlin!” Arthur screamed, running up the hill, reaching his side. “God, Merlin,” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, following Arthur . “Ow, fuck…” Merlin choked, struggling to breathe. There was no hiding the pain etched on his face, his lungs burning. “Dammit, Merlin! Mor gana, the medical kit,” Arthur shouted to her , and she ran back to the van, but Gwaine already had it in his hands. “Get in the van, stay there,” he said then headed for Arthur and Merlin. Percival was right behind him. “Merlin,” Gwaine said as he dropped to his knees next to them. “Hurts,” Merlin said in a strained whisper . “Where does it hurt?” Arthur asked, checking him over with the flashlight and finding no blood or open wounds. “Merlin, I need you to talk to me.” “Inside…everywhere…” Percival carefully picked him up carrying him back to Excalibur placing him on the ground in front of the floodlights so they could look him over . Mor gana had a blanket ready , but Arthur motioned for her to hold of f and they quickly stripped him down to his underwear . His skin was pale and riddled with red scratches and darkening bruises. “What the bloody hell?” Gwaine asked. “Dad,” Nathan said, taking hold of his wrist, eyes shining with tears. Merlin looked at him and smiled then his eyes closed, and he passed out. “Shit,” Arthur said, “We need to get him to a hospital.” He picked Merlin up and maneuvered him into the backseat getting in with him. Mor gana handed him the blanket then closed the door and ran to get into the van with Gwaine. Nathan jumped in the passenger seat while Percival slid behind the wheel and started the engine. “Closest hospital is in Lawrence,” Nathan said, checking Merlin’ s phone, “Like twelve minutes due east on Highway 40.” “Got it,” Percival said, glancing back at Merlin wrapped in the blanket and shivering in Arthur ’s embrace. “Hold on,” he said then hit the gas driving out through the open gate and onto the highway . The others followed in the vans. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his eyes fluttering open. “You’re going to be okay . We’re heading for the hospital in Lawrence. Just hold on.” Merlin’ s hand went to the amulet on his neck and gripped it tightly . He smiled as he felt his father ’s ener gy, magic, and love emanating from within it. He looked up into Arthur ’s worried gaze. “He’ s with me,” he muttered softly . “Who?” Arthur asked. “My father…he protected me.” “I’m sure he did,” Arthur nodded, tears in his eyes. “It worked?” “Yes, you did it, you brave idiot.” “Then that is all that matters.” “No, Merlin, you matter , dammit. No more sacrificing yourself, please,” Arthur said, kissing his forehead. “Shit,” Merlin said with a low groan, “Pull over…need to pull over .” Percival heard him and drove into the wide driveway of a feedlot. As soon as they stopped moving, Merlin stumbled out of the truck, his legs barely cooperating. Bending over , he heaved up everything in his stomach. Arthur picked up the blanket he’d dropped on the ground. “Merlin…” “Stand back, Arthur…just give me a sec,” Merlin gasped. He gripped the amulet. His eyes turned gold and his skin began to glow . The cattle nearby balked, quickly moving away from the being. “Father ,” he whispered roughly as his whole body was enveloped in a bright light. “Dad!” Nathan shouted as he tried to reach for him, but the light was blinding and hot. When it finally faded away , Merlin stood up straight and let out a relieved breath. The scratches and bruises on his skin were gone and his color returned. He turned to Nathan, pulling him into his arms. “I’m all right, I’m good,” Merlin said, hugging him tightly then he reached for Arthur pulling him closer . Arthur wrapped the blanket around him, and they moved back toward Excalibur . Percival handed Merlin a bottle of water and a wet towel to clean himself up. Arthur took the towel gently wiping his neck and chest. He removed the amulet from his neck handing it back to Nathan. “Nathan, in the back of Excalibur , there’ s a gray bag, grab the black sweatpants and hoodie for your Dad to put on,” Arthur said, and the boy hurried to do as he was asked returning a moment later with the requested items. “Thank you, son.” Merlin put a hand on Nathan’ s shoulder while Arthur helped him step into the sweatpants. Then he put the hoodie over his head and arms before pulling it down. Merlin then sat down on the ground to put his boots back on. “Better?” Arthur asked, reaching down to of fer a hand up then pulled the hood over Merlin’ s head. “Much, thank you,” Merlin said. “What happened?” Nathan asked. “Those things were nasty . Even with my dragon magic, they were powerful…draining me… feeding of f my soul and my magic.” “Are they gone?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Mor gana said, “They are gone.” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “I guess we’re back to regular old boring, generic tornados.” “I’ll take generic and boring,” Gwaine smiled, and the team nodded. “It’s too far to drive home,” Arthur said, “Let’ s go into Lawrence and find a motel. Merlin needs food and sleep.” “I can make it back to Camelot,” Merlin frowned. “No, not going to push it. W e get rooms and sleep then we will have a big breakfast and head home after . How’ s your stomach can you eat something?” “Yeah, it’ s good now . Just stop and grab me some food from a drive-thru.” “All right, load up,” Nathan said in a commanding tone. “Giving orders now?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Yeah,” he said, matter -of-factly , “Let’ s roll.” “Yes, boss,” Percival mussed Nathan’ s hair then put his arm around the boy’ s shoulders. Merlin turned to look into Arthur ’s gaze. “I’d kiss you, but I have vomit breath,” he grinned. “Don’ t care,” Arthur shook his head slightly before kissing Merlin, “I love you.” “Thank you for taking care of me.” “I will always look after you.” Merlin kissed him tenderly , “You’re not tired of me yet?” “God, no, never in a million lifetimes,” Arthur hugged his neck, “I thought I’d lost you again.” “I am tougher than I look.” “Yes, yes, you are.” They got into the truck holding each other in the back seat while Percival drove, and Nathan searched Merlin’ s phone for motels in Lawrence. He chose a place on the edge of town and called the number to see if they had room for a weary team of storm chasers. The owner was all too happy to accommodate them. Nathan hung up and looked back at his parents. “The Good Knight Inn,” Nathan said to Percival, “On the right as we drive into town. There’ s a truck stop just across the road with fast food. They have four rooms two with one bed and two with two beds. Mind having a roommate?” he asked. “Not at all,” Percival shook his head and smiled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine,” Nathan said looking down at the amulet in his hand, rubbing his fingers over the smooth surface.” “You don’ t look fine. What’ s bothering you?” “I guess I’m just wishing this was my rightful legacy , that I was really…it’ s stupid,” he huffed, shaking his head. “It’s not stupid. It’ s how you feel.” “Why can’ t Merlin be my real father?” “He is in every way that counts…Arthur too,” Percival smiled, “Believe me, I understand. My father was a piece of shit, a waste of oxygen. Drank himself to death. Many times, I longed to have a real father -son relationship, but it was never going to happen. Y ou might not be his blood, but you are Merlin’ s son.” “I know ,” Nathan nodded. “I just have no idea who I really am, and I never will because my Mom is dead, and she would never tell me who my real father was. She would get angry any time I asked. I want Merlin to be my real father more than anything. T o have descended from such strong, proud, and honorable men…the Dragonlords.” Merlin sat up and leaned forward putting his hand on Nathan’ s shoulder . “You’re mine… you’re my boy and I love you,” he said firmly . That’ s who you are and that is who you will always be.” Nathan looked back at him with tears in his eyes and gave him a sight nod. “Love you too.” “Hey , I’m not exactly chopped liver ,” Arthur huf fed with feigned of fense, and they all laughed. “Sorry ,” Merlin grinned, kissing him. “Love you too, Dad,” Nathan chuckled. Percival pulled into the parking lot of the motel and huf fed a laugh. “The Good Knight Motel” fitting,” he smiled, parking Excalibur . “You two stay here, Nate and I will go get us checked in.” “Yes, boss,” Merlin said with a sigh as he pulled the blanket around himself and laid back against Arthur . “Percival, use this card,” Arthur said handing him his credit card. “Great, be right back,” Percival nodded taking the card then got out. He and Nathan headed to the of fice while Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. “I’m just tired, that’ s all.” “Can you please not get yourself killed, or almost killed for at least a month?” “I’ll consider it,” Merlin looked up at him and smiled then touched his face, “Y ou’re my hero.” “I didn’ t do anything,” Arthur said. “You put up with me.” “Yes, well, it seems I am rather fond of you. So, there’ s that. Oh, and you are hot as hell and a very good kisser ,” Arthur smiled, and Merlin took that as his cue and kissed him. “It’s one of my many talents.” “Mmm, and I do appreciate each and every one of your talents, Merlin.” “Can’ t you two wait until you get to your room?” Mor gana giggled as she leaned in the open window . “Insatiable…both of you.” “I just realized that we haven’ t broken in this backseat yet,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows at her. “Please, don’ t,” she rolled her eyes. Percival and Nathan returned, passing out the room keys. Nathan handed one to Arthur . “King bed, room seven right there. Percival and I are in the adjoining room with two beds. Gwaine and Mor gana together and Leon and Elyan in the other two bedded room.” “Sounds good,” Mor gana smiled, “I am beat.” “I’m heading across the street to get some food,” Gwaine said, “T aking orders.” “I want a chili dog and a milkshake,” Mor gana said. “I’ll take a bur ger and fries and a Pepsi,” Nathan said. “Me too,” Merlin nodded. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he made a list. “Chicken sandwich, fries, and a Pepsi.” “Percival?” “Not sure what I want so I will just go with you. Y ou’ll need help carrying it all back.” “I’ll go too,” Elyan said. Leon shook his head, “I’m good, just going to shower and go to sleep.” “Need money , Gwaine?” Arthur asked reaching into the back pocket of his jeans for his wallet to both return the credit card and get some cash.” “No, I’ve got it, my treat,” Gwaine smiled, then the three men headed across the street to the truck stop. Merlin opened the door and got out of the truck. Mor gana wrapped her arms around him, kissing his lips, and smiled. “You’re okay?” she asked. “Yes, I promise, I am fine.” “I have asked him not to die, or almost die for at least a month,” Arthur smiled, “Think he will listen?” “Good luck with that,” Mor gana laughed. “I told you, I’m like a cat…nine lives,” Merlin shrugged. “And by my count, you have used up at least four already , Merlin,” she said raising an eyebrow . “That leaves me with five to go, no problem.” “Not funny , Dad,” Nathan said poking him in the ribs from behind. “Sorry , I know ,” Merlin nodded reaching back to wrap an arm around his son. “Come on let’s all go into our room, open up the connecting doors and wait for food.” Gwaine and the others returned with the food, and they all sat around Merlin and Arthur ’s room eating and talking. T rying to wind down after what they had just gone through. Nathan ended up falling asleep on the floor with his head on Arthur ’s bag right between the beds and the bathroom door . “Aww, he is adorable,” Gwaine chuckled. “He’ s had quite the initiation into storm chasing,” Arthur said. “Maybe it will change his mind about being one.” “Fat chance,” Merlin shook his head, “When I was his age the danger and excitement only fueled my thirst for more. As much as I would like him to do something dif ferent, he has what it takes. He is as born to this as I was…minus the magic, of course.” “Doesn’ t it scare you?” Mor gana asked, “I would be petrified if our baby decided to chase storms when they grow up.” “God, yes, it fucking terrifies me, but I know if I tell him no, it will only make him even more determined. At least this way I know that I can teach him the right way and hone his skills until the time comes to hand over the reins to him and retire.” “You, retire from storm chasing?” Percival huf fed, “Hell will freeze over first.” Merlin looked at Arthur and nodded, “I used to think so too, but now…” Arthur ’s eyes widened hopefully , “Merlin?” “It won’ t be for a while, but I think once we have the next generation of Excalibur , I will probably step back and take a more behind-the-scenes approach and focus on a certain someone that I never want to lose again.” “I don’ t want you to give up storm chasing for me. Y ou would only come to resent me if you did.” “I wouldn’ t be giving it up for you, Arthur . I would be giving it up for us. I love you and can’t be without you. I don’ t like the person I become when you aren’ t around.” Arthur hugged him, “Whatever you want, I will never leave you again. I swear on my life, I will always be by your side. I love you.” Morgana blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Dammit, you two…as if pregnancy hormones aren’ t bad enough you just had to make me cry .” Gwaine embraced her and then handed her another box of tissues. “W e should get to bed. It’ s nearly five in the morning.” “We have the rooms for a full twenty-four hours, there’ s no rush we can sleep till noon or after. The owner knew who we were as soon as he saw us pull in. Apparently , he is Johnny’ s uncle,” Percival said. “Lily’ s dad?” Merlin asked and Percival nodded. “Yes, he is only char ging us for one night, but we have the rooms until tomorrow morning if we want them.” “That’ s nice of him,” Arthur said yawning and stretching, “I am beat.” “We can’ t leave Nathan there you two will trip over him,” Mor gana said. “I got him,” Percival said then scooped Nathan up and carried him through the connecting door. Mor gana followed, turning down the covers before he laid him on the bed and took of f his jacket and shoes. “Thanks,” Nathan muttered with a crooked grin then rolled onto his stomach wrapping his arms around the pillow before going right back to sleep. Mor gana covered him with the blanket and smiled. She and Percival turned to see Merlin standing behind them. “Do you think I am making a mistake encouraging him to pursue this line of work?” “No, you’re right,” Percival said, “That boy may not be yours by blood, but he worships the ground you walk on. He wants this so badly that if you tried to stop him, he would only rebel and do it against your wishes, which would put him in more danger . It’s better that he has you to teach and guide him.” “Thank you, Percy .” “You’re welcome,” he embraced Merlin, “Love you, man. Y ou’re a great father . Nathan is damn lucky to have you and Arthur .” “I agree,” Mor gana hugged and kissed him, “Bedtime for me. Come along, Gwaine.” “Yes, ma’am,” Gwaine nodded, “Good night all.” “Night,” Percival grinned. “Night, guys,” Merlin said. He leaned over to kiss the back of Nathan’ s head. “Night, my son.” He smiled and then walked back into the other room as Percival closed the connecting door. He looked toward the bathroom door , which was partially closed, and he could hear the shower running. Undressing quickly , Merlin slipped into the walk-in shower behind Arthur . “Am I intruding?” “Not at all,” Arthur turned around pulling him into his arms for a tender kiss. “I think we are both far too tired for much more than this though.” “Mmm, I am good with this,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Though I think we would both sleep better…” he moaned against Arthur ’s lips as his hands trailed down his sides. “Can I, please?” he asked. “Yes, you know I can never say no to you, baby ,” Arthur whispered kissing him with increasing ur gency . Merlin grinned then grabbed the bottle of body wash pouring it over his hand and Arthur ’s extremely interested cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making him gasp then gripped both their shafts in his hands pulling, stroking, and running his thumbs over the heads as they both panted and kissed passionately . “Fuck, Merlin,” Arthur groaned his gaze locked on Merlin’ s. “Good?” “Yes, damn…more.” Merlin increased the speed of his hand movements until they were both breathless and trembling. “God, now ,” he moaned and came hard. Arthur leaned into him, pressing him back against the wall, thrusting into his hand hard and fast until he finally crashed over the edge his seed spilling against Merlin’ s stomach. He laughed against his lips. “That was a really good idea.” “I’ve been known to have a few now and then,” Merlin raised an eyebrow , kissing Arthur again. They washed each other then got out of the shower and dried of f. Putting on their underwear they got into bed and held each other close. They fell asleep quickly . Finding Balance They got back to home base late in the evening. Everyone headed to their homes. Nathan unlocked the motorhome door and went inside. Arthur and Merlin took a walk down to the river. “They are predicting tornados over the next few days,” Arthur said. “Yep,” Merlin nodded. Arthur looked at him intently , “What’ s bothering you?” “Just thinking.” “That’ s never good.” Merlin grinned, “Nothing bad.” “Then why do you have that look…like you’re about to have a root canal?” “Arthur , we have been through a lot.” “Yeah, we have, and we have made it through. W e are stronger for it.” “We are and I am so damn grateful.” “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked looking worried. Merlin let out a breath and nodded before slowly turning to look at him. “I love you, Arthur . I want to show you just how much and what it means to me to have you back.” “I already know , Merlin…” “Arthur , will you marry me again? I want to renew our vows.” “Merlin, I would love to marry you again.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a wide grin on his face. “If that is what you want, then yes,” Arthur pulled him into his arms. “Maybe we can actually have a honeymoon this time around.” “Anything you want, baby .” “Anything, huh?” “Mmm, yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Let’ s go make some dinner , I’m starving,” Merlin grinned. “Should I fire up the grill?” “No, I have something in mind already . I am in the mood to cook.” “Then by all means,” Arthur grinned opening the door for him. Nathan was just coming out of the bathroom wet from a shower . “W as about to send a search party out for you two,” he grinned. “We had some things to discuss,” Merlin said. “Now I am going to make dinner if you want to help me.” “Sure, just let me throw something on.” “I am going to take a shower if there is any hot water left,” Arthur said. “Plenty , I was quick.” “Good boy ,” Arthur mussed his wet hair then headed to the bedroom. “Anything I should know about?” Nathan asked with a raised eyebrow . “What?” Merlin asked then smiled, “Oh, yeah, I have asked Arthur to marry me again…or renew our vows actually .” “That’ s so sappy , Dad.” “Sappy?” “No, really , it’s romantic and sweet. I’m happy for you both.” “I want to include you in the ceremony . It’s important to me that you feel a part of this.” “I’d be honored, but you’re totally on your own for the honeymoon, I will stay with Mor gana and Gwaine,” Nathan grinned, and Merlin laughed. “Get dressed, you can grate the cheese for me.” “Yes sir ,” he smiled then headed for his bunk. Merlin made tacos with black beans and rice. After dinner , Nathan went for a walk while Arthur cleaned up the kitchen and Merlin was at the desk checking the weather feeds. “No more anomalous dark shapes on the feed,” Merlin said as Arthur put his hands on his shoulders massaging them. “Thank God for that.” “I told Nathan we are going to renew our vows. He’ s happy for us.” “Good,” Arthur leaned down to kiss Merlin’ s neck, “Our anniversary is coming up in two weeks, we could do it then.” “That’ s what I was thinking,” Merlin said, “It’ s your birthday too. W e could invite the team and families. My mom and your dad probably won’ t be able to come anyway . We could take the week of f and go on a real honeymoon, somewhere far away from tornado alley .” Arthur smiled, “Leave the honeymoon to me.” “Okay ,” Merlin grinned. “Nathan said he will stay with Gwaine and Mor gana.” Arthur rotated the chair bringing Merlin around to face him then crouched down taking hold of his hands and pressing his lips to each palm and his fingertips. “I love you,” he said softly . “Love you too,” Merlin leaned forward and kissed his lips. Arthur and Merlin stood together on the stone patio in Gwaine and Mor gana’ s backyard surrounded by the team and their families. Nathan stood beside them. Gaius and Hunith had flown in together for the ceremony , Uther had not been able to get away on such short notice. Gaius looked from one to the other and smiled. “W e are all here this evening to love and support Merlin and Arthur . It is not often that people find the strength to keep fighting for each other , for their love. T o overcome so much, to come out the other side stronger and closer than ever before. Anyone who knows you knows that the two of you are of one heart, one soul, and meant to be together . I am so proud of you both and love you dearly . You requested that this be an intimate and informal ceremony surrounded by family and friends, so here we are.” Merlin and Arthur nodded and smiled. Arthur winked at him. “A new beginning,” he said softly . “Arthur , would you like to go first?” Gaius asked and he nodded. “Merlin, on this day four years ago I said I do, and I have never regretted it, not for one moment. God knows we have had our struggles, and while I am quite certain there will be many more in the future, I am here tonight to promise to you that I am in this with you, come hell or high water . This is where I belong, you are my beacon in the darkness, my fortress in the storm, my refuge. I vow to you, Merlin, I will love you and protect you until the last breath leaves my body . My soul and yours will always be bound in this world and the next. My heart is yours,” Arthur smiled, his eyes shimmering with tears. “I love you, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, leaning forward to kiss him tenderly , placing a hand on his chest. “Arthur , I know I am not the easiest person to be with,” he smiled shaking his head slightly , “But I promise you, that this bond we share will only get stronger . You are the love of my life. You’ve been my knight in shining armor even when I didn’ t think I needed one. Y ou showed me that life is precious and that some risks are just not worth taking. I vow to you now , tonight, that I will be by your side always. I will love you until my soul departs from this earth and even after because this love we have is eternal. Y ou accepted me for who I am from the very beginning, and you welcomed Nathan into our lives without even a moment’ s hesitation. Thank you for putting up with me and for loving me despite my recklessness,” Merlin grinned. “Arthur , I love you.” “We stand as witnesses to this renewal of your vows,” Gaius smiled, “Love, live, and be one in all ways. Let nothing come between you and believe in each other , fight for your love always and forever .” “Can we kiss now?” Arthur asked. “You may ,” Gaius chuckled. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur ’s neck kissing him with everything he had. “I love you.” “I love you,” Arthur said kissing him back as everyone applauded and whistled. “Is this far enough away from T ornado Alley?” Arthur asked as he wrapped his arms around Merlin from behind. “Mmm, definitely ,” Merlin smiled leaning back against Arthur ’s bare chest, turning his head to kiss him, “It’ s beautiful here. Beautiful and secluded.” Arthur had brought them to the coast of Maine. They were staying on a private island estate surrounded by forest and green grass. The gor geous rocky beach was a short walk away . There were areas of sand and tide pools. The house was incredible. It was an older Cape Cod-style house that had been completely renovated and restored inside and out. Their bedroom overlooked the ocean. W ith the French doors open at night they could hear the waves and the foghorn and see the beam of the lighthouse that sat out on a smaller island just offshore. Standing on the balcony outside their room, enjoying the morning sunshine and the sea air , it was heaven on earth. “This was a very good idea,” Arthur said kissing Merlin’ s neck. “How long can we stay here? I don’ t think I want to go back.” “We can stay as long as you like.” “Being here feels like we are a world away ,” Merlin shook his head slightly . “Are you happy?” Arthur asked his lips right next to Merlin’ s ear. “Nope, absolutely miserable,” he grinned. “Mmm, I’m sorry , I shall have to remedy that.” “Please do,” Merlin turned in his embrace and kissed him passionately , their tongues moving together drawing a low moan from him. “Fuck, Arthur…” “If you insist,” Arthur said huskily as he hooked his thumbs over the waistband of Merlin’ s boxer briefs and eased them down to his thighs. “Right here,” he grinned then turned Merlin back around to face the railing. “Better hold on.” “Ah, God, yes,” Merlin panted as Arthur pushed his knee between Merlin’ s legs easing them apart while Merlin’ s hands gripped the wooden railing. “Arthur…” Arthur kissed the back of his shoulder and kissed that spot behind his ear . “You’re beautiful, Merlin,” he said, his hot breath caressing his cheek. His fingers pressed into his entrance finding him slick and ready for him. “So, good, baby ,” he said then gripped his cock, the head penetrating slowly . “I love you.” “Arthur , more…please,” Merlin panted trying to move his hips, but Arthur kept him still. “Shh, don’ t move…just let me.” Merlin leaned forward slightly holding onto the railing. He closed his eyes reveling in the sensation of Arthur taking his time, drawing out the pleasure in such a way that was almost torturous. He wanted to beg, to cry out for him to move, but part of him welcomed this exquisite torture. He bit his bottom lip and whined when Arthur withdrew teasing and tormenting him. “Arthur…” “You know I will always take care of you, Merlin,” Arthur said as he rolled his hips sliding his length along the cleft of Merlin’ s perfect arse. “T rust me,” he said, and Merlin huf fed a breath as he pushed into him again. “Better?” “Mmhmm,” Merlin said. Arthur smiled, thrusting in a bit farther before pulling out again earning him a loud cry of protest. “Fuck, you’re enjoying this far too much.” “Yes, I am.” “I hate you.” “I know ,” Arthur chuckled then eased into Merlin again, moaning filthily as his shaft was fully enveloped in wet slick heat. “Ah, yes, Arthur…so good!” “Shall I pull out again?” “No, please,” Merlin gasped contracting his body around Arthur ’s cock to keep him in place. “Need you to fuck me, hard.” Arthur let out a low growl and snapped his hips pushing in as far as he could go. Merlin tilted his head back, his lips parted in a silent cry of sheer bliss. “Arthur…move…move please.” “Merlin, fuck,” Arthur said breathlessly , his chest rising and falling with each thrust until he was pounding into Merlin with abandon, his hands moving up Merlin’ s sides then around to his chest as his teeth grazed his shoulder and neck. “So, good, baby…so tight.” “Arthur!” Merlin’ s breathing stuttered and he let go of the railing, one hand gripping his own cock the other reaching to cup the back of Arthur ’s head. “I’m so close, God, Merlin…you feel incredible,” Merlin’ s hand stroked his shaft, his thumb pressing against the slit, his knees were trembling, and Arthur pulled out to the head struggling to hold them both up as he drove into him again rolling and snapping his hips until Merlin spilled over his hand in a breathless cry . “Ah, Merlin…fuck yes,” Arthur said then he was filling Merlin with his seed. Both of them clinging to the railing as the aftershocks of their release washed over them again and again leaving them panting and shaking. The muscles in their thighs and abdomens rippling. They laughed and collapsed on the lounge chair a few feet away holding each other close. “Are you happy now , Merlin?” Arthur asked, kissing him. “Oh, yes, but I am tempted to say no so we can do that again.” “As much as I would love to, we need food or neither of us will have the ener gy for a repeat performance.” “Bacon?” Merlin asked. “Bacon,” Arthur grinned. “Shower first, then bacon.” “Definitely .” They laid there a while longer and Merlin sighed, “T oo bad a shower and bacon requires movement.” “Yes, it does. Okay , come on, up now ,” Arthur said getting up of f the lounge before dragging Merlin to his feet and wrapping his arms around him. They kissed and then went inside. After a quick shower , they dressed in jeans and T -shirts before heading downstairs and into the kitchen. “There you boys are. W as beginning to think I’d have to eat all this food myself.” “Sorry , Millie,” Arthur kissed her cheek, “Thank you. It looks delicious.” “Merlin, I made extra bacon, just for you, sweet boy .” “Ah, yes, I love you Millie, marry me,” Merlin gave her a wide grin and a big hug. “You’re already married,” Arthur said shoving a piece of bacon into Merlin’ s mouth. “You two are adorable,” Millie giggled, “If there is nothing else you need I will take my leave and be back to fix you dinner .” “I think we are good,” Merlin. “You are the best, Millie. Thank you.” “Arthur , my boy , you are so welcome. Y ou remind me so much of your mother . You look just like her ,” the older woman hugged him. “Y ou and your Merlin enjoy the day . Frank said to let him know when you want to go for a ride.” “Merlin, you want to take a ride around the island?” Arthur asked. “Yes, definitely , I would love to.” “Great, ask Frank if he can prepare Zephyr and T empest for us. W e will be down to the stables in an hour .” “Wonderful, I will tell him. W ould you like me to pack a picnic for you?” “You’ve done more than enough, we can handle it,” Merlin said. “All right, I will get out of your hair ,” Millie kissed them both on the cheek then left through the back door heading to her car , looking back to wave goodbye. Merlin sat down at the table while Arthur poured them each a cup of hot cof fee and a glass of orange juice. “She is a sweetheart,” he grinned. “Millie, yeah, she is my mother ’s cousin. She and Frank take care of this place. This house originally belonged to my maternal grandparents.” “You’re so lucky to have so many family connections. It’ s just me and my mom since my dad died. My grandparents are all gone. I know my dad had a brother , but no one has heard from him since my dad’ s funeral.” “Have you talked to Nathan?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “He texted me late last night, he is having a blast with Gwaine. They are analyzing every bit of data we got on all the freak tornados.” “Really?” Arthur asked as he sat down across from him. “Y ou’re missing it, aren’ t you.” “Actually , no, I’m really not. I thought I would. I am really happy and relaxed for the first time in a very long time.” “I’m glad.” “I mean you brought me to a private island accessible only by one bridge or by boat,” Merlin grinned, “W e have privacy , surrounded by beauty and absolutely amazing food. Horseback riding, romantic beach walks, mind-blowing sex…and time together without any other distractions.” Arthur smiled taking a sip of his cof fee, “I thought you would enjoy this more than a fancy hotel in New Y ork City or a T ropical Island.” “You know me so well,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, I do. It makes me happy to see you like this. W e should come here again and bring Nathan. He would enjoy it too I think.” “Are you kidding,” Merlin chuckled, “He would love it. Horses, boats, and the ocean.” “We can take the sailboat out tomorrow if you want. The weather is supposed to be beautiful.” “Sounds good.” They finished breakfast and then cleaned up the kitchen. Arthur ran upstairs to put on his boots while Merlin threw together a picnic lunch in a backpack and slung it over one shoulder . “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Ready . Should we walk or drive to the stables?” “Probably better take the car , because it has been years since I have ridden a horse and my ass is not going to feel like walking back after ,” Arthur chuckled. “At least your arse has more padding than mine,” Merlin grinned. “When is the last time you rode a horse?” “Not since I was around sixteen or seventeen.” “All the more reason to drive,” Arthur said wrapping his arms around Merlin to cup his arse. He kissed him then tilted his head toward the door . “Come on let’ s go.” They left the house, got into their rental car and Arthur started the engine. The drive to the stables only took maybe ten minutes mainly because the road was crooked and a bit rough. Merlin took in the view along the clif fs, his eyes wide, an easy smile on his face that Arthur loved seeing. He looked good. Arthur parked next to the stables and leaned over to kiss Merlin, “I love you so much.” “I love you too.” “Come on, Zephyr and T empest await.” Merlin got out and followed Arthur into the building. He looked around stunned by the size of the place. There were well over fifty stalls and all of them were occupied by horses, plus the ones Merlin saw in the pasture outside. Arthur smiled knowingly . “Frank boards and trains horses here for people on the mainland.” “There’ s my boy!” Arthur turned as a tall lanky man with a gray beard and a cowboy hat came out of one of the stalls and locked it. He was a good three inches taller than Arthur and Merlin. “Look at you, all grown up. Y our mother would be so proud. This must be your Merlin. Pleased to meet you, young man.” “You too, Frank,” Merlin said shaking his hand. “Good to see you again, Frank,” Arthur grinned, “Are Zephyr and T empest ready to go?” “Ready and waiting, tethered out back,” Frank said, “Follow me.” They walked through the doors and Merlin gasped as they stepped outside to see two of the most beautiful horses he had ever seen in his life. “Wow,” he said as he approached them, “Which is which?” “The palomino is Zephyr , the gray is T empest,” Frank said. “Fitting,” Merlin grinned at Arthur pressing his forehead to the neck of the silvery-gray mare, “Hello, I’m Merlin…we’re going to get along well aren’ t we.” Arthur untethered Zephyr and put a foot in the stirrup swinging a leg over the saddle before patting the stallion’ s neck. “He looks really good, Frank.” “Yes, I wondered when you would make it back to ride him.” Merlin looked at Arthur questioningly and Arthur smiled, “I was here when Zephyr was born five years ago. He’ s actually mine.” “Oh,” Merlin said, “And T empest?” “Tempest is yours, Merlin,” Arthur said, and Merlin’ s eyes went wide. “Mine?” “Yes, I knew she would be perfect for you. Brave, stubborn, beautiful…” Merlin grinned, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, now mount up and let’ s ride. I’ll race you to the beach.” “You’re on,” Merlin climbed into the saddle and Arthur gently kicked Zephyr into a gallop. Merlin leaned forward whispering to T empest, his eyes flashed gold, and horse and man became one. He nudged her into a gallop catching up to Arthur and Zephyr easily . “You’re sure you haven’ t ridden since you were a teenager?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yep,” Merlin grinned then nudged T empest and she took of f across the grassy field. They reached the dirt trail leading down to the beach. Arthur laughed and ur ged Zephyr to follow . “Something tells me he’ s using magic,” Arthur said to his horse. They rode down the trail to the open sandy beach. T empest galloped through the waves and Merlin let out a whoop of glee throwing his arms out to the side as the surf crashed around them. Arthur and Zephyr caught up and passed them. “Are we going to let them win, T empest?” Merlin asked and she picked up speed as if she understood every word. He gripped the reins and laughed breathlessly . They caught up and passed them. “Good girl!” he shouted. “You’re cheating, you little shit,” Arthur laughed. “Who me?” Merlin tossed back over his shoulder . “Yes, you, magic boy!” “Prove it!” They rode the full length of the sandy shore before turning to ride back in the direction they had come at a much more relaxed pace. Merlin’ s face hurt from smiling. He had not had this much fun in…well, ever . He was beginning to realize just how much storm chasing had consumed his life and his time. He knew he would never quit, but now that he was able to step back and see what he had been missing, he wanted more now . He needed more. “You okay?” Arthur asked, bringing Zephyr up next to T empest and reaching for Merlin’ s hand. “Yeah, I am great,” Merlin smiled, “Just thinking about all the things I have missed out on being so focused on the job. Don’ t get me wrong, I don’ t regret it for even a second, but I realize that I need something else…I need balance.” “And you’re finding it now ,” Arthur said. “Thanks to you. This is amazing, Arthur . I love this place and T empest is wonderful.” “Merlin, this place, I can make it ours. I just have to sign the transfer documents and it will be our home. My family has been of fering it to me for years. If it is what you want. W e could come here anytime we want and live here between storm seasons. I still want to build our house back home where we can live during storm seasons.” Merlin looked at him and shook his head, “Arthur…” “Think about it, there’ s no hurry . I have been putting it of f for years.” “Are you certain it is what you want?” “Yes,” Arthur nodded. “Then yes,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou have made so many sacrifices to be with me. I want you to have your family home here.” “Really?” “Yes. Nathan will love it here.” “Then I will call my family’ s lawyers and make an appointment.” “Brilliant,” Merlin leaned over to kiss him, “I love you. Thank you for T empest, she is perfect.” “You’re welcome and I love you.” Getting of f the horses, they led them along the beach. The tide was coming in. They found a spot in the shade of the trees near a stream where the horses could graze and drink while they ate their picnic lunch in the tall grass. “This place is so peaceful,” Merlin smiled laying back in the grass and Arthur took the opportunity to move over on top of him. “Hi,” he grinned. “Hi,” Merlin smiled. “Do you have any idea how happy I am right now?” Arthur asked, kissing him tenderly . “Mmm, I have a pretty good idea.” Arthur unfastened Merlin’ s jeans slipping his hand down the front of his boxer briefs wrapping around his hard cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making Merlin moan and lift his hips. “Arthur , anyone could walk up on us,” he laughed breathlessly . “Mmm, private island,” Arthur grinned stroking him. “Oh, fuck, that feels good,” Merlin whispered huskily . Arthur unfastened his own jeans and Merlin rolled onto his stomach. His eyes flashed gold to ease the way and speed things up. He moaned and let out a growl as Arthur pushed into him, wrapping one arm around his waist as he fucked into him slowly at first, then faster until they both came. “That was so good,” Merlin smiled. “What you do to me, baby ,” Arthur said kissing him, “I will never get enough of you.” “That’ s good, because I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” “Such a hardship,” Arthur grinned. Merlin wrapped his legs around Arthur kissing him harder . “You’re mine forever .” “What do you want to do tonight?” “Mmm, I think I want to take a walk on the beach, maybe build a fire and look at the stars.” “That sounds good.” “All this free time, I don’ t know what to do with it.” Arthur grinned, “How about we ride for a while longer before we take the horses back? There’ s something I want to show you.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded then got up of f the ground, fixed his clothing, and got back in the saddle. “Which way?” he asked as Arthur swung his leg over Zephyr ’s back. “Through those trees,” Arthur nodded pointedly , and Merlin headed in that direction. They rode for about fifteen minutes before Arthur slid of f his horse and led him through a gap between the clif f and a huge rock heading down into a protected cove with a sandy beach. Merlin followed, leading T empest. “Oh, Arthur ,” he gasped, “This place is stunning.” “Isn’ t it?” Arthur smiled, “I was told that my mother used to come here when she was a young girl. It was her secret spot.” “It’s incredible,” Merlin said as he looked around at the high clif fs and the rock formations that enclosed this little hidden piece of heaven. The waves crashed on the shore while seabirds soared overhead. It brought tears to his eyes thinking of Arthur ’s mother and how he must feel so close to her here in this magical place. “Merlin, are you okay?” “Yeah, yes, I’m fine. God, Arthur I see why your mother loved this place. Y ou definitely need to come here more often.” “I’ve never brought anyone here until now , Merlin.” “Really?” “Not even Mor gana or my father ,” Arthur said with a soft smile, “Only you.” “Then I am truly honored that you wanted to share this with me.” “There is so much more I want to share with you, Merlin,” Arthur stepped closer , placing one hand on Merlin’ s cheek his eyes so full of emotion. “When you were in the hospital, my father , he told me that my mother would have adored you.” “Your father said that?” “You know my father , he’s not one to express his emotions or say anything even remotely related to emotion,” Arthur shook his head, “He was scared to death that you wouldn’ t make it, that I would lose you, and afraid of what it would do to me.” “Arthur…” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “I never want to be without you,” Arthur said then kissed him tenderly , “I never want to know a life without you in my arms. Merlin…” Merlin sur ged forward and kissed him with passion then shook his head. “Y ou won’ t, you will never lose me again.” “Promise,” Arthur ’s voice broke, his eyes glistening with tears of his own. “I promise, Arthur . We are going to grow old, gray , and fat together ,” Merlin smiled. “I’ll be fat, you won’ t…never seen anyone who eats like you and never gains a pound. I have to fight like hell to keep from getting a gut.” “I think you’re perfect. But if you’re really worried about it, I will be sure and keep you quite active,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows. “Lots and lots of physical activity of the pleasurable kind.” “Mmm, sounds like fun,” Arthur kissed him. “Rigorous workouts, day and night.” “I shall look forward to that.” “Come on, let’ s head back,” Merlin said then winked, “I’m suddenly feeling the ur ge to take an afternoon nap.” “Funny , me too,” Arthur grinned. They led the horses back to the trail and then mounted them. “Race you to the stables,” Merlin chuckled then nudged T empest into a run as soon as they were on flat open ground. “Hah,” Arthur shouted, and Zephyr took of f after them, but they couldn’ t catch up. They reached the stables and Merlin was already of f Tempest and removing her saddle. “Y ou cheated.” Merlin looked at him with wide-eyed innocence and shrugged then gave him a cheeky grin. “Y ou used magic…not fair .” “Aww, did we injure Arthur and Zephyr ’s fragile egos, T empest?” Merlin asked the silver - gray mare rubbing her neck. He laughed, “She said you are just a sore loser .” “You’re talking to a horse?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yeah,” Merlin nodded as if it were the most normal thing ever and Arthur raised an eyebrow . “You’re serious? Y ou can understand her , and she understands you?” “Yep, we have a bond. Don’ t we, girl.” “Magic…you’re really something,” Arthur said as he slid of f Zephyr and began to remove the saddle. They worked together giving the horses a rub down, food, and water . Frank came out of the stables with one of his trainers, a young red-haired girl. She waved to Arthur and Merlin then headed for a blue pick-up truck. “Frank, that was Sarah Olson,” Arthur said. “Yes,” Frank nodded, “She’ s one of my best trainers.” “Last time I saw her she was a kid.” “Just graduated from veterinary school. She is amazing. Looks like you two had a good ride. Y ou sure know what you’re doing, Merlin.” Merlin looked at him and smiled, “Thank you, sir .” “Merlin is a natural at everything he does,” Arthur said, “Some people say he’ s magic.” “I believe it, he tamed you,” Frank chuckled. “Merlin, this one was quite a handful growing up. T oo bad you didn’ t come along sooner .” “Oh, was he?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow . “Hey , I was a good kid,” Arthur said with feigned of fense. “I bet he didn’ t tell you about the time he tried to ride Damien, one of my mean-tempered stallions. Got his arse tossed of f in less than a minute, broke his tailbone and left leg.” “That horse was possessed,” Arthur said emphatically , “Son of Satan, I’m telling you.” “Didn’ t think your father would ever let you come back here.” “He nearly didn’ t,” Arthur huf fed, “I had to guilt him into it.” Frank took the leads for both horses and patted their necks. “Good job, boys, I will take it from here. Enjoy the rest of your day .” “Thank you, Frank,” Arthur nodded and held his hand out to Merlin. “Ready?” “Yes,” Merlin nodded taking his hand and they walked toward their car . “You never told me anything about this place and what it meant to you,” he said as they got in. “I know , I’m sorry ,” Arthur said, “This place has always been my refuge.” “Your refuge?” “Yeah, but now you are my refuge, so I wanted to bring you here. T o share it with you.” “I’m glad,” Merlin smiled leaning over to kiss him. “Mmm, I’m ready for that nap,” Arthur said huskily kissing him back. They got back to the house and immediately headed upstairs pulling each other ’s clothes of f as they headed into the bathroom for a shower . Merlin turned on the water and pulled Arthur under the stream with him their lips locked together as their hands roamed over wet skin. “Fuck, I am hard,” Arthur groaned his fingertips pressing into the soft flesh of Merlin’ s arse. “Me too,” Merlin huf fed against his lips, “God, I want to ride you.” “Merlin…” “I’m going to ride you…” “Fuck, yes, please…” “Need to hurry and wash,” Merlin grinned grabbing the washcloth and body wash cleaning them both from head to toe. They kissed and moved together . “Arthur…” “All clean,” Arthur gasped then shut of f the water . They stumbled together out of the shower grabbing towels to dry each other of f. “Bed…now .” “Yes, bed,” Merlin grinned backing out through the door with Arthur glued to his front kissing his neck and shoulder . “Fuck…I can’ t wait…now .” Arthur flopped down across the bed and Merlin climbed on top, facing away from him. Arthur gripped his hips guiding him down, the head of his cock pushing into his tight slick entrance. He was never more grateful for Merlin’ s magic, if they had to wait to prepare him Arthur would go mad. “Fuck, Merlin,” he moaned filthily , “You look so good. “Arthur ,” Merlin growled he lifted up until just the head of Arthur ’s shaft was inside him and held himself there. Arthur slid his hands up his back dragging his fingertips back down his spine causing him to shiver in pleasure. “Merlin, fuck, look at you, baby ,” Arthur said his voice thick with desire. The sight of Merlin hovering above him, fighting for control, made him long to lift up and drive into him, but he waited letting Merlin take the reins. “Ah, yes, Arthur…” Merlin lowered himself down taking Arthur inside him a little at a time closing his eyes and losing himself in the heat and fullness. The angle of penetration was perfect, he raised up again and breathed out Arthur ’s name before impaling himself fully on his cock. “Fuck, Merlin!” Arthur stuttered, “So good.” He wrapped his hands around Merlin’ s waist as he leaned back and started to move up and down on him. “That’ s it, ride me, baby .” Merlin let out a breath and laughed, “Giddy up.” Arthur tilted his head back of f the edge of the bed, his mouth open. His hands moved to Merlin’ s hips. “Feels so good,” he panted. Merlin moved faster , leaning back as he rolled his hips. “Arthur…fuck, yes…” He sat up straight then pulled of f of him turning around before impaling himself on Arthur again facing him. He leaned over kissing his neck and chest. Arthur pulled him down for a deep kiss as his fingers gripped Merlin’ s hips and he took over , driving upward into him again and again. Merlin let out a cry of utter bliss and reached for his cock stroking himself to release, spilling all over Arthur ’s stomach and chest. His body tightened around his shaft. Arthur pulled out before he could come maneuvering Merlin onto his stomach. “Fuck, Merlin…you’re incredible,” he whispered then straddled him, sliding his slick cock along the cleft of his arse before pushing into him again. “Absolutely intoxicating, baby .” “Arthur , yes, fuck me,” Merlin panted his hands gripping the bedding. “Beautiful,” Arthur moaned rocking into him slowly at first then faster and harder , “Merlin…” Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold for a moment and Arthur felt his magic flow through him. He cried out in pleasure and surprise as his arousal increased tenfold. He pulled out and rolled Merlin onto his back kissing him. “What was that?” he laughed breathlessly against his lips. “Just a little spell,” Merlin smiled, “Keep going, you’ll find out.” Arthur lifted his legs thrusting into him again. “Ah, wow , Merlin,” he moaned as he felt his release building. “Let go, Arthur ,” Merlin said his eyes flashing gold again and Arthur ’s whole body trembled with magic, and he came with a stuttered cry , his seed pulsing into Merlin filling him. “Holy , hell…” Merlin kissed him, wrapping his legs around his body . “Good, yeah?” “That was intense.” “I love you,” Merlin said stroking his cheek, running his thumb across Arthur ’s bottom lip. “Love you too,” Arthur smiled. Happy Endings Do Exist They spent the next three days sailing and riding T empest and Zephyr . Then Sunday morning they said goodbye to Frank and Millie with a promise to return in the fall. Arthur had officially taken possession of his family’ s property , so it was now theirs. They boarded the plane that would take them home and Merlin sat by the window looking out. “You all right?” “Yeah, just part of me doesn’ t want to leave.” “We will be back. W e have a storm season to finish and a son to get back to before Gwaine corrupts him beyond repair ,” Arthur smiled kissing him. Merlin chuckled, “Y eah.” “It was a great honeymoon.” “Yes, the best. I am so glad we did this.” “What would you say to spending the holidays on the island?” “Really?” “Yes, I haven’ t done so since I was a kid. It’ s beautiful in winter . Millie goes all out with the decorations and the food. W e can come back for Thanksgiving and stay through New Y ears or longer if you want.” “Yes,” Merlin smiled and nodded. Arthur kissed him. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” “Almost as much as I love you.” “Always and forever ,” Arthur said kissing him again. “Nathan, hurry up,” Merlin shouted, and Nathan jumped down from the R V and ran toward them jumping into the back of Excalibur . “Ready ,” Arthur asked with a wide grin. “Yep, all set,” Nathan laughed, and Merlin started the engine. He drove up onto the road and the vans fell in behind them. “Feels good to be back at it,” Arthur said. “Yes, it does,” Merlin smiled. “How many teenagers can say they get to chase tornados on their birthday?” Nathan asked, “This is so cool.” “Probably none,” Merlin laughed. “Which way are we heading?” Arthur asked. “What do you think, son?” “Me?” Nathan asked in surprise. “Your birthday , you choose,” Merlin grinned. “Okay ,” he pulled up the feed on his laptop, “Northwest. The line of storms coming in looks promising. What do you think?” “Northwest it is,” Merlin nodded. “You’re really relying on me to choose? What if I’m wrong?” “You have the right instincts, Nathan. T rust them.” “Okay ,” he grinned, “Northwest.” Merlin nodded, “Okay boys and girls, the birthday boy is pointing us northwest. Let’ s roll.” He laughed and Nathan blushed as everyone started singing happy birthday to him over the earpieces. “Thanks, guys,” he laughed. They had only driven half an hour before they spotted a funnel cloud. “See, Nathan, I told you…trust your instincts,” Merlin said. “We have visual,” Arthur said, “Gwaine, Leon, hang back for the moment while we check it out.” Merlin drove Excalibur of f-road, a wide grin on his face. It had been good to get away and rechar ge. He was feeling rested and focused again. His magic was singing in his veins, and he was happy . Glancing over at Arthur he felt a rush of emotion. This was what he needed all along…balance. “Dad, it’ s on the ground,” Nathan said. “On it,” Merlin said putting his foot to the floor heading for the newly formed tornado. It was in a sparsely populated area so there was no danger to homes as of yet. Arthur had his camera out snapping photos and taking videos. “It’ s definitely a photogenic one,” he said. The storm was almost white against the dark sky . Little more than a twisting rope but growing wider . “Cool!” Nathan said pointing at the small satellite snaking down to the ground just east of the original. “Hold on,” Merlin said then hit the gas turning the wheel hard left, and crossed over a small stream and up the other side. Driving across the field he circled the tornado just as the satellite retreated back into the wall cloud. “Merlin, it’ s gaining strength,” Mor gana said. “Yep, and it’ s going to turn.” “Got enough,” Arthur said, “Let’ s get out of here.” Merlin nodded then spun the wheel turning Excalibur around. Nathan looked out the back window as the tornado changed course. He shook his head and smiled. His dad was right again. “Was that instinct or magic, Dad?” “What?” “You knew it would turn. W as it your instincts or your magic?” “A little of both actually .” Nathan looked again. The tornado was gaining on them. “Y ou might want to step on it, Dad, I don’ t need instincts or magic to see it is knocking on our back door .” Merlin laughed and hit the gas. Excalibur ate up the ground reaching the main road again where the vans were parked just to the north. He parked on the asphalt, and they all got out to watch the tornado cut across the field. It destroyed a couple of old sheds and a fence before finally losing strength and roping out. “God, I love this job,” Merlin said then pulled Nathan into his embrace. “Happy birthday , my son. I love you.” “Love you too, Dad.” Arthur smiled, “On to the next?” “On to the next,” Nathan grinned hugging him. Epilogue Christmas Eve Merlin stood by the windows looking out at the falling snow . The warmth of the fire in the hearth behind him and the smell of cinnamon in the air made him smile. “Hey ,” Arthur said as he wrapped his arms around him. “Come sit with me.” Merlin nodded and followed him to the sofa in front of the fireplace. They sat down and he curled up against Arthur reveling in the feel of his body . He kissed him tenderly . “Hi…” “Hi,” Arthur smiled kissing him back. “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” Merlin grinned, “I am in a beautiful place with the man I love and our son. The snow is falling, and we are alone on Christmas Eve.” “It’s a bit dif ferent, isn’ t it? Not having the team around.” “They are enjoying themselves I’m sure. I know our parents are. Spending their extended honeymoon in Hawaii. I prefer the snow to the hot sun.” “Mor gana wanted to come, but she couldn’ t make the trip this late in the pregnancy . And Gwaine is a nervous wreck. They are going to be great parents. Like Lance and Gwen.” “Percival texted me,” Merlin grinned, “He’ s going to propose to Nicole on New Y ear's Eve.” “Good for him,” Arthur nodded, “They are a good match.” “I’m glad we came here for the holidays,” Merlin smiled kissing Arthur . “Me too.” “Nathan is really happy here. Millie and Frank are spoiling him rotten.” Arthur let go of Merlin and reached over the arm of the sofa to grab something. He handed the wrapped package to Merlin with a wide grin. “Merry Christmas.” “Shouldn’ t we wait until morning?” Merlin asked. “No, this one is just between you and me,” Arthur said nodding pointedly at the gift. Merlin unwrapped it carefully and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful painting of the two of them. It was stunning. He looked at Arthur . “This is incredible,” he said then looked at the signature. “A Pendragon…” he said, “Y ou painted this. “God, Arthur…” “You really like it?” “I love it. I didn’ t know you were an artist.” “I’m not really . My mom was. I guess it’ s the one part of me I share with her .” Merlin shook his head, tears in his eyes, “Arthur…this is…when did you have time?” “I started at Thanksgiving. W orked on it while you were sleeping.” “We have to hang this in our bedroom over the fireplace.” “Okay ,” Arthur chuckled, “I love you, Merlin. “I love you, A Pendragon,” Merlin kissed him, “Let’ s go upstairs.” “Lead the way ,” Arthur said. Merlin carried the painting and held his hand as they climbed the stairs and went into their room. He immediately pulled down the landscape artwork over the fireplace and replaced it with Arthur ’s painting. “Perfect,” he grinned. “Yes, you are,” Arthur kissed him then scooped him up in his arms and carried him to the bed. “My knight in shining armor ,” Merlin smiled caressing his cheek. “Always, my love,” Arthur kissed him. THE END Crying in the Rain by A-ha and the Everly Brothers Chapter Summary p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Crying in the Rain by A-ha I'll never let you see The way my broken heart is hurting me I've got my pride and I know how to hide All my sorrow and pain I'll do my crying in the rain If I wait for stormy skies You won't know the rain from the tears in my eyes You'll never know that I still love you so Though the heartaches remain I'll do my crying in the rain Raindrops falling from heaven Could never take away my misery But since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain Whoo, whoo Since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain Songwriters: Howard Greenfield, Carole King. For non-commercial use only . Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Explicit Archive W arning: Creator Chose Not T o Use Archive W arnings Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Mor gana (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Merlin & Percival (Merlin), Merlin & Mor gana (Merlin), Hunith/Uther Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Original Characters, Gaius (Merlin), Queen Annis (Merlin), Freya Additional T ags: Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Storm Chasing, Everyone Knows About Merlin's Magic (Merlin), Sequel, Paranormal, Tornados, Entities, Controlling weather, tornado alley, violent weather, relationship troubles, Miscommunication, Misunderstandings, Hurt Merlin (Merlin), Good Mor gana (Merlin), Good Parent Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Dragon Merlin (Merlin), Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Protective Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Protective Merlin (Merlin), Protective Mor gana (Merlin), BAMF Merlin (Merlin), Established Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Stull Cemetery (Supernatural) Language: English Series: Part 2 of Storm Chaser Merlin Series Stats: Published: 2023-06-16 Words: 52, 200 Chapters: 13/13 Crying in the Rain by DeansBrokenHeart, MerlinsBrokenHeart (DeansBrokenHeart) Summary With his marriage to Arthur coming apart at the seams, Merlin is in a downward spiral, taking dangerous risks like a man with nothing to live for . Chasing storms with reckless abandon, determined to avoid facing his problems, he makes a disastrous mistake that could cost him his life. Arthur is in London when he gets the call he has been dreading. His worst nightmare has been realized. Faced with the devastating reality that he could lose Merlin for good, Arthur flies back to the US. Hoping and praying he will survive and that they will somehow be able to fix what went wrong between them. Sometimes the most tumultuous storms you can face in life are on the inside… Notes This is the long-awaited sequel to Living at the End of the W orld my original Storm Chaser Merlin fic I posted one year ago. Enjoy and I love feedback, good or bad!!! Thank you to all my readers!!! p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Flirting With Disaster “Merlin, damn you, get the fuck out of there!” “Back of f, Gwaine, I’ve got this. Just head south, and keep your distance, ” Merlin said as he hit the gas, driving Excalibur down the narrow road following a drainage ditch heading right into the path of a massive rain-wrapped tornado that was bearing down on a small town. He looked up, realizing that he was way too close, but he kept going anyway . “Merlin, do you have a death wish?” Percival shouted, “Dammit, Merlin!” “Fuck it, ” Merlin said then yanked his earpiece from his ear and tossed it on the passenger seat. He couldn’ t concentrate with his team yelling in his ear . “Okay, devil storm, it’ s just you and me now, ” he said, shoving his foot to the floor and the Jeep Gladiator tore along the gravel road until he came to a narrow bridge. T urning right, Merlin hit the brakes skidding to a stop in the middle of the bridge, and got out. He raised both hands shouting the spell while the mounted cameras took video of the dark, writhing mass of a storm. A piece of debris flew directly at his head, forcing him to duck down behind Excalibur before he could finish the spell. It was too close and too powerful for him to use magic to slow it down. There wasn’ t anything he could do. His magic was screaming beneath his skin, pulling at him, ur ging him to run. He stood up to get another look at the tornado just as it suddenly turned, heading right for him. Getting behind the wheel he threw the truck into reverse and turned it around, but it was too late. “Shit, ” Merlin said as the rear end of the truck was hit by a lar ge piece of debris spinning him back around to face the storm. He hit the gas, but the rear wheels were no longer on the ground. Whatever hit him was wedged up underneath the frame. Fear and regret gripped his heart, and he shook his head, tears in his eyes. “Forgive me, Arthur…” he choked out just as the tornado swept him up and tossed the Gladiator end over end. “Merlin!” Mor gana screamed as they witnessed Excalibur lift of f the bridge and fly through the air . They lost sight of it in the rotation and airborne debris. “God, no!” she cried as Gwaine pulled her into his arms, turning her face into the crook of his neck. “Goddamn it, Merlin, ” Percival choked, dropping to his knees on the edge of the road. The tornado continued its path of destruction missing the town while leveling a house and a dairy barn as the team watched helplessly, praying for a miracle. Praying that, against all odds, Merlin would survive. “Get in, let’ s go, ” Gwaine said, “Leon call for help and please, tell me the tracker on Excalibur is giving of f a signal.” “I’m scanning, ” Leon said, hitting the keys on the laptop, “Fuck, come on baby, where are you? Speak to me, sweetheart.” He scanned again as Gwaine turned the van onto the road and headed toward the bridge. “Got it, the signal is weak but it’ s there. About a quarter mile east of the bridge. God, Merlin…” he said realizing that the chances of Merlin surviving the impact after being thrown that distance were slim. He hit 91 1 on his cell phone. “Merlin, so help me, you better not be dead, ” Gwaine muttered under his breath as he drove then reached over to grasp Mor gana’ s hand. She was struggling to keep it together . “God, please…please, no…” she sobbed, covering her mouth with her free hand. Merlin struggled to open his eyes. All he could see was darkness. Everything was deathly silent except for the sound of running water somewhere. He was disoriented and shaking, his body hurt all over . Reaching his right arm out toward the passenger seat, he felt around for his earpiece cursing himself for taking it out. He could move his legs, but his left arm was useless. “Fuck, ” he breathed out. Reaching for his magic he struggled to focus it, to get a sense of where he was and hopefully find his phone or earpiece to call for help. Finally, his hand closed around the earpiece, and he winced in pain as he raised his arm putting it in his ear praying it was still on and would work. The entire side of his head was covered in blood. “That’ s not good, ” Merlin huf fed, his chest hurt, and his lungs burned. “This is it…end of the road, ” he choked out hoarsely . “Thank fuck, Merlin!” Gwaine’ s voice sounded in his ear . “I hear you…we’re coming. Just hold on, buddy .” “Gwaine…” Merlin said, his eyes were growing heavy, and it was getting harder to breathe. “Stay with me, Merlin!” Gwaine pleaded, “Y ou’re not dying, not like this.” “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, “Hold on, please.” “Mor gana, ” Merlin smiled sadly, “Tell him…tell Arthur…” “No, Merlin, I am not telling my brother anything. Y ou are going to live through this, and you are going to fix things between you two.” Mor gana shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Y ou are not going to die. Y ou can’ t die.” “Okay, ” Merlin nodded weakly . He felt his magic fading, his heartbeat slowing. “Arthur…” he whispered then the darkness swallowed him up and there was nothing. Gwaine pulled the van of f the road in the area where Excalibur ’s signal indicated. He got out, going to the back to pull out the emer gency kit. Mor gana was on the phone with 91 1 giving them their location. Leon and Percival made their way down a steep embankment. “Stay here, we’ll get him, ” Gwaine said, kissing Mor gana then followed them. “Over here, ” Percival shouted and pointed. Excalibur was wedged in beside a corrugated steel culvert that had been partially ripped from the earth by the tornado with water still pouring out of it. The water was knee-deep around it and rising. “Merlin!” Percival yelled running into the muddy water, reaching the passenger side door which was completely crushed. He yanked until it finally broke free and he was able to remove it. Climbing inside he felt Merlin’ s neck and wrist praying he would find a pulse. “Merlin, come on…” he said and sighed in relief when he finally got a pulse, though it was weak. The driver ’s side door was jammed up against a piece of concrete. Leon climbed up onto the back of the Gladiator and helped Percival to remove the damaged roof panels so they could get to Merlin easier . “He’ s alive, but barely, ” Percival said as Gwaine reached them with the emer gency kit. “Merlin, come on, ” Gwaine said, taking Percival’ s place in the cab of the truck, “Y ou stupid son-of-a-bitch, what the fuck were you thinking?” He did everything he could to slow the bleeding, but Merlin’ s injuries were bad, very bad, and that was just what he could see. “Percival, can you get the back cover open and see if there is a blanket in there? Anything else we can use.” Percival managed to get the latches open and found two blankets. “Here, ” he said, passing them through the shattered back window . Gwaine grabbed them and carefully covered Merlin. “Leon, go back to the van and find out how far out the paramedics are, ” Gwaine shouted, “Merlin doesn’ t have much time. He’ s losing a lot of blood.” Leon nodded then ran back to the road. “Merlin, ” Gwaine shook his head cupping his friend’ s cheek. “Y ou can’ t die. Hold on, please. I’m sorry…so sorry, I should have seen this coming.” He fought back tears, pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. “God, Merlin…” he choked. Life Flight landed in the middle of the road ten minutes later, the sherif f and an ambulance pulled up three minutes after . Gwaine stepped out of the Gladiator letting the rescue crew take over . Percival helped him up out of the water and put a hand on his shoulder . They looked at each other, worry and fear in their eyes. Morgana ran into Gwaine’ s arms as soon as he climbed back up to the road. He cupped the back of her head, holding her close as they waited, watched, and prayed. It took them twenty minutes to extract Merlin from what was left of the Gladiator, and it would take them a while to get him to the road and loaded into the helicopter . “I’ve got to call Arthur, ” Mor gana said clutching Gwaine’ s shirt. “You should call him now, baby, it will take him a while to get here from London.” Morgana nodded then got back into the van dialing her brother ’s number with trembling hands. She didn’ t even know what time it was in London. She couldn’ t think or focus. The phone rang four times, and she hung up and called back again. “Arthur, pick up, please.” Arthur rolled over in bed feeling for the nightstand and his vibrating phone. Finally, he grabbed it swiping the screen while wiping the sleep from his eyes and looking at the bedside clock. It was one in the morning. “Hello, ” he said groggily . “Thank God, ” Mor gana sobbed. “Mor gana?” Arthur asked, “What’ s wrong?” “Merlin, he’ s…God, Arthur…” Arthur sat upright, immediately alert, his heart in his throat. “Mor gana…what happened?” “Merlin…he—he got too close. The tornado…Arthur, you need to come. I don’ t know if he’s…” she choked back a sob. Gwaine came over to the van, opened the door, and gently took the phone from her . “Fuck, ” Arthur said, his worst fears were being realized. “Merlin…” “Arthur, ” Gwaine said. “Gwaine…what happened?” Arthur asked as he grabbed his bag and started packing. “Arthur, Merlin got caught up in the tornado. It threw Excalibur a good quarter of a mile. Paramedics are here, Life Flight too, they are getting him out. He’ s alive, but barely .” “Fuck, ” Arthur said, “I’ll call Hunith. W e will be there as soon as we can. I’ll call my father and get the jet. Gwaine, tell him I love him.” “Arthur, I’ll be honest, it doesn’ t look good. Get here, ” Gwaine said then ended the call. Arthur immediately dialed Hunith’ s number, sitting down on the side of the bed struggling to keep his emotions under control. He had to keep calm and focused. “Arthur, what’ s wrong?” Hunith asked. “Hunith, Merlin…there was an accident. W e need to go.” “Oh my god, ” she gasped, “My boy .” “He’ s alive, but Gwaine said it doesn’ t look good, ” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “I’ll send a car for you within the hour, I need to call the hangar and have them ready the plane.” “I’ll be ready, ” Hunith said, fighting tears. “I’m sorry, I should have been there…” “Arthur, you cannot blame yourself. I will see you shortly, love.” “See you, ” Arthur said, ending the call. He then called the airport and his father . Ninety minutes later they were in the air . Hunith was sitting quietly next to the window staring out into the darkness, tears in her eyes. Arthur sat next to her, leaning forward, with his elbows braced on his knees. Everything came rushing back…the last six months away from Merlin. Everything that happened before. None of it mattered now . “Fuck, ” he choked, a sob escaping from his throat before he could stop it, his hands trembling as Hunith linked their fingers together . “It’ s my fault…I never should have left him.” “I understand why you did. It isn’ t your fault, Arthur .” “If I had been there, he wouldn’ t…” “You know as well as I do how stubborn and reckless my boy is.” “Hunith, I can’ t lose him. God, I still love him so damn much. I just want a chance to fix things between us and now I may not get that chance.” “You will. Merlin is a fighter, and he is strong. His magic protects him. He will be okay…I have to believe that. I need to believe that. Believe in him, Arthur, ” Hunith said drawing Arthur into her arms and kissing the back of his head as she held him. “I love you, dear boy, ” she whispered. “Arthur, ” Uther said, “I have a helicopter waiting to take us to the hospital as soon as we land.” “Thank you, Father, ” Arthur said, then sitting upright, pulled his phone out of his pocket. Uther put a hand on his shoulder, “Do not worry . We will do whatever it takes to save Merlin. I know you two have had your share of problems, but you still love each other .” Arthur nodded then sent a text to Mor gana letting her know they were in the air . “Hold on, Merlin, ” he said wiping the tears from his eyes, “Just hold on.” He shook his head, thinking of the last words they had said to each other, and it terrified him that he may have to bury Merlin and never get the chance to erase those words. T o fix what went wrong between them. “What the hell do you think you were doing out there?” Arthur asked, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. “My job, ” Merlin said with a shrug. “Your job! Y ou ignored my warning and you nearly got yourself killed. What the fuck is wrong with you? Y ou’re being an ass to everyone. Gwen said you blew of f two book signings. That’ s not like you. At the storm chaser event the other night you were drunk and moody . What’ s going on with you?” Merlin tried to walk away, but Arthur refused to let it go. For weeks he had been acting like an ass. All he wanted to do was chase storms and he was taking extreme risks. He’d taken off, leaving Arthur behind at the van with the team, to go after a tornado and nearly ended up rolling Excalibur . Merlin let out a low growl, “Y ou know how I feel about publicity and all the bullshit that goes with it. Sometimes I wish I had never written that goddamn book. I let you talk me into it, and now it controls my life and takes me away from my real job which is supposed to be chasing tornados and saving lives. It’ s what I do, and it is what I am fucking good at. I don’ t need all these speeches and interviews and ridiculous photo shoots. I want my anonymity back!” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That book is a fucking international bestseller and has brought so much attention to the world of storm chasing. Not to mention, it has helped in the research and development of your warning system, or have you for gotten that?” “Maybe I just need a break, ” Merlin grumbled. “Fine! Great! I’m all for it. T ake a break…take time of f from storm chasing and get your head on straight before you get yourself or me or the team killed, ” Arthur said, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. Merlin yanked it away, “I don’ t need a break from chasing. I need a break from you!” Arthur flinched. His eyes were wide with hurt. “That’ s what you want?” “Yes!” Merlin hissed. “I told you I was in this with you to the end and I won’ t walk away even if you want me to. I refuse to give up on us, just because you have a fucking death wish and are acting like a selfish prick.” Arthur stepped forward again grabbing Merlin’ s shoulder, spinning him around. “Y ou’re reckless and unfocused. Y ou’re drinking too much, and I know you’re having nightmares that you refuse to talk about. Dammit, Merlin, I really believed your walls were all down when it comes to me, but you have only replaced them with a fucking moat and set it on fire.” “Just let it go, Arthur…” Merlin said in a warning tone, “Get of f my back and let me do my fucking job. I don’ t need you second-guessing me or questioning my judgment. I was doing this long before you came along, and I will keep doing it, with or without you.” “Merlin, stop chasing, at least for a while. W e can take a trip somewhere…sailing maybe. You enjoyed that trip when we went before. W e can do it again. Y ou need to stop before you destroy everything we have worked so hard to build.” “I built this!” Merlin shouted, his eyes dark, “I am the only thing standing between innocent lives and violent tornados. No, I won’ t stop chasing. Y ou know that. Y ou knew that from the beginning. If you don’ t like it, you can walk away, I won’ t fucking stop you.” He started to turn away, but Arthur lunged forward, yanking him around. Merlin brought his fist up and swung catching Arthur across the jaw knocking him back, more from the shock than the actual impact. “Fuck, I can’ t believe you just hit me!” Arthur huf fed a breath, pressing his hand to his face. “I’m sorry, okay, ” Merlin said, averting his gaze, “Just leave me alone, Arthur . Leave me alone, please.” He then stormed of f, heading for the auto shop. Arthur stood there rubbing his jaw, tears shining in his blue eyes. He had no idea what to do. Merlin was out of control, hurtling towards the edge of a sheer clif f and he was powerless to stop him. He dropped to his knees staring up at the overcast sky . He was done. If Merlin didn’ t want him here, he would go. It would kill him, but he would walk away . Maybe if he did, it would shock Merlin out of this. If it didn’ t…well, then it was over . He could not stay and watch his husband self-destruct and take the team down with him. “Goodbye, Merlin, ” he said then got to his feet. He walked over to Elyan who was just getting ready to leave. “Elyan, I need a ride into town…” “Arthur…” Merlin murmured in this sleep for the thousandth time as Mor gana watched over him. He had under gone a six-hour sur gery to try and relieve the swelling in his brain and to stop the internal bleeding. He had been in and out of consciousness since they moved him into ICU. Doctors had done all they could. He was lucky to be alive. It was a miracle that, other than several cracked ribs, he didn’ t have a single broken bone. Morgana moved to stand beside the bed, taking Merlin’ s hand in hers. “Merlin, he’ s coming. He will be here soon. Just hold on.” The doctor had warned them that when and if Merlin woke he would likely suf fer at least partial vision loss, if not full. While it would most likely be temporary, it would be jarring for him, and someone needed to be there when he opened his eyes. T o explain why they were bandaged. Morgana’ s phone rang and she immediately pulled it out of her pocket and swiped the screen. “Arthur, how much longer?” she asked, her voice breaking. “We just landed, boarding the helicopter in a few minutes. How is he?” “Still unconscious, keeps saying your name. Arthur, hurry .” “God, I am trying, Mor gana…I’m barely keeping it together .” “I know, he’s just so weak. Arthur, I can’ t really feel his magic. I’m scared we are losing him.” “He can’ t die, I have so much I need to say to him. I never should have left. I thought it would help, to put some distance between us for a while, but it only made things worse.” “You did what you felt you had to do…I know that. Merlin is just so damn stubborn and determined to sacrifice himself for the job.” “I have to go now, Mor gana, ” Arthur said, “I’ll be there soon. I love you.” “Love you, my brother .” “Take care of him for me.” “I will, ” she nodded then ended the call and looked down at Merlin. “Just a little longer, Merlin, ” she said then bent over to press her lips to his. “I love you, don’ t leave us.” Arthur was quiet in the helicopter, remembering the day they first arrived at base camp, the auto shop. The day he first laid eyes on Merlin. The memory brought a sad smile to his face. How much their lives had changed in three years. It had been six months since the day he left Merlin. He hadn’ t planned to stay away, but Merlin had done nothing to bring him back, moving on with his life as if Arthur meant nothing to him. So, he’d stayed in London working for his father, chasing a few storms in The Netherlands and Germany . Doing so while missing Merlin every second of every day . Now Merlin lay in a hospital possibly dying and Arthur felt the weight of regret on his chest. The pang of guilt and a profound anguish at the thought of never being able to fix what was broken between them. His eyes pooling with tears, he leaned forward in his seat, pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead, his shoulders vibrating as he gave in to the feelings that were tearing him apart. “Arthur, ” Uther said softly, putting his arms around his son. He just held him, pressing his lips to the side of his head. “Merlin is going to be fine…you’ll see. Y ou’re not going to lose him.” Arthur melted into his father ’s embrace and let it all out. Love is Blind Merlin felt detached from his body . Like he wasn’ t in control of his limbs and his magic felt like a frightened kitten burrowed down in a dark space hissing and clawing every time he tried to reach for it. Something wasn’ t right. He tried to focus, to get his eyes to open, but they felt like they were glued shut. He was pretty sure he was alive because death was supposed to be peaceful and welcoming…this was anything but. “Arthur…” His voice sounded alien to his own ears. Like he was hearing it from a distance. What happened? Where was he? Then he remembered the tornado picking up Excalibur with him in it. Remembered absolute weightlessness, and the sound of tearing metal, and debris slamming into it. Then the crash, the impact, hitting the ground, hitting something. Then darkness…nothing. His mind rebelled then, yanking him away from that moment, slamming him back into wherever he was now . Back into this state of existence where nothing made sense. Then came the pain, excruciating pain, in his head and body . He screamed. “Merlin, shh, it’ s all right. Y ou’re in the hospital. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry .” Merlin felt the familiar touch…heard that voice. No, it couldn’ t be…he’d driven him away . It wasn’ t him. Maybe he really was dead, and this was his eternal punishment. Arthur was gone. He was never coming back. He had destroyed the one pure thing in his life. “Merlin, I’m here, ” Arthur choked back a sob pressing his lips to Merlin’ s hand, “I’m so sorry . God, I never should have left you.” Merlin focused on the familiar connection. His fingers moved, chasing more of that warmth. He was cold, so cold. Arthur let out a relieved but rough laugh as Merlin’ s hand grasped his, long slender fingers intertwining with his own. “Shh, I’ve got you, Merlin. Y ou’re going to be okay .” “Arthur…it hurts, ” Merlin grimaced. “I know . God, I wish I could take the pain away . But you are alive, you’re still with me. I’m never letting you go again. I should have been here.” “You should hate me…” “Merlin, no, I love you. I will always love you. When Mor gana called…I have never felt so lost, so helpless. Y our mom is here too. I brought her and my father with me. They are in the waiting room just across the hallway . Do you want me to get her for you?” Merlin shook his head slightly, causing another wave of pain. “Not yet…just you, please.” Arthur smiled, tears shining in his eyes. “Merlin, you idiot…what the hell were you thinking?” “How bad is it?” “You look kind of like you went ten rounds with some sort of giant washing machine, shredder hybrid with a battering ram thrown in to make it interesting, ” Arthur said with a chuckle. “That’ s pretty much what it felt like, ” Merlin gave him a weak grin. “How much do you remember?” Arthur asked. “All of it. Right up to the impact. I’m guessing Excalibur is totaled.” “Yeah, I haven’ t seen it yet, but Gwaine said it was bad.” “I’m sorry .” “Don’ t worry about that now, ” Arthur shook his head, then leaning over the bed, he kissed Merlin. “God, I have missed you.” “I can’ t open my eyes, ” Merlin said. “No, they are covered. Y ou suf fered a TBI, the swelling is causing pressure on your optical nerve. They said you will likely experience partial or total vision loss, but it should only be temporary .” “And if it’ s not?” Merlin asked, panic seeping into his voice. “Merlin, we are going to do whatever it takes. My father has already been talking to specialists about your condition if we should need them. Chances are the swelling will go down and your vision will return to normal.” “Shit, I really fucked up, didn’ t I.” “Yes, you did, but we are going to get through this together .” “I don’ t deserve…” Merlin choked, and Arthur kissed him. “Merlin, I’m here. I love you and I am not going anywhere.” “I’m sorry…Arthur, what I did to you…” “Doesn’ t matter anymore. I am just as much at fault. I shouldn’ t have left you.” “It’s not like I gave you a choice.” Arthur shook his head, “I had a choice, and I made the wrong one.” Merlin squeezed his hand, “Arthur, when that tornado hit me…I just wanted one more chance to ask you to for give me. T o tell you that I love you.” “I do, Merlin…I for give you…if you can for give me for not fighting for us like I should have. I just walked away . I wanted so badly to come back, but you moved on with your life. I felt like there was no place for me in it anymore.” Merlin squeezed Arthur ’s hand. “I drove you away .” “Why?” “I don’ t know .” “Merlin, we promised to be by each other ’s side for the rest of our lives. Something made you lash out, push me away .” “I don’ t understand it myself, ” Merlin huf fed a laugh. Arthur gently brushed his thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone. “It doesn’ t matter now . We will talk about things once you are back on your feet. Right now, I just need you to focus on healing. How is your magic?” “It’s there but not there, ” Merlin said, “Hiding…” “Yes, Mor gana told me that she couldn’ t feel it.” “Arthur, the pain, ” Merlin whimpered his face tightening. Arthur reached over and pressed the button to call the nurse. “Hold on, help is coming. We’ll get them to give you the good stuf f.” The nurses came in and Arthur stepped back out of the way as they checked Merlin’ s vitals. “Look at you, sweetie, ” one of them smiled, “Good to see you’re awake. The doctor will be here soon to speak with you. How bad is the pain on a scale from one to ten?” she asked. Merlin winced when she gingerly touched his bound ribs. “Is there another option?” he asked. The nurse smiled, “No, I’m afraid not. One to ten, sweetheart?” “Seven point five, ” Merlin huf fed. “Good boy, ” she laughed. “Does that mean I get the good stuf f?” he asked with a pained smirk. “That is up to the doctor . This should help, ” the nurse said pushing medication into his IV . “You’re a lucky boy . I saw you when they brought you in, Merlin. It’ s truly a miracle that you’re still with us. I am Xena, by the way . And this is Nicole, she is going to take a little bit of blood.” “A nurse named Xena, ” Merlin chuckled then winced. The second nurse drew blood from Merlin’ s arm and then left the room quickly . “I loved that show, ” he grinned, “Y ou kicked ass.” “Good, then you know not to mess with me. Y ou will do what I say, ” Xena smiled then winked at Arthur . “Let me know if you need anything, Arthur .” “I’m all right, ” Arthur said then walked to the window closing his eyes trying not to think about how close he had come to losing his husband. He shook his head, fighting tears. Gwaine had told him some of the details while sparing him the worst of it. He heard the door open. “Merlin, you are awake. I am Dr . Annis Carlson.” Arthur turned to see an older, red-haired woman in a white coat. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid that shouldn’ t look good on a woman her age, but it suited her . She wore no makeup, not that she needed it. She was beautiful. He moved closer to the bed and extended his hand. “Dr. Carlson, I am Arthur Pendragon, Merlin’ s husband.” “Oh, good, they said you were flying in from London, you got here quickly .” “I left as soon as I got the call.” Hunith came into the room and the doctor smiled then nodded. “Y ou’re Merlin’ s mother?” “Yes, ” Hunith said, “What can you tell us?” “Merlin suf fered a traumatic brain injury . I was able to relieve some of the pressure, and seeing as he is awake, that is a good sign. He has five cracked ribs and suf fered a collapsed lung and internal bleeding. He had a dislocated shoulder and more than his fair share of lacerations and contusions. He also had a metal object embedded in his skin just below his collarbone. As far as his vision goes, we will have to wait and see. It should return once the swelling goes down, but we won’ t know for sure until that happens.” “Dear God, ” Hunith gasped, and Arthur put his arm around her . Dr. Carlson looked at them then Merlin. “Merlin is a lucky young man.” “Can you take the bandages of f my eyes?” Merlin asked. “We could, I just didn’ t want you to panic when you woke up, ” the doctor smiled, “If you want me to I will remove them. Just be prepared that you may not see anything, or you could see light and shapes but little else.” “I understand, I just want them of f, please, ” Merlin said. “Very well, ” Dr . Carlson said then proceeded to remove the covering on his eyes. “Keep them closed for a moment, ” she said as she removed the last of the bandages. “Okay, now slowly open your eyes and tell me what you see.” Merlin let out a breath, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly opened and then closed them again. Arthur reached out taking hold of his hand, and he tried again, his eyes opened fully this time and he made a sound that broke Arthur ’s heart. “Can’ t…can’ t see anything, ” Merlin choked. “It’s to be expected, ” Dr . Carlson said, “There’ s no reason not to believe your vision will return. Just give it time. I have seen this kind of thing many times. Once the swelling goes down and the pressure is relieved you should regain your sight. I could replace the bandages…” “No, ” Merlin said, “It’ s fine.” “I will be by to check on you in a few hours. Rest, Merlin, ” the doctor smiled. “Y ou are a strong young man, and I don’ t see any reason why you can’ t make a full recovery .” “Thank you, doctor, ” Hunith said moving to her son’ s side. “I’ll walk you out, ” Arthur said then followed the doctor into the hallway . “Thank you for saving his life.” Dr. Carlson put a hand on Arthur ’s arm. “It’ s going to be a long road. Just keep encouraging him and keep his stress levels down.” “I can do that.” “It is good that he has you and his mother and so many friends who love him.” “How bad was it really?” Arthur asked, not sure he wanted to know, but needed to. Dr. Carlson nodded, “When I said he is a lucky young man I meant it. Arthur, when they brought him in, he was quite literally on the ver ge of death. He was covered in blood and barely breathing. If your friends had not found him as quickly as they did, he would not have survived. I heard your sister say that you and Merlin have been apart for a while.” Arthur nodded, “Six months. But I am back now, and I will never leave him again.” “I hope that is true. The paramedics told me that the whole flight in, despite his injuries, he kept saying your name over and over again.” Arthur nodded, “I should have been there, then he wouldn’ t be lying in that bed right now .” “Whatever dif ferences caused you two to separate, you need to set them aside and focus on him. He is going to need a lot of love and support to get through this.” “I know, ” Arthur said, “I am here for him.” “Good, ” she smiled, “I will be back in a few hours. If you need me, have the nurses call.” “Thank you, Dr . Carlson.” “You’re welcome, Arthur, ” she said then walked away . “Arthur, ” Mor gana said as she approached him, “Merlin is awake?” “Yes, ” he smiled then hugged her and she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Come on in with me.” They walked into the room together and Mor gana went straight to Merlin’ s bedside. “Merlin, thank god you’re awake. I was so scared.” “Mor gana, ” Merlin smiled reaching up to touch her cheek. “Your eyes…” she said softly . “Yeah, can’ t see your gor geous face at the moment. I love you.” “I love you too. Don’ t ever do that again, Merlin. When I saw that tornado pick up and toss Excalibur…” she shook her head. “God, I thought you were…” she sobbed. “Shh, don’ t cry, ” Merlin smiled, “I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere.” “You promise?” “I promise, ” Merlin said. “I’m going to go call Gwaine and the others, let them know you are awake.” “Tell them I’m sorry for everything. I know I royally fucked up.” “It’s just a damn good thing the tracking signal on Excalibur worked or we never would have found you in time, ” Mor gana said then she squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. “I will be back in a little while.” “Okay, ” Merlin nodded. Morgana hugged Arthur then Hunith stood up and smiled, “I am going to call Gaius and Will. Y ou rest. I love you, my boy .” “Love you too, Mother, ” Merlin smiled. They left the room, and he heard the door shut. “Arthur?” “I’m here, ” Arthur said taking hold of his hand. Merlin knew there was so much he needed to tell Arthur, but at the moment he just wanted to be with him. He smiled and Arthur grinned. “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Just so good to hear your voice. I missed you so damn much. I must have picked up my phone to call you a thousand times, but I was so ashamed of how I treated you and for hitting you. It was wrong and I am so sorry .” “I know you are. W e will talk things out, but not now . The doctor said we have to keep your stress levels down. It’ s not a good idea to discuss any of that until you are recovered.” “Well, when I am, you have my permission to punch me.” “I am not going to punch you, Merlin.” “Why not? I deserve it.” “True, ” Arthur chuckled, “But I am not going to hit you.” “Um, how have you been?” Merlin asked, squeezing his hand. “I’ve been fucking miserable. Merlin, I don’ t know who I am when I am not with you. These past six months were hell. I too thought about calling, but I didn’ t know what to say to you. I didn’ t think you wanted to hear from me.” “I’m glad you’re here now .” “Me too, ” Arthur said caressing his cheek, “I wish I could hug you, but it’ s not a good idea.” “Yeah, probably not.” “I think I should let you rest. I’m going to the cafeteria to get something to eat. I haven’ t had anything since the flight over . “I will be back in a little bit.” “Okay, ” Merlin said. Arthur kissed him tenderly and then left the room. As soon as he heard the door close, Merlin brought his right hand up to cover his mouth. “Fuck, ” he said, tears streaming down his face as he bit his bottom lip. “Arthur, ” Merlin said, the room was quiet, but he could sense Arthur . “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked scrubbing a hand over his eyes as he sat upright on the cot Gwaine had brought in for him to sleep on. He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the bed. “Is the pain worse?” “No, about the same. Sorry, I woke you.” “It’s all right. Just fighting jetlag.” “You should go get a room in a motel. Y ou’d be more comfortable.” “I don’ t want to leave you alone.” “We need to talk about things, ” Merlin said his voice a bit rough. “We will, just not now . Not until you are back on your feet.” “Tell me about London. What were you doing the past six months?” Arthur pulled a chair over and sat next to the bed holding Merlin’ s hand. “Y ou want to talk about me?” he asked. “It’s too quiet. Not being able to see…it’ s rather boring. Can’ t even watch crap tv, ” Merlin grinned, “I’m trying to find some humor in the situation.” “I’m afraid my life has been rather dull, ” Arthur chuckled. “W orking for my father . I did chase a few storms in Germany and The Netherlands. They were rather underwhelming after the ones we chased here. I helped your mother out at the deli and hung out with some old friends.” “Girlfriends?” Merlin asked, dreading the answer . Arthur shook his head, “If you’re asking if I was seeing anyone else the answer is no. I would never do that to you, Merlin. Did you really think I would?” “No, sorry, I didn’ t…I was just afraid. After what I did…I half expected to be served with divorce papers at some point.” “Are you telling me you want a divorce?” Arthur asked. “God, no, Arthur…never, I love you. I don’ t deserve your for giveness. I wouldn’ t have blamed you if you had found someone better…” “Merlin, there is no one else. There will never be anyone else. Y ou are everything to me and that is never going to change no matter what.” Merlin smiled, “Even when I act like a giant, self-destructive prick?” “Yes, ” Arthur grinned. “I think you need your head examined.” “Probably, ” Arthur nodded, “But then I knew you could be a giant, self-destructive prick even before I said I do. Not to mention a whiny control freak, ” Arthur smirked. Merlin gripped Arthur ’s hand, bringing it up to his lips before holding it against his shoulder . “I honestly can’ t believe you are here, ” he choked as tears pooled in his eyes, “I hurt you so badly .” “We hurt each other, Merlin. I am just as much to blame. I’m almost afraid to ask what you have been doing while I was gone.” Merlin let out a breath. “They told me you left with Elyan. I went to town the next morning to apologize, and you weren’ t there. Then Mor gana told me you left for London. I hoped that you would come back, but days turned into weeks then weeks into months. At first, I was just numb. Then angry and I decided that I was going to let you be. I knew it was my fault. I buried myself in work and went through the motions. The team…Gwaine was pissed at you at first, but I told him it wasn’ t your fault. I told him what I did. Mor gana wouldn’ t speak to me for a week. She probably would have quit and followed you back to London if it weren’ t for Gwaine and Gwen.” “Yes, she asked me if I wanted her to come home. I told her not to fuck things up with Gwaine just because I couldn’ t fix things with you. And I asked her to keep an eye on you for me. I knew she didn’ t want to come back to London, and I wasn’ t going to ask her to.” “Anyway, I went through a rough patch where I was drinking more. The whole team kicked my arse when I showed up at the auto shop completely pissed out of my head. I’d been out drinking all night and we were supposed to test the new sensors. Percival picked me up and threw me in a huge mud puddle in the field and left me there. I dragged myself out, covered head to toe in mud. Mor gana took pity on me and grabbed the hose to wash me of f. Needless to say, after that I was cold, wet, and halfway sobered up. She and I had a long talk and she said that I needed to pull my head out of my arse and fix things with you.” Arthur nodded, “She actually told me about that, well the conversation, not the mud bath. That I would have paid to see.” Merlin grinned, “It was not fun. The mud was like clay, so it did not wash of f easily . I was digging the stuf f out of every crack and crevice for a week. After that, I tried writing you an email. I never sent it. Still saved in my draft folder . I couldn’ t say what I needed to say to you through an email and I was too much of a coward to call you.” “Merlin…” Arthur shook his head. “No, you’re here now . I need to say this. Arthur, you are a good man, and I took you for granted. I didn’ t realize until you were gone just how much I truly needed you, and depended on you. When we first met, I was so determined not to go there with you. But my heart had other ideas. The first time we kissed, I knew that there would never be anyone else. It scared me in a way, but I was happy . I let the job come between us, and for that I am sorry . You were right about everything. I never wanted to hurt you, but I did and for that, I am deeply sorry .” “Can I say something now?” Arthur asked with a soft smile. “I guess so.” “I want us to get back to being happy, Merlin. I am sorry that I pushed you to write the book and put you in situations you were not comfortable in. I knew before I met you that you did not like attention and recognition. I had for gotten that…I had for gotten who you were. I understand why you were upset and angry . I didn’ t get it at the time, but I do now . I will never force you to do anything you don’ t want to do. I am extremely proud of you for the book, and the technology you have developed and put out there. I am so damned proud of the man you are, Merlin.” Merlin shook his head slightly, “It wasn’ t just about all that. Not really . I am glad I wrote the book. It has helped a lot of people. I get messages on the website from people all over the country . It was just that it pulled me away from so many other things that were important to me. Including us. T raveling to book signings and conferences and being away from you and from the team so much. Being away from the job. I felt like I was letting people down. I felt like I was letting you down by not being grateful for all of it. I didn’ t know how to tell you. I lashed out and I tried to drive you away . It was stupid. And now, with what happened…It all seems so petty and meaningless.” “Yes, I suppose almost dying changes a person’ s outlook on such things, ” Arthur said. “Do you think we can ever be happy again?” Merlin asked. “Yes, I do, ” Arthur said then stood up and kissed him, “My love for you has never wavered. Not for one single second.” “And if I tell you that I am not going to stop chasing even after this?” Merlin asked. Arthur nodded, “I already figured that. I do hope you will take a little time of f though.” “I’ll consider it. What about you? Are you going to stay and be my wingman again? Keep me out of trouble…or try to anyway?” “You want me to ride with you again?” “Only if it is what you want.” Arthur smiled, “Then yes, I will.” “Good, because as much as I love Elyan, he sucks at banter .” “Oh, you missed my witty comebacks and playful insults?” “I missed you, Arthur, ” Merlin said softly . “I missed you too, Merlin. More than I can ever say .” “Of course, if my eyesight doesn’ t return I won’ t be chasing anything.” “It will, I am sure of it.” “What time is it anyway?” Merlin asked. Arthur checked his phone. “It’ s three in the morning. Y ou need to rest, and I am about to drop. Are we good now?” Merlin smiled, “Y eah, I think so.” “Okay, get some sleep then. How’ s the pain?” “It’s bearable.” “Do you want me to get the nurse to give you something to help you sleep?” “No, I think I can manage. I just wanted to talk to you.” Arthur kissed him, “Close your eyes then and get some sleep. I will be here when you wake up.” “Think you can find me some bacon for breakfast?” “I will get you as much bacon as you can eat.” “You do love me, ” Merlin said then closed his eyes and Arthur covered him with the blankets. “Yeah, I do, ” he smiled then kissed his hand and went back over to the cot to lie down. “Arthur…” “Yeah?” “Sorry about Excalibur .” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “It was just a truck. It’ s replaceable, you aren’ t.” “Do you think we can get a blue one this time?” “Anything you want, Merlin. Now sleep.” “Night, Arthur .” “Night, Merlin.” Man Against Nature “Mor gana, make Arthur go home with you, or get a motel room, ” Merlin said, “He’ s been here every night for over a week.” “I’m fine, Merlin. This cot is perfectly comfortable.” “Arthur, Merlin’ s right. Let me take you home. Y ou need a good night’ s rest and a home- cooked meal. Hunith and father are staying in rooms at the Hearthstone Hotel.” “I’m doing better, Arthur, ” Merlin smiled, “I can get by one night without you.” Arthur nodded and scratched his shoulder . “I’ll think about it. I could use a nice long hot shower . The shower room the nurses let me use is fine, but the water pressure isn’ t the greatest.” He looked at Merlin, “I just don’ t like leaving you alone when you can’ t see.” “I’ll be fine. I have Xena the W arrior Princess here to protect me tonight, ” Merlin grinned, somehow sensing the nurse as she came into the room. “You’re getting very good at that, Merlin, ” she laughed as she checked his vitals. “Your shoes…they make a dif ferent sound on the floors than everyone else, and you smell like roses, ” Merlin chuckled. “Nicole’ s shoes are harder, and she walks really fast.” “How’ s the pain tonight?” Xena asked. “The ribs hurt worse than my head, ” Merlin frowned. “When can I get out of here?” “That’ s up to Dr . Carlson. If it were up to the staf f, we would keep you here forever, purely for the fact that you’re such a wonderful patient.” “That is surprising, ” Arthur grinned, “He’ s usually a whiny control freak.” “Prat, ” Merlin laughed, “Xena, will you please tell Arthur that I will be fine? He can go take a break from here and come back tomorrow .” “Somehow I think no one can make Arthur do anything he doesn’ t want to do. He loves you, ” Xena smiled and winked at Arthur . “Merlin, how’ s your vision? Any improvement?” “I catch flashes of light occasionally, but I’m not sure that isn’ t just my brain playing tricks on me.” “It may return gradually, or it could come back all at once. I’ve seen both. Dr . Carlson has ordered another MRI for you tomorrow . We will know more after that.” “Oh, yay, another MRI, ” Merlin frowned. “Arthur, come home with me and I will bring you back in the morning, ” Mor gana said, “He will be fine for one night.” “All right, I will go. Is there anything you need me to bring you, Merlin?” Arthur asked taking his hand. “Where were you staying before this happened?” “The Prairie Rose Motel, home sweet home, ” Merlin said, “Gwaine already checked me out of my room and moved my stuf f to home base. “Why didn’ t you keep our apartment?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, “Didn’ t seem right. Not without you. I moved everything into storage.” “We will look for a new place once you’re back on your feet and we figure things out.” “I’d like that, ” Merlin smiled. “Great, ” Xena said, “I will be back to check on you again in a couple of hours. Y ou know the drill, call if you need anything.” “Will do, ” Merlin said. “Are you sure?” Arthur asked. “I’m sure, get out of my hair, go get some food and rest and I’ll see you tomorrow .” “All right, I’ll go. I love you.” “Love you, Arthur, ” Merlin said pulling him close for a kiss and a hug even though it made his ribs ache. “See you in the morning.” “See you, ” Arthur cupped his cheek and kissed him again. “See you in the morning, Merlin, ” Mor gana said hugging him gently, “I love you.” “Love you too, take care of him for me.” “I will.” Merlin listened for the door to close then shifted his position to get comfortable. As his pain meds kicked in he drifted of f to sleep. He was jolted awake from a vivid nightmare by the sound of heavy rain on the windows and a low reverberating thunder . He listened for a moment, his magic humming beneath his skin. “Fuck, ” Merlin muttered as he struggled to sit upright. He grabbed the IV pulling it from his arm and cast it aside, then slid his legs over the edge of the bed. He had to stop for a moment to breathe, the pain quickly reminding him that he was not supposed to be moving. He turned his head toward the window just as a flash of light assailed his vision followed by a loud clap of thunder . “Oh, God, no, no, no, ” Merlin shook his head and slid of f the bed his feet hitting the floor, his knees nearly buckling. He extended a hand moving slowly toward the window, his fingers hitting the wall then slid sideways until they came in contact with the cool glass pane. Through his fingertips he could feel the vibrations and his magic screamed. It knew what was coming…he knew . “Fuck, no, ” Merlin said then turned and made his way to the door yanking it open. He gripped the rail that ran along the hallway wall and started moving toward where he knew the nurses’ station was. “Xena…Nicole!” he shouted hearing nothing he moved back the other way. His ribs were throbbing, but he forced the pain down. He had to focus. “Xena!” he screamed. “Merlin, ” Xena rushed to his side from where she had been in another patient’ s room down the hallway . “You are not supposed to be out of bed. Come on, let’ s get you…” “No, fuck, Xena, you have to listen to me. There is a tornado coming, it is going to hit the hospital. Y ou have to get people to the basement.” “Merlin, honey, I know you are worried. After what you went through, it is to be expected, but you need to get back to bed. Everything will be all right.” Merlin grabbed her upper arm and squeezed to get her attention. “Xena, if you don’ t listen to me, everyone in this hospital is going to die. Y ou know who I am. Y ou know what I do. People are going to die. Y ou have to believe me.” Xena stared at him for a moment, a cold chill shot down her spine as the hair on her arms stood on end. She knew then…Merlin was telling her the truth. “Oh, my god, ” she gasped, and Merlin gave her a reassuring nod. “There’ s still time. Go…go save them.” “What about you?” she asked. “Don’ t worry about me. I may be flying blind, but I am not useless, ” Merlin smiled, “Go… go now . I’ll do what I can.” “Merlin…” “Xena, please, just go.” Xena ran to the nurses’ station, made a call to security, and then called in every nurse, doctor, and other staf f member on duty . “There is a tornado coming right for us, ” she said, “W e need to move now while there is still time. Get the patients into the basement. Use the elevators for those who are immobile. The rest, take them down the stairs.” “Merlin?” Nicole asked knowingly, meeting Xena’ s gaze. “Yes, ” Xena nodded. “I need to help him, ” Nicole said then headed for his room. She walked in to find the room empty . “Merlin! Merlin, where are you?” Merlin pushed his magic outward letting it guide him. He followed the rail along the wall until he came to the main lobby and the front doors. He was dressed in nothing but pajama bottoms that Mor gana had brought him and a white T -shirt that was too big. He had managed to grab a pair of slip-on shoes from the staf f locker room, so his feet were not bare. He would have laughed if the situation were not so dire. He must be quite a sight, stumbling around blind, looking for a fight with a fucking tornado. “Only you, Merlin, only you, ” he huf fed and pushed the doors open. The moment he felt the wind on his face something shifted inside him. He smiled and moved away from the building, stepping out from beneath the shelter of the covered entry . The rain was relentless. Soaking him through in seconds. His magic flowed out his fingertips, swirling in the turbulent air, reaching out, searching. “There you are, you son-of-a-bitch.” “Arthur!” Mor gana shouted as she burst through the bedroom door . He was already on his feet and getting dressed, having heard the weather alert going of f on his phone. “Arthur, it’s heading right for the hospital!” “Holy fuck, Merlin…call the team. I need a vehicle!” “The van is out front, Gwaine is already out there. Go, ” she said. “What about you?” Arthur asked grabbing his jacket. “You don’ t need me, just get to Merlin. He’ s going to do something stupid…you know he is. Get to him, before it’ s too late.” “All right, ” Arthur kissed her cheek. “Be careful…I love you, ” Mor gana said, covering her mouth with her hands as she said a prayer . Arthur ran out the door of Gwaine and Mor gana’ s house just as Gwaine slammed the doors shut on the van. He didn’ t bother ar guing, tossing the keys to Arthur who was already getting into the driver ’s seat. “Get in the back and monitor the storm, ” he said and Gwaine nodded scrambling into the rear of the van where he already had all the equipment running. “Buckle up and hold on, ” Arthur shouted as he started the engine and hit the gas, tearing out of the circular drive and onto the dark street. “Merlin, we’re coming, ” he said under his breath, “Don’ t do it.” But he knew, he knew that Merlin, even blind and injured, would still do whatever he could to fight the storm and would end up getting himself killed in the process. “Fuck, Arthur, ” Gwaine yelled, “It’ s on the ground, and on a collision course with the hospital and hundreds of homes and businesses. “This is bad, real fucking bad.” “What’ s the shortest route to the hospital?” Arthur asked. “Hit the freeway for two miles then take the first exit. That will take us right to it, ” Gwaine said then shook his head, “Arthur, Merlin…” “I know, which is why we have to get there before the goddamn tornado. How much time do we have?” “It’s hard to tell, the feed is all over the place. This is a monster . I can tell you that with absolute fucking certainty .” “Call Leon, ” Arthur said, “Get the rest of the team caught up.” “Already got them on coms. Y our earpiece is in the console.” Arthur reached down and grabbed it, shoving it into his ear, and smiled. “Hell of a welcome back, boys, ” Arthur huf fed, “Let’ s do this!” “And girls, ” Gwen’ s voice chimed in. “Gwen, what are you doing?” Arthur asked. “Don’ t worry, I am staying home with the kids. Lance is loading up blankets, water, and medical supplies. He will meet you at the hospital. Handing this of f to him now .” “Hitting the road as we speak, ” Lance said as he put the earpiece in his ear and kissed his wife goodbye then got into the driver ’s seat. “ET A twenty minutes if I don’ t run into traf fic.” “Lance, if you take Baseline Road and head north you should have pretty much a straight shot and little traf fic, ” Leon said, “Arthur, good to hear your voice.” “Thanks, ” Arthur smiled. “I need all of you to track this beast for me. I have got to get to the hospital because you know Merlin is going to try and fight this thing.” “But he can’ t, ” Elyan said, “He can’ t even see it coming at him. It’ s suicide.” “Yes, well, when has Merlin ever worried about self-preservation?” Percival piped in. “He is going to do whatever it takes to hold of f the tornado and give the staf f time to save the patients, ” Arthur said. “I pulled up the floorplan of the hospital online, Arthur, ” Elyan said, “It’ s a relatively new structure built five years ago. The basement is reinforced and there are massive backup generators. The elevator shafts and stairwells are also reinforced. If they can get all the patients to the lower levels they will be somewhat protected, but there is no guarantee.” “Arthur, ” Gwaine said, “Other storm chasers are saying this thing is growing stronger by the second. It’ s easily half a mile wide already and picking up strength. The lightning is constant, which means they can see it in the dark at least.” “Flashes of light, ” Arthur huf fed, “Merlin said he was seeing flashes of light.” “You think he was seeing the lightning in his head?” Gwaine asked. “I don’ t know .” “Leave it to Merlin, to find a way around his blindness, ” Leon said. “How far are you from the hospital, Leon?” Arthur asked. “Too far, Arthur . You and Gwaine are closer .” “Okay, I need you guys to chase the fucking tornado while we get to the hospital and help Merlin.” “You got it, ” Leon said, “W e are a mile and a half away from it now and closing in.” Arthur nodded and hit the gas as soon as they mer ged onto the freeway . He turned on the emer gency flashers and laid on the horn and drivers moved over to the other lane letting them pass. He put his foot to the floor as soon as they were out of the worst of the traf fic. He spotted the exit and slowed down as he pulled of f the freeway, to avoid rolling the van. It was far dif ferent from driving the Gladiator . Especially with the crosswind. “I am sure missing Excalibur about now, ” he huf fed a laugh, shaking his head as they reached the light, which was thankfully green. He drove through it and turned onto the two-lane highway heading north. “How much farther?” he asked Gwaine. “Three miles you’ll see it on the left. This road will bring us right up to the front driveway and patient drop-of f and pickup area.” “Where’ s the tornado?” “Three miles away and closing fast.” “Fuck!” Arthur hit the steering wheel with both hands, “W e have to make it, Gwaine.” “We will, Arthur .” Merlin clutched his ribs, fighting the pain while trying to focus on the tornado. In his mind, he could see it scouring the land. The winds were pushing two-hundred-fifty miles per hour and steadily increasing. Any doubt that it would hit the hospital was completely gone. He knew . This was going to be catastrophic. “Okay, Merlin, what are you going to do?” He stepped out into the middle of the patient drop-of f zone and held his arms outward. The tornado seemed to be taunting him, daring him to challenge it. Merlin smiled, “Challenge accepted.” The rain changed to hail and Merlin calmly put up a shield to protect himself. He knew he wouldn’ t be able to keep it in place. He needed all his magic to try and hold of f the tornado as long as he could. Even if he had the power to knock it of f course, lives were going to be lost. The hospital was surrounded by residential homes and businesses. Nothing he did would save every life, but he had to at least give them time to get to shelter . “All right, ” Merlin nodded, sensing the tornado closing in on him. The wind was ripping around his shield, hail the size of golf balls. Thunder rumbled and flashes of lightning snaked across the sky . He could feel everything. “It’ s now or never, Merlin, ” he said then pushed his magic outward shouting the familiar spell, his voice deep and resonating. Dropping the shield his body was pummeled with hailstones, but he couldn’ t protect himself and fight at the same time. The massive golden vortex rose up from the ground growing, swirling, and sur ging toward the twister colliding with it. Merlin reached for all the magic in the earth and sky drawing from the wellspring before his own reserves. This was one fight he had to win…no matter the cost. He heard the sound of an engine revving and the thump of tires over a concrete curb as a vehicle came to a stop to his right and doors opened. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted running across the asphalt toward him. “Arthur, you have to run. Get back in the car and go!” “Fuck that, ” Arthur ran to his side and covered Merlin’ s head with a heavy blanket in an attempt to protect him from the hail. “Can you really hold this thing of f?” Gwaine approached Merlin from the opposite side with another blanket. “Aren’ t you supposed to be in bed?” “Couldn’ t sleep, ” Merlin shrugged, “Gwaine, go inside and help the staf f get the patients to the basement. I’ve got this.” “I know you do, ” Gwaine nodded then ran into the building. “We’ve got this, Merlin, ” Arthur said as he linked their fingers together and gave him a nod. “I love you…we do this together .” Merlin nodded then pushed his magic out sur ging from his connection to Arthur . He tilted his head back and shouted the spell again, his voice clear and deep sending shivers through Arthur ’s body . He felt the magic drawing from his core, and he let it happen, focusing on Merlin’ s hand in his. The heat radiating from Merlin was intense and he slid his other arm around his waist helping to give him something stable to lean against as the wind pummeled them both. The tornado collided with the second wave of magic and suddenly everything seemed to slow down. Arthur looked up into the dark sky to see the blacker -than-black writhing mass bearing down on them. He knew then that there was no stopping it. Merlin’ s magic was not going to be enough, yet the man would stop at nothing to hold it back even draining himself the way he did before, after the twin tornados, when Arthur nearly lost him the first time. “Merlin, you’ve done all you can, come on, ” Arthur said then wrapped the blanket around Merlin and pushed him back toward the building. “Arthur, you have to let me!” Merlin cried out, struggling against his chest as Arthur practically carried him through the doors. “Just save yourself!” “No!” Arthur gripped his chin, “I will not let you die! Y ou mean too much to me.” “Arthur, ” Merlin choked, tears sliding down his face. “Come on, ” Arthur said, and they headed for the middle of the building descending down into the stairwell. “The stairwells are reinforced, ” he said, “It’ s our best chance to survive this.” Merlin nodded and followed him. They reached the bottom landing where there was a recess. Arthur pushed Merlin into the small space, up against the wall, and pinned him with his body, pulling the blanket over their heads just as all hell broke loose. The tornado hit the building with the force of a powerful bomb, tearing the roof of f. The walls were vibrating and the floor beneath their feet rolled as if it were an earthquake instead of a probable EF5 tornado. “Fuck!” Arthur yelled as the blanket was ripped away and he was hit with debris. Merlin clung to him as the suction threatened to pull Arthur away . Drawing from his own magic he shouted a spell. Golden tendrils bound him and Arthur together before anchoring them to the strongest points of the reinforced structure surrounding them. He had no idea if it would be enough, but it was the best he could do. “God, please, ” Merlin cried out, wrapping his arms around Arthur ’s chest and his long leg around his lower body . “I’ve got you, ” he said into his ear . “I’m so sorry…I love you.” “I love you, ” Arthur said then looked into Merlin’ s eyes, realizing Merlin was looking back at him. He smiled, cupping his cheek. “Y ou can see me.” “Hi, ” he grinned. “Hi, ” Arthur laughed and kissed him while the world came crashing down around them. “Merlin…Arthur!” Gwaine’ s voice came through the static in Arthur ’s ear. “Gwaine…” Arthur muttered as he forced his eyes open. It was dark, the air was filled with dust and debris was still falling down around them. “Merlin?” “I’m okay, Arthur…you’re bleeding.” Arthur put a hand to the side of his head, his hair was caked with blood and pulverized drywall. “It’ s nothing…just a little cut.” “God, Arthur, ” Merlin said, tears pooling in his eyes, “The people…” “You did all you could, Merlin. Y ou did your best.” “Arthur?” Gwaine came through again. “Yeah, Gwaine, can you hear me?” “Thank God, ” Gwaine let out a relieved breath. “Please, tell me Merlin is with you.” “Yes, we are in a recess in the wall at the bottom of the stairwell of f the lobby . We are buried under a shit ton of debris.” “Bad news, the whole lobby collapsed in on itself. It’ s going to be a while before we can get to you. Are either of you injured?” “Not seriously, ” Arthur said, looking up as Merlin cast a spell creating an orb of light to see by. “I think we are safe for now . It’s dark and hard to breathe with all the dust particles in the air, but we are okay .” The earpiece crackled and Arthur tapped it, turning it of f and back on again. “Did you get that, Gwaine?” “Got it, stairwell of f the lobby, first landing, recess, no serious injuries. Elyan is looking at the blueprints. W e know where you are. It’ s going to be a while before crews can get down to you.” “We’re not going anywhere, ” Merlin said with a humorless chuckle. “Merlin, ” Gwaine said, relief in his voice, “The patients are safe. Y ou did it, buddy .” Merlin’ s eyes welled with tears, and he nodded with relief. Arthur pulled him into his arms. “You’re incredible, ” he smiled and kissed him. “You came for me.” “Yeah, I did.” “Kind of reckless, ” Merlin grinned. Arthur chuckled, “Y eah, it was. But what do you expect, when I’m married to a certifiable lunatic with a selfless heart and the courage of a whole damn pride of lions.” “Thank you…” “You’re welcome. Are you sure you are okay? Y our ribs?” Merlin winced as he shifted his position slightly . “Still there, ” he breathed out slowly, “Head still attached.” A lar ge piece of drywall fell from above, landing on the steps. Arthur carefully maneuvered around and sat with his back to the wall then drew Merlin down between his legs and held him there, carefully checking him for new injuries. Pulling up his T -shirt he checked the wrap over his ribs. There was a small cut on his neck and a myriad of new bruises from the hailstones. “Arthur, ” Merlin said softly, the adrenaline was beginning to wear of f. He could barely keep his eyes open. “Shh, it’ s all right, Merlin…I’ve got you.” “Do you get the feeling we have become the chasees rather than the chasers?” “Yeah, a bit, ” Arthur said, kissing Merlin’ s shoulder . “Kind of pisses me of f, ” Merlin huf fed. “Me too, ” Arthur nodded, “Rest now . They will get us out of here soon.” Merlin relaxed against him and closed his eyes. “I want to go sailing again…with you.” “Anywhere you want, anytime you want, ” Arthur smiled reaching around to splay his hand over Merlin’ s chest, holding him in place. “I won’ t stop chasing, ” Merlin shook his head slightly . “I know, ” Arthur said, pressing his forehead to the back of Merlin’ s head, “And I’m going to be there beside you where I belong. Where I should have stayed instead of running away .” “Sometimes I would think about running away too, but I just…” his voice trailed of f and Arthur shook him gently . “Merlin…you still with me?” “Yeah, why did you come back?” “I never should have left you.” “But why come back now?” “You have to ask?” Arthur shook his head, “God, Merlin, when Mor gana called…all I could think about is you dying and our last words to each other being in anger . To have to bury you and never be able to fix the damage, the hurt we caused each other . I was so scared that I would never again have the chance to tell you that I love you. T o hold you in my arms and kiss you. A part of my soul would have died with you, Merlin. I would have died with you. Do you understand?” Merlin turned around in Arthur ’s arms and kissed him, tears sliding down his face. He couldn’ t speak, the words wouldn’ t come so he poured everything, all his love and strength and passion into that one kiss. When he drew back he rested his forehead against Arthur ’s looking into his eyes and reveling in the purity of the love emanating from them. Arthur smiled, bringing a hand up, using his thumb to wipe away the tears which mixed with the fine dust on his skin. “Y ou’re a beautiful mess, Merlin, ” he chuckled. Merlin laughed and lowered his gaze for a moment before looking at him again. “So are you. I guess we can be beautiful messes together .” “I want nothing more. Except maybe to see you in a mud hole. I am truly sorry I missed that.” “I’m sure Percival would be more than happy to oblige you with a repeat performance.” Arthur kissed Merlin again, “W e are going to be okay .” “Yeah, ” Merlin nodded then melted into Arthur ’s embrace. “I could sure use some bacon right now, ” he grinned. “Me too, ” Arthur laughed heartily . Aftermath Five hours and thirty-two minutes…that’ s how long it took for the rescue crews to get to them. They were pulled out of the rubble and were now sitting in the van Arthur and Gwaine had arrived in. Which, by some miracle, the tornado had spared, left on all four wheels. It just shoved it up against the retaining wall, denting the side and front fender, and added some nice hail damage. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Lance asked as he cleaned the wound on Arthur ’s head. “You should really go with the paramedics.” “No, I’m fine.” “Merlin?” “I can see again so I am good, ” Merlin grinned. “Was it your magic that gave you back your sight?” Lance asked. “I don’ t know, maybe. One second I couldn’ t see anything, then Arthur was pushing me inside, then suddenly I could see him…I could see everything as we were running down into the stairwell.” “Merlin!” a familiar voice cried out and he looked up to see Xena and Nicole running across the parking lot toward them. “Oh, thank God, ” Xena said, framing his face with her hands. “I thought…Merlin, thank you. If not for you…” she choked back a sob, and he embraced her, reaching for Nicole’ s hand. “Everyone survived?” he asked. “Yes, ” Nicole nodded, “Thanks to you we got everyone into the basement. Merlin, you saved two hundred and fifteen people…both patients and staf f. You’re a hero.” Merlin shook his head meeting her gaze, “Just doing my job.” “Merlin, your eyesight has returned?” Xena smiled. “Yeah, ” he grinned, “Y ou’re missing your leather and your armor .” “Left them in my locker, ” she laughed then kissed his forehead, “Y ou are something else, Merlin.” “That he is, ” Arthur said, placing a hand on the back of Merlin’ s neck. Merlin looked toward what was left of the hospital. The tornado had taken of f the roof and the top two floors. The first floor was still intact, with the exception of the lobby and offices. The south wing of the building was still standing, but every window was blown out and the roof was gone. “The basement held up?” he asked. “Yes, ” Nicole nodded, “No damage below ground level.” “Merlin, the paramedics are waiting to transport you to another hospital with the other patients, ” Xena said, and he shook his head. “I’m good. I am going home with my husband, ” he said looking at Arthur . “Anything to get out of another MRI, huh?” she laughed, “W ell, I can’ t force you to go. Dr . Carlson will want to see you as soon as possible.” “Tell her I’ll give her a call in a couple of days. Right now, I just want to be with Arthur and my team. This is Lance, he is a trained medic…he’ll take good care of me.” “Which is a full-time job with this one, ” Lance jerked a thumb toward Merlin. “I don’ t doubt it, ” Xena smiled, “Y ou will go to a hospital if you have any complications. Blurred vision, increased pain.” “I will, I promise, but I feel pretty good actually .” “I’ll make sure, ” Arthur said, “Thank you, Xena…Nicole, for everything.” “You’re welcome, ” Nicole beamed and quickly kissed Merlin’ s cheek, “Y ou’re a guardian angel.” “I’m just me, ” Merlin shook his head. “We have to go now . Take care of yourself, Merlin, see you soon, ” Xena hugged him and kissed his cheek then with a nod she and Nicole headed for the waiting van that would take them to the new location where they would meet up with their patients. “I need to get going. I will call later to check on you, ” Lance said to Merlin embracing him and Arthur . “I’m really glad you two are better, ” he smiled then headed for his vehicle, while Gwaine got behind the wheel of the van and started the engine. “Where to now?” he asked. “Back to your place, ” Arthur said as he pulled the door shut, “W e are in desperate need of a shower .” Gwaine nodded then pulled out of the parking lot, turning for home. “I want to analyze the data on that storm, ” Merlin said, “There was something of f about it and I can’ t quite figure it out.” “Merlin, there will be time for that. Y ou’re going to rest. The last thing you need is to be straining your eyes when you just got your vision back, ” Arthur said. “Fine, twenty-four hours, ” Merlin said, “Deal?” “You’re negotiating?” Arthur chuckled. “Yeah, ” he nodded. “Seventy-two hours.” “Forty-eight, ” Merlin smirked. “Seventy-two, no less…and you will refrain from using any device with a screen, except the tv, ” Arthur said, narrowing his eyes at him. “Now who’ s the control freak?” Merlin asked and Gwaine laughed. Arthur leaned close and kissed him, wagging his eyebrows. “Y our acquiescence will be rewarded handsomely .” “Mmm, really?” Merlin asked, kissing him back. “Oh, yes, ” Arthur said. “In that case, I shall comply fully and willingly with your demands.” “Promise?” “Absolutely, ” Merlin grinned his eyes glinting with mirth and desire, “God, I missed you.” “I missed you too.” Gwaine pulled into the driveway of the house and Mor gana came running outside, yanking the door open. Merlin stepped out and into her waiting embrace. “God, Merlin, I was so scared. I saw…I saw you and everyone die, ” she choked back a sob, clinging to him. “I’m all right, ” he said kissing her tenderly, “Arthur pulled me back from the edge just in time.” “The people?” “All of them made it to the basement in time. No casualties in the hospital, wish I could say the same for the surrounding area. I couldn’ t stop it, ” Merlin said, then shook his head, tears shining in his eyes as he looked at her . “You’re beautiful.” “You can see?” Mor gana asked then squealed and hugged his neck. Arthur got out of the van and kissed his sister ’s cheek, “Let’ s go inside. Merlin has a seventy-two-hour date with a bed and all the crap tv he can handle.” “Don’ t forget about the reward part, ” Merlin said, “And bacon…lots of bacon.” “Of course, bacon, ” Arthur chuckled taking his hand, leading him into the house, up the stairs, and into the room where he had been sleeping when the alert went of f on his phone. Arthur pulled of f his shirt and kicked of f his shoes then helped Merlin undress and remove the wrapping around his ribs. “How do they feel? I can get Mor gana to re-wrap them for you after you’ve had a shower . I don’ t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been rolling in a sandbox for days.” “A shower would be most welcome, ” Merlin smiled running his hands over Arthur ’s bare chest. He looked into his eyes and smiled. “Y ou’re really back.” “Yes, Merlin, I am really back, and I am never leaving you again.” “I’m sorry for everything…for what I said, for hitting you. I can’ t…” Arthur silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips and shook his head. “Let it go, Merlin.” “I don’ t know if I can.” “Well, I am asking you to…for me. Please. A fresh start.” “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “Yeah.” “Okay .” “Now, come on let’ s get in the shower . We are not getting into the bed covered in all this grit.” He led Merlin into the bathroom and turned on the shower drawing him into it with him. Merlin let out a deep moan of pleasure as the hot water washed over his battered body . “God, that feels so good even with the dull throbbing.” “Did Lance give you something to help with the pain?” Arthur asked as he picked up a washcloth and soap and then started to wash Merlin thoroughly but gently . “Yeah, he did, but it’ s not the good stuf f the hospital was giving me.” “We will call Dr . Carlson tomorrow and get you something.” Merlin turned in Arthur ’s embrace and kissed him. “All I need is you, Arthur .” “You have me.” “No, I mean I really need you, ” he said huskily as his lips brushed against Arthur ’s, “Please.” “You’re hurt, ” Arthur whispered against his mouth. “This is an ache that can’ t be fixed with pain meds, ” Merlin shook his head slightly . Arthur let out a low moan as Merlin’ s hand wrapped around his rapidly hardening cock. “God, it has been so long. Merlin…” “We can be careful…but I need this.” Arthur looked into Merlin’ s eyes so filled with desperate longing and raw emotion. He was genuinely scared that Arthur would reject him. It was that look that convinced him. “God, Merlin, ” Arthur said then sur ged forward kissing him with an ur gency that consumed them both quickly . “Arthur, ” Merlin whispered, his hands sliding over Arthur ’s wet, slick skin his lips and tongue kissing, tasting, sucking… “Fuck, Merlin, that is…” Merlin looked into his eyes as he went down on his knees pressing his lips to Arthur ’s hard stomach and his hip. He looked up at him as his tongue encircled the head of his cock and smiled when he was rewarded with a stuttered moan of pleasure. “Merlin, we shouldn’ t…” “There’ s nothing wrong with my knees or my mouth.” “No, definitely not, ” Arthur huf fed a breathy laugh as Merlin sucked and licked him then swallowed him down to the base. “Holy hell, I missed that incredible mouth.” Merlin slid his hands up Arthur ’s legs to his thighs and hips before moving to grasp his arse pressing his fingers into the soft flesh as he worked his throat muscles, tongue, lips, and teeth around the girth, dragging sounds from his husband that he’d feared he would never hear again. Arthur tangled his fingers in Merlin’ s dark wet curls fighting the ur ge to thrust, scared he would hurt him. “Merlin…please, ” Arthur said, his body shaking with the rush of pure pleasure sur ging through him. Merlin sucked him harder, then his eyes flashed gold and he pushed his middle finger into Arthur hitting his prostate. “Holy fuck, ” he nearly shouted as he came, bracing himself against the tile wall. “Mmm, I missed that, ” Merlin said then licked his length flicking his tongue over the slit, “Watching you come for me.” “Stand up, ” Arthur said breathlessly, and Merlin complied. “See, I’m okay, ” he smiled. Arthur laughed, “Y ou are amazing.” Merlin trapped Arthur ’s leg between his thighs, his own cock hard and aching for attention. He moaned as he thrust against him, and Arthur kissed him filthily . His hands slid down Merlin’ s sides, mindful of his ribs, and cupped his perfect arse. “Arthur, fuck, I am so close already, ” Merlin said against his lips. “Come for me, Merlin…you’re so beautiful, so good, ” Arthur nudged his long slender neck kissing the spot behind his ear . “That’ s it, I can feel you trembling, ” he whispered in his ear as he reached down to press his thumb against the head of his cock. “God, you are hard for me.” “Fuck, ” Merlin cried out as Arthur ’s voice sent him careening toward the edge, “God, Arthur!” “Look at you, ” Arthur let out a low growl slowly increasing the pressure on the slit until Merlin’ s cock jerked and he spilled his seed against Arthur ’s thigh. “Y ou’re beautiful, Merlin, ” he smiled kissing him as he held him up on shaky legs. “God, I needed that, ” Merlin laughed breathlessly . “All right?” Arthur asked and he nodded. “I wish we could do more, ” he smiled. “Not until you are recovered.” “That was really fucking hot though, ” Merlin chuckled. Arthur kissed him and they finished washing each other . Just being together, touching, exploring, and getting to know each other again after so long apart. By the time they made their way to the bedroom, Merlin was barely awake and completely sated. “You need food, remember?” Arthur asked. “Food?” “Yes, remember bacon?” “Oh, yes, bacon!” Merlin sat up and pulled on the clean pair of jeans Gwaine left for him and the gray hoodie. “Need bacon…then sleep…” “Do you need your ribs wrapped again?” “No, I think they are okay for now .” Arthur pulled him to his feet and kissed him tenderly, “It’s good to be home.” “Except it isn’ t our home, ” Merlin said. Arthur shook his head, “No, Merlin…it’ s you…you are my home, and you always will be.” “Are you trying to make me cry?” “Is it working?” “No, not at all, ” Merlin said as a tear slid down his cheek and Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go find you some food.” Merlin stretched out on the bed with pillows behind him and a soft warm blanket while flipping through channels and eyeing Arthur who was at the desk working on the laptop. “You know, that is just cruel and inhumane, ” he muttered. “What is?” “I am not allowed to use my laptop and you are sitting there dangling it right in front of me.” “First of all, this is my laptop, not yours and you promised, ” Arthur grinned at him. “I’m bored to tears, there is nothing worth watching except Twister which I have already watched twice in less than two days. It’ s completely inaccurate and unrealistic. Though the special ef fects aren’ t bad. That Melissa woman is so annoying. At least come over here and entertain me.” “Are you whining, Merlin?” “No, ” he scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue like a three-year -old, “Y ou’re mean.” Arthur closed the laptop and got up, walking over to the bed. He took the remote away from Merlin then bent over to kiss him. “I’m mean?” he asked with a smirk. “Yes, ” Merlin said fighting a grin as Arthur climbed onto the bed and straddled his hips. “What would you like me to do then?” he asked his blue eyes glinting with mirth. “I have some ideas.” “I’m sure you do, and I bet they all involve physical activity of a sexual nature.” “Possibly .” “Dr. Carlson said you are not to engage in such carnal acts until your ribs are healed completely .” “She doesn’ t have to know, ” Merlin wagged his eyebrows as he gripped Arthur ’s shirt and pulled him down for an absolutely filthy kiss that had him moaning against his lips. “No…nope, ” Arthur said putting up very little true resistance. He turned his head. Merlin laughed and released him. “I’m going mad, ” he grumbled laying back on the pillows. “Well, that shouldn’ t take long, ” Arthur chuckled, and Merlin threw a pillow at him. “Prat!” “Okay, okay, compromise.” “I’m listening.” “How about we call your mom and my father and invite them and the team over here for a barbecue? They are flying back to London in a couple of days, it would be good for you to spend some time with her, ” Arthur said as he got up of f the bed. “That sounds good, ” Merlin nodded. “Great, I will go talk to Mor gana and make sure it is all right with her and Gwaine first.” Arthur started to leave the room when he caught Merlin looking longingly at the laptop. “Nuh-uh, ” he grinned then picked it up and took it with him closing the door . “Ass, ” Merlin yelled out and huf fed. Then his lips parted in a slow smile. As much as he was complaining, he was happy . He had Arthur back and things were good between them again…well, getting there at least. He knew they still had a lot to work through, but their love was as strong as ever . Arthur was doing his best to take care of him even though he wasn’ t making it easy . Closing his eyes, he yawned and then rolled onto his side. “Maybe just a little nap before the party…” he said then drifted of f to sleep. Coming Together Again Morgana and Gwaine’ s backyard was a beautiful oasis, lush, and green with tall trees for shade. There was a lar ge redwood deck of f the back of the house with a built-in hot tub. T o the right of the deck was a stone patio with comfortable outdoor furniture and to the left was a large pool which was currently occupied by Gwen and Lance and their daughter Annabella who was now three and their eighteen-month-old boy, Zachary . Hunith and Uther were sitting together on the patio talking to Xena and Dr . Carlson. Merlin sat on the lounge chair eating his bur ger and watching everyone. He smiled as he saw Nicole and Percival huddled together on a redwood bench beneath the trees talking and holding hands. Elyan and Leon couldn’ t make it as they were manning home base, keeping a watch on the weather, and going through the data that Merlin was itching to get his hands on. “Merlin!” “Yeah, ” he said turning toward the gate as Lily came running toward him. “Lily!” he grinned as the now eight-year -old girl threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly . Merlin laughed and drew back. “Look at you, all grown up.” “Mommy and Daddy are here and my baby sister Meghan, ” Lily said excitedly . “I brought you something, ” she handed Merlin a pencil drawing of him and Arthur with a tornado in the background. It was stunning. “You drew this?” he asked, “It’ s incredible.” Lily nodded, “Mommy helped with the shading. I’m not very good at that.” “I love it, thank you. I will treasure it always.” “I heard what happened to you. Y ou must have been so scared.” “I was, but seeing you reminds me that it is all worth the risk.” Lily hugged him again, “Just promise you won’ t die.” Merlin closed his eyes, fighting tears. “I’ll try not to, darlin’.” “Good, because I would be very sad. Y ou’re my friend.” “Yes, I am, ” Merlin nodded then kissed the top of her head. Arthur came down the steps from the deck and approached Merlin. “Is that Miss Lily?” he asked with a wide grin. “Arthur!” Lily squealed and jumped up to hug him, “I brought you and Merlin a present.” Merlin held up the framed drawing and Arthur shook his head, “That is amazing, sweetheart. You are very talented. It is so good to see you. Where are your parents?” “They are over there talking to Mor gana. She invited us.” “Well, I am glad she did. Why don’ t you go ask them if you can join the other kids in the pool?” “Okay, ” she said then skipped across the lawn toward her folks. Arthur sat down on the edge of the lounge and put a hand between Merlin’ s knees. “Y ou look happy . Feeling better?” “Yes, ” Merlin grinned, “Thank you. This was a great idea.” “I have another surprise for you.” “What?” he asked. “Well, I got to thinking instead of finding us a new apartment and putting down roots in one spot, I decided to look into buying us a home on wheels…an R V. That way when we need to move we can go where we need to.” Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he chuckled, “Arthur Pendragon living in an R V?” “Yes, a nice one, ” he grinned. “How nice?” “It’s parked out front. W ant to go take a look?” “It’s here?” Merlin asked raising an eyebrow, “Um, yes!” He got up and took Arthur ’s hand. They walked out through the gate and around the side of the house. His jaw dropped as he saw the incredible R V parked in the driveway . It was a sleek, beautiful motorhome with a custom blue and silver paint job featuring tornado graphics and the Excalibur logo within a black stripe. There were two slide-outs on each side. “Arthur…” he shook his head. “Do you like it? Y ou better, we can’ t take it back because it’ s already customized for our needs, ” Arthur grinned. “Like it? God, Arthur it is brilliant. I want to see the inside, ” Merlin said as he climbed the metal steps and opened the door . The inside was slightly lar ger than the small apartment they had rented for a short time. W ith all four of the slide-outs open it would be a lot bigger . Arthur had only extended two of them. “Do you even know how to drive this thing?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “I got it here didn’ t I?” Arthur shrugged. Merlin walked to the front to check out the cockpit area. He opened a door to a small bathroom with just a sink and a toilet. The kitchen and living area were in the middle. There was a bar to eat at and where the table would normally be, in the slide-out, was a computer work area with its own W i-Fi hotspot and wall-mounted monitors. “Arthur, it is so cool, ” Merlin grinned, “I can’ t believe you did all this. How did you find the time to put this together?” “Actually, I’d already had the model chosen and the design in the works before our separation. I put the build on hold, then while you were in the hospital I made a call and here we are.” Merlin looked intently at Arthur . His eyes were filled with emotion. “Y ou were planning this even back then?” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, running a hand through his hair, “I wanted to find a way for us to live, work and travel together . I had hoped it would help us find some sort of balance.” “I’m sorry, ” Merlin said. “I told you, fresh start. This is what we need. Our new Excalibur will be ready in another week. It will have the same custom paint job and graphics and a custom-built trailer to haul it behind the motorhome when we need to. W e will have our home and our chase vehicle.” “Really?” Merlin grinned. “Yes. So, what do you think?” Merlin stepped forward and kissed Arthur, “I’ll let you know after I see the bedroom.” Arthur laughed, “Through that door .” “This one?” Merlin asked, opening it to find a surprisingly big sleeping area and another bathroom with a lar ge shower, a sink, and toilet. There was a king bed with a closet and a dresser . “W ow, this is luxury .” He sat down on the bed, bouncing a bit, running his hand over the dark blue bedding. “Come here, ” he smiled, and Arthur moved onto the bed easing Merlin down onto the pillows, and kissed him. “Then you approve, ” Arthur said nuzzling his throat, teeth, and lips grazing Merlin’ s collarbone. “Absolutely, can we stay in here tonight?” “Actually, I was thinking we could drive to the auto shop after the party, and park in the meadow next to the river . I found the perfect spot where we can watch the sunset.” “Mmm romantic.” Arthur looked at Merlin cupping his cheek, “W e are going to be okay, right?” “I think so. I hope so.” “I don’ t want to lose us.” “Neither do I, ” Merlin shook his head and kissed Arthur, “Let’ s go back to the party for a bit longer and then say our goodbyes. Pack up our stuf f and go.” Arthur got of f the bed and stood up, helping Merlin to his feet. “Y ou’re really okay with this? I don’ t want to make you feel like I’m pushing you to do anything.” “Arthur, this is ideal for us. I am more than okay with it. Actually, just a second, ” Merlin said then walked over to the sofa and picked up Lily’ s drawing of them, going back to the bedroom area, he hung it on the wall using a little magic to anchor it so it wouldn’ t move. He stood back and looked at it as Arthur wrapped his arms around him from behind. “Now, it’s perfect.” They stepped down to the ground and Arthur locked the motorhome then they walked through the gate and into the backyard. Lily was in the pool with Zachary and Anabella. Gwen was sitting on the edge of the pool watching them. Lance was dressed and helping Gwaine with the grill.” Morgana walked over and hugged Merlin, “What did you think?” “You knew about it?” “Of course, I did. Who do you think came up with the interior design? I wasn’ t going to leave that to Arthur .” “Thank you, ” Merlin kissed her . “It was my pleasure. Anything to help you and my brother get your lives and your relationship back on track. I love you both so much.” “Love you too.” “Would it be rude for us to take of f?” Arthur asked her, “I want to get the motorhome to the meadow before dark.” “Not at all, go, everyone will understand, ” she smiled. “Let’ s go say goodbye to my mother and Uther . Should also talk to Dr . Carlson and Xena before we go as well, ” Merlin said. Arthur nodded and they made the rounds. An hour later, they had packed up their stuf f and climbed into the motorhome. Arthur brought the slide-outs in then got behind the wheel and Merlin settled in the copilot seat his long legs stretched out. “You look good at the helm, ” Merlin said wagging his eyebrows. Arthur laughed and started the engine. He drove the R V around the circular drive and pulled out onto the street. He took the back roads to the highway that would take them to the auto shop and down to the river . “It’s surprisingly not that hard to drive, ” Arthur said as Merlin was checking out the dashboard, the sound system, navigation system, buttons, switches, and cameras. “This is so cool.” “I stocked the fridge and the pantry with food. W e are set. I figure we can drive your old RAV4 until the new Excalibur is delivered.” “Arthur, between this and the new Jeep Gladiator, it’s a lot of money .” “Insurance is covering most of the replacement cost of Excalibur . As for this, it’ s more cost- effective than paying for motel rooms or an apartment we will rarely see.” “True, ” Merlin nodded. “And if we want to go on a storm-chasing road trip we are set. There’ s room to store our equipment and we can cook meals instead of eating out.” “There’ s even an outdoor kitchen and grill underneath.” “You are a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Oh, and I had them put in the strongest glass available, all the windows and the skylights.” “Good thinking.” They pulled of f the highway and followed the road to the auto shop. They stopped when Leon and Elyan came out and waved. “Holy shit, that is incredible, ” Leon said when they lowered the windows. “Talk about roughing it, ” Elyan chuckled. “Sorry, boys, ” Arthur said, “Need to go, want to get this baby parked in the meadow and leveled before dark. Follow us down there if you want.” “No, we will leave you two to get settled. W e need to get back inside anyway . There’ s a storm front brewing in Kansas and another in Nebraska.” “They are weak ones, ” Merlin said, “Thunderstorms…they are unlikely to form tornados.” “Good to have you back, Merlin, ” Leon smiled, “W e missed you.” “Thank you, ” he nodded then Arthur drove the R V down the narrow gravel road toward the river. He lined it up with the stakes tied with red flags that he had placed. It didn’ t take long for them to have the motorhome leveled and all four slide-outs extended. Arthur connected to the power box he’d had put in for just this purpose.” “You thought of everything didn’ t you, ” Merlin smiled, “The property owner approved this?” “Yeah, I did, ” Arthur said with a shrug. “What?” “I, well we, own the property now . The land, the auto shop, the outbuildings…all of it.” “Arthur!” Merlin gasped. “When I contacted them to ask for permission, they told me they were thinking of selling it all to a developer for homes and a strip mall. The team would be uprooted, and I couldn’ t let that happen. Besides, I love it here and one day, when we retire from chasing, I want to build us a house here by the river .” “When did this all take place?” Merlin asked. “It was in the works before I went back to London. Just finalized the deal the day we…when we had our fight. I was planning to tell you, but then everything went to shit, and you were pissed of f. I decided to keep quiet about it.” Merlin sat down on the grass, drawing his knees up. He plucked a yellow wildflower rolling it between his fingers. He was silent as Arthur sat down next to him, unsure of what was going on in his head. “Merlin…” “Arthur, I really fucked things up between us…you were trying so hard to create a life for us and I was so caught up in my own bullshit…” Merlin huf fed a breath, letting out a bitter laugh, “I’m sorry I was so selfish. I didn’ t stop once to see things from your side. I never even asked what you wanted.” “All I wanted…all I want is to be with you. T o live, work, play, chase tornados, and love you until we are old, gray, toothless, and popping V iagra by the handful just to get it up. Merlin, I love you. I nearly lost you and I don’ t want to go through that again.” “I don’ t deserve you, ” Merlin said, his voice breaking as he shook his head, fighting tears. “We are going to figure all this out. I promise.” They sat quietly together watching the sun go down. Arthur put an arm around Merlin, and he melted into his embrace. “Fuck, why do you put up with me?” “Because you’re Merlin…you’re stupidly brave, insanely intelligent, loyal to a fault and not to mention hot as hell. Then there’ s the whole magic thing and your very talented mouth.” “That’ s all?” Merlin chuckled. “You’re everything to me and I should have stayed and fought for us instead of running away .” “I pushed you away .” “I let you.” “This fresh start thing is not so easy .” “We will get there, ” Arthur kissed him, “It will take time, but we will.” “It’s a warm night, ” Merlin said with a flicker of mischief in his eyes as he got up and started stripping down and running toward the river . Buck naked he ran into the water up to his stomach. “Skinny dipping?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah, come on, join me.” “You’re supposed to be taking it easy .” “I am, ” Merlin winked then laid back in the water kicking his long legs and moving his arms. Arthur got up and stripped of f his clothes. “Y ou’re certifiable, Merlin, ” he said as he walked into the water and wrapped his arms around him. They kissed passionately, clinging to each other as the current moved lazily around them. “God, you are beautiful.” Merlin looked into his eyes, “I love you.” “I love you.” They swam until it got a little chilly then got out of the water gathering up their discarded clothing. Merlin playfully smacked Arthur on the arse when he bent over to pick up his boots. They laughed and ran into the motorhome and closed the door . “I hope the shower is big enough for both of us?” Merlin asked as Arthur headed into the bathroom. “Of course, ” Arthur looked back at him, “That was my number one priority .” “Really?” “Come here.” Merlin stepped into the bathroom and Arthur opened the glass door and then drew him inside the shower which was nearly the full width of the R V minus the storage cabinet on one side. There were two shower heads, one a handheld and the other a rainfall shower . “Oh, this is nice, ” he grinned as Arthur pulled him close. “How are your ribs feeling?” “Still a little sore, but I think my magic is speeding up the healing process. W on’t Doc Annis be surprised when I see her for my appointment.” “How are you going to explain that away?” “I guess I will just tell her the truth.” Arthur kissed Merlin tenderly, “I want so badly to make love to you right now, I just don’ t want to do anything that will cause a setback or aggravate your injuries.” “I know, I don’ t want that either .” “Merlin…” “Yeah?” “One thing keeps bothering me…I can’ t shake it.” “What is it?” Merlin asked. “What you said about the book…do you really feel like I pressured you into writing it? Do you really regret publishing it?” Merlin lowered his gaze and shook his head. “No, Arthur, I was a stupid ass…I am glad you encouraged me to write it and to publish it. I know I lashed out, but I didn’ t mean it. I’m sorry . I am grateful to you for helping me to step out of my comfort zone and to put myself out there more. Y ou were right about everything. And people love the cover photo you took of me. I get so many compliments on it.” “I am very proud of that photo.” Arthur pressed his forehead to Merlin’ s, “I never wanted to hurt you or make you feel overwhelmed or that you weren’ t in control of your own destiny . I should have listened to you.” “I was never really angry at you, Arthur . I was angry at myself. Y ou were just a convenient target, and I will never for give myself for what I did. It wasn’ t your fault, it was mine, and mine alone.” “I promise I will not pressure you into writing another book or anything you don’ t want to do.” “Funny you should mention that, because, well, ” Merlin gave him a soft smile, “I already started writing a second book.” “You have?” “Yes, a few months ago. I’m not sure I will ever finish it.” “I’m proud of you, Merlin.” “Are you?” he smiled, kissing Arthur . “I am, ” Arthur grinned as Merlin ran his hands down his back to his arse. “I do believe we’re getting the hang of this whole open communication thing.” “Better late than never, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh and moaned as Merlin’ s fingertips pressed into soft flesh drawing them closer, their hardening cocks responding with enthusiasm. “God, Merlin, we should…ah fuck yes.” Merlin’ s teeth grazed his shoulder then his throat and collarbone. “Y ou were saying?” he asked huskily . “Slipped my mind, ” Arthur growled then devoured his mouth. “Mmm, that’ s good.” “Merlin, you’re making it very hard to resist.” “Very hard, ” Merlin grinned looking down at their fully hard cocks, “Let me fuck you, please. I’ll be careful, go slow .” Arthur kissed him, looking into his heated gaze. He nodded and Merlin immediately turned off the water and they got out of the shower . He positioned Arthur by the sink in front of the mirror and dragged his fingers lightly down his sides to his hips their eyes meeting in the reflection. “God, I have missed you, ” Merlin said. Arthur's breath caught when he saw the tell-tale golden glow in his lover ’s eyes and felt his body tremble and relax as magic coursed through him, conver ging in the one spot that Merlin focused on. He kissed the back of Arthur ’s shoulder, his fingers delving into his entrance working him open at a slow, languorous pace. “Merlin…God, I for got how good you are at this.” “Then let me refresh your memory, ” Merlin grinned running his tongue along Arthur ’s spine and down the cleft of his arse before pushing it into him and Arthur moaned filthily . “Holy fuck, ” Arthur gasped struggling to keep from pushing back, “Merlin…” “I’ve got you. Just let go.” “Need more…fuck…now, Merlin.” He growled low in his throat when Merlin’ s teeth grazed the flesh of his arse cheeks and fingers pushed inside him finding that spot sending Arthur into breathless moans and ragged panting. “You’re so good for me, Arthur, ” Merlin said huskily . “Look at you.” He pressed his lips to the middle of Arthur ’s lower back working a third finger into him. “Merlin!” “You’re ready for me?” “God, yes…fuck me, please.” Merlin looked into his eyes in the mirror and slid his thick cock along the cleft of his arse. “Slow and easy, ” he said as he pressed the head of his cock into Arthur . “Fuck, you’re hot.” “Merlin, ” Arthur whispered splaying his hands out on the granite countertop, his arms spread apart to brace himself. He felt the magic skimming over his flesh and teasing his nipples while leaving his cock untouched. “God, Arthur, ” Merlin’ s breath stuttered as he pushed into him, struggling against the ur ge to just pound into him hard and fast. “So good, love…I’ve missed you, Arthur .” He let out a cry of utter bliss when he was fully buried inside his husband. “So tight…” Arthur let out a breathy laugh, “I think you got bigger .” Merlin grinned pulling out to the head then eased into him again. Repeating the movement several times until he found a perfect rhythm, closing his eyes as he lost himself in the pure ecstasy of their bodies coming together over and over, slow, and languid. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together, finding that connection, that abiding bond that had been there since the beginning. The rift between them was healing. They were going to be okay . “I love you, God, I’m so sorry, ” he choked, suddenly breaking down, tears pooled in his eyes as he spilled inside Arthur . He withdrew and Arthur turned around catching him in his arms holding him against his chest, his hard shaft trapped between them. “Are you okay, are you hurting?” Arthur asked. “I’m fine, sorry, it just hit me.” “Come on let’ s go to bed.” Arthur led him into the bedroom and turned down the bedding. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Merlin nodded, “I love you.” “I love you too.” “You didn’ t come, ” Merlin said reaching a hand out to stroke Arthur slowly . “I’m so close, ” Arthur said closing his eyes. Merlin swallowed him down sucking and licking until finally he shuddered and spilled in his mouth and hand. Then they curled up together and just held each other kissing and touching. “Merlin…” “Yeah?” Merlin asked, his head resting on Arthur ’s chest, fingertips making figure eights on his hard stomach. “This feels good… “But?” Merlin asked, looking up into Arthur ’s eyes and hearing the hesitation in those words. Arthur smiled running a hand through his dark hair . “But I can’ t help but feel like there is still something…I don’ t know, maybe it is just me. I want so badly to feel secure in us again. T o know that we are okay…truly okay .” “It’s going to take time, ” Merlin smiled and kissed his chest, “It’ s my fault and I am sorry that I did this to us. I wish I could magic away all our problems.” “Could you, please?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “I could, but then it wouldn’ t be real. W e need to find our balance.” “You’re very wise.” “Am I?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Mmhmm, extremely wise, unbelievably beautiful, intoxicating, ” Arthur said his thumb pressing down on Merlin’ s bottom lip. “I am the luckiest man in all of this insane world to have you in my life and I am never running away again. If I lose you it will kill me.” Merlin moved on top of Arthur kissing him deeply, his hands on either side of his neck. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m like a cat…nine lives you know, ” he grinned. “Nine lives, huh? And how many of those have you used up, ” Arthur smiled. “At least two so that leaves me with seven and I plan on spending every single one of those with you, Arthur . I love you.” “I love you too. Y ou should get of f me though because something is getting hard again.” Merlin sat upright, straddling Arthur ’s hips. His eyes flashed gold and Arthur moaned as he felt him slowly impaling himself on his shaft. He gripped Merlin’ s thighs. “Merlin…no… you’re hurt.” “Mmm, I’m okay…just going to…oh fuck that feels good, ” he huf fed a laugh. “Merlin, ” Arthur chuckled closing his eyes as he was fully sheathed inside his tight, wet, heat. “Y ou’re going to…oh God, yes…” he gasped. “I missed this…oh, Arthur…” “Go really slow, ” Arthur said. “I’m okay, more than okay, ” Merlin grinned slowly lifting up and lowering himself down again. “Merlin…fuck…please, ” Arthur panted. Merlin let his head drift back, his mouth open in a breathy cry of bliss. “Oh, yes, that feels too good…Arthur…need to move more.” “Easy, Merlin…” Moving one hand back behind him, Merlin braced himself on Arthur ’s muscular thigh, the other hand splayed over his stomach. He closed his eyes rocking slowly then moved up and down on his shaft. “Oh, God, Arthur…touch me…touch me, please.” Arthur wrapped a hand around Merlin’ s cock stroking him slowly, swiping his thumb over the head and pressing against the slit. He smiled at the look of sheer pleasure on his face. “Fuck, yes, Arthur…” “Come for me, Merlin…I want to feel your body trembling around my cock. That’ s it, baby, come for me…you’re so close. I’m so close!” Arthur brought his knees up bracing his feet and thrust up into Merlin. He lowered his hips back down and moaned deeply his whole body shaking with the intensity of his rapidly building release. “God…Merlin, I’m coming, ” he cried out feeling his seed spilling inside him. “Arthur!” Merlin shouted, his fingertips gripping Arthur ’s thigh as he impaled himself fully and shuddered with a powerful release that made his ribs ache, but he didn’ t care. It felt too good to be joined with Arthur so completely again. His seed pulsed from the head of his cock coating Arthur ’s hand and stomach. “Fuck, that was a good one!” he huf fed a breathless laugh. “You are going to be in so much trouble with Doc Annis, ” Arthur grinned. “I won’ t tell if you won’ t…” Merlin said then leaned forward kissing him. “God, it was so worth it though.” “We might still have things to work out, but this part we are so good at.” “Yes, we are, ” Arthur smiled, kissing him. “How about cleaning us up so we can get some sleep?” Merlin nodded, his eyes turning gold and he uttered a word. All the mess was gone, and the covers were pulled over them as he snuggled up against Arthur ’s side. “Baby?” he asked. Arthur looked at him, “What?” “You called me baby, ” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur smiled. “I guess I did. What about it?” Merlin shook his head slightly, “Nothing…I rather liked it.” “I shall keep that in mind. Go to sleep now, baby, ” Arthur kissed him. “Good night, ” Merlin smiled against his lips then rolled over onto his side snuggling down into the pillows. “This bed is really comfy, ” he muttered then drifted of f to sleep. Arthur lay next to him, listening to the steady rise and fall of his breathing until he too fell asleep. Keep it Between the Lines Arthur woke up to an empty bed and sat up, scrubbing a hand across his face. “Merlin?” he asked then reached for his phone. It was after ten. How did he sleep so long? “Merlin!” “I’m here, ” Merlin said as he came into the bedroom. “I made breakfast. Do you want it in bed or at the bar?” Arthur reached for him, “Come here.” “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am now . Bad dream.” “I’m sorry .” “Nothing I can’ t handle. Just need to feel you.” “I’m here, ” Merlin smiled kissing him tenderly, “Last night was amazing.” “That it was, ” Arthur nuzzled his neck. “Are you sore this morning?” “A little, but nothing I can’ t handle, ” he grinned. “You said something about breakfast, ” Arthur said as his stomach growled. “Mmm, yes, come on, french toast and bacon.” “You and your bacon.” “Food of the gods, ” Merlin said then took Arthur ’s hand. “Up and at ‘em, food is getting cold.” Arthur slid his legs over the side of the bed and reached for a clean pair of sweatpants and a tank top putting them on. He then followed Merlin into the kitchen area and sat down at the bar . “Smells delicious, ” Arthur said as he picked up his fork and took a sip of hot cof fee. “Gwaine texted me a bit ago, he and Mor gana are on their way here. Mother and Uther are with them. Y ou get the feeling our parents are closer than they seem?” “Yeah, ” Arthur smiled, “They say they are just friends, but I am not so sure.” “Not sure I want to know, ” Merlin laughed. “Maybe that’ s why they are keeping it on the down low .” “I guess it wouldn’ t be so bad. If they make each other happy, ” Merlin said, moving around the kitchen cleaning and putting things away between bites of his breakfast. “No, I suppose not.” Arthur watched him for a moment. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am fine, I promise. Just a little antsy, wanting to get back out there and I know I am not ready, ” Merlin smiled, his eyes filled with emotion as he took a drink of his orange juice. Arthur finished his breakfast just as their family arrived. He rinsed of f his plate and carried his cof fee with him as Merlin opened the door to let them inside. “Welcome to Camelot, ” Merlin smiled waving a hand as they entered. “Camelot?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, we have Excalibur, need a name for our home so Camelot, ” Merlin shrugged. “Makes perfect sense to me, ” Uther chuckled. “This is beautiful, ” he said, “V ery comfortable.” “It’s bigger than your old apartment, ” Mor gana said as she hugged her brother and then Merlin. “Arthur is a genius, ” Merlin smiled looking at his husband. “You two seem better, ” Gwaine said placing a hand on both their shoulders. “Happy even.” “We are, ” Arthur nodded. “Have a seat…can I get anyone a drink?” “No, thank you, Arthur, ” Hunith beamed as she looked around. “I wouldn’ t mind living like this. T o be able to pick up and go whenever I want and see the whole country .” Arthur and Merlin did not miss the fond smile between their parents then looked at each other with a shrug. “That could be arranged, ” Uther winked at her and Hunith blushed and shook her head smiling. “Do you two have something to tell us?” Arthur asked and Hunith giggled like a teenage girl. “Mother?” Merlin asked. Uther cleared his throat and then sat down in one of the reclining chairs. “Arthur…Merlin, I have asked Hunith to marry me. W e have been keeping our relationship a secret so as not to make things awkward with you two, but now we feel it is time for you to know . The wedding will be in the fall, a simple af fair. That way we won’ t interfere with what’ s left of the storm chase season.” Arthur and Merlin looked at each other and smiled. Their parents watched and waited nervously for their reaction. Hunith reached for her son’ s hand. “Merlin?” she asked, “Are you all right with this?” Merlin ran a hand through his messy hair and nodded, “Of course, this is good. I want you to be happy . I can’ t say it is completely unexpected. Arthur and I have suspected that you two were closer than you let on.” Hunith reached for Arthur, “Arthur, darling, are you okay with this?” “Yes, Hunith, ” he grinned and hugged her, “I love you. I want you and my father to be happy .” Uther stood up and approached. Arthur shook his hand. He pulled him into a surprising hug. “I am so glad you and Merlin are working things out. I love you both so much.” “Love you too, father, ” Arthur said as Uther released him and hugged Merlin. “Thank you, Merlin. I promise I will take care of your mother .” “I know you will, ” Merlin nodded. Hunith was beaming with happiness, tears shining in her eyes. She put an arm around Morgana kissing her cheek. Mor gana hugged her tightly . “You’ll be my mother, ” she said with a huge smile. “And it will be an honor . You and Arthur are already so special to me.” “Me too?” Gwaine asked with a pout. “Oh, Gwaine, you know you will always be my favorite, ” Hunith hugged him, and he grinned sticking his tongue out at the others. “Love you, Mama H, ” he said kissing her cheek. “Well, now that you all know . I should also tell you that I will be selling the deli and moving here to the US with Uther so we can be closer to all of you. W e haven’ t quite decided where we will put down roots yet, but we both want to be near our families especially since we have a little one on the way, ” she winked at Mor gana who blushed. “What, ” Arthur exclaimed. “Oh, yes, ” Mor gana said, “Gwaine and I are expecting.” Merlin hugged her tightly, “I love you.” “I’m going to be an uncle, ” Arthur grinned, and she nodded then he pulled her into his arms. “I am so happy for you guys. So, is there going to be another wedding?” “Actually, we already got married a few months ago in Las V egas, we didn’ t want to say anything with you and Merlin…well, you’re both here now .” “You should have told me, ” Arthur shook his head kissing her forehead. “How did I not know about this?” Merlin asked eyeing Gwaine intently . “We did it while you were at that storm chaser conference in Nashville, ” Gwaine said looking sheepish. “Gwen and Lance went with us.” Uther nodded, “When we get married we will celebrate your marriage as well.” “You’re going to get married here?” Mor gana asked. “Yes, it will be much easier for us to come here than for all of you to travel to London, and since we will be living here afterward anyway, ” Hunith said. “It will be wonderful to have all of you here. W ill, Kylie, and Nicholas are moving back here as well. He got a job with the NWS he starts in August.” Two hours later, their family left to drive back to town and Merlin shook his head feeling a bit overwhelmed. Arthur put his arms around him. “You all right?” he asked. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a lot to take in.” “I know, ” Arthur said then kissed him. “It is a bit weird, ” he chuckled, “My father and your mother…” Merlin scrunched up his nose, “That means you will be my stepbrother and my husband.” Arthur thought about it and then shook his head. “No, definitely not going there.” Merlin laughed and kissed him, “I love you.” “Love you too. What do you want to do today?” “Hmm, I think I would like to go back to bed with my hot husband slash stepbrother -to-be.” “You’re not going to let that go are you, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes. “What would you like to do today?” “I thought we could go take a look at the data on your storm you were itching to get your hands on. Y our seventy-two hours is up…more or less.” Merlin shook his head, “Later .” Arthur raised an eyebrow, “Later? Really? After you whined for three days?” “Let’ s just say I have other priorities at the moment, ” Merlin said then kissed Arthur . “Merlin…I don’ t want you to…” Merlin silenced him with a kiss and smiled, “If we are going to strengthen this marriage and heal, I need to shift my focus and compromise. T o show you that I can be both a husband and a storm chaser . I can’ t keep making the same mistakes over and over again.” “I just don’ t want you to come to resent me.” “We can do this, ” Merlin said kissing him again, “I can find a balance.” “All right, ” Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go to bed.” The new Excalibur was delivered on Friday just in time for a massive weather front moving into the Midwest. Merlin was chomping at the bit watching the monitors in the auto shop. He was anxious to get out there and chase while a part of him was still a bit afraid. Not of the storms, but that going back to chasing would cause more strain on him and Arthur and their relationship. “Merlin, ” Arthur said as he walked into the room, “Excalibur T wo is fueled up and ready to go. Are you sure you are ready to get back to it?” Merlin nodded, “Doc Annis cleared me. I’m good to go.” “She actually believed you about your magic?” “Yeah, well, after seeing me on the security camera footage from outside the hospital that night, it wasn’ t that dif ficult to convince her . So much for keeping my magic a secret, ” he huffed a laugh, “At least I managed to convince them not to release it to the media.” “The footage was pretty impressive, ” Arthur said as he put his arms around Merlin and kissed his neck. “I was there, and it was still stunning to see.” “I barely remember a lot of it, ” Merlin said, “I was so focused on stopping the tornado that I didn’ t think about the cameras.” “So, which way are we headed?” Merlin shook his head, his lips pressed tightly together as he looked at his laptop screen. “Arthur, I’m second-guessing myself and that isn’ t good.” Arthur put his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders and turned him around. “Just focus. Y ou can do this. It’ s a part of you.” “I know, it’s not that…it’ s us. I’m…” he frowned, and Arthur moved his hands to his face and kissed him. “Talk to me, what is it?” “I can’ t focus if I am worried about us, ” Merlin said. “I’m worried too, but we both need to chase. W e both need to get back out there and do what we do best.” Arthur hugged him, cupping the back of his neck, “Come on, let’ s do this. I love you.” Merlin kissed him then smiled, “T ogether .” “Together, ” Arthur nodded. “We’re going southwest, ” Merlin said. “Southwest it is.” Arthur put in his earpiece and turned it on. “Load up, we’re rolling southwest, boys and girls.” He headed outside and Merlin chuckled shaking his head. Maybe they would be okay after all. “I’m driving, ” Merlin said as he headed for the driver ’s side of their beautiful new Excalibur with the blue, gray, and black paint job and tornado graphics. Like the motorhome, it had their team logo within a black stripe. Arthur had added many upgrades including a stronger winch and tow package and more lighting. The glass had a special coating that would help prevent hail damage and the seats included custom seatbelts with an extra harness that could be put on in a hurry if there was immediate danger of impact with a tornado. Something Merlin really appreciated after what he had gone through. “Yes, boss, ” Arthur grinned as he locked down the bed covers and got into the passenger side. Gwaine was behind the wheel of their only van. The other one was still in the body shop being repaired. Mor gana, refusing to remain behind, was in the passenger seat. Leon and Elyan were in the back manning the equipment. “Gwaine, if we get into it, keep our precious car go safe, ” Merlin said as he started the engine. “You better not be referring to me, ” Mor gana huf fed. “What? No, of course not, ” Merlin chuckled. “Good, ” Mor gana smiled at Gwaine, and he leaned over to kiss her, caressing her still flat stomach. “I will always keep them safe, boys.” “Ready, ” Arthur said as he fastened his seatbelt glancing at Merlin with a nod and a wide grin. He reached over to pat him on the thigh. “Let’ s go find us a storm to chase.” Merlin nodded, “Okay, we have a storm brewing on the border to the southwest. I’m not sensing anything too powerful on the ground yet, but there is strong potential. Eyes and ears, boys and girls.” He pulled up onto the road and headed for the highway . “God, this feels good, ” he grinned running his hands over the steering wheel of Excalibur T wo. “I’ll always miss the original, but it’ s amazing.” “Are you going to drive it or make love to it?” Arthur asked, echoing his words from the test drive of the first Gladiator and they both laughed. They hit the highway and headed southwest. Merlin felt the welcome hum of his magic just beneath his skin. It was happy to be back on the road too. He smiled, his heart beating with the familiar rush of excitement and the welcome sense of relief that he was alive and back to doing what he does best. The reason he was put on this earth. And having Arthur sitting beside him again was more than he ever could have hoped for…more than he deserved. “Merlin, we have reports of a funnel cloud, ” Elyan said. “Where?” Arthur asked, checking the screen. “Ah, there, I see it.” “It’s dropping in the middle of farmland, ” Merlin said, “But there’ s a town just east of it… Dayville. Mor gana, speak to me, what are you feeling?” “I think it’ s going to hit the town. W e need to go, ” she said, “But then you know that.” “I will always value your input, ” Merlin said, “Let’ s do it. How far?” “Take the next exit and follow the two-lane highway to the west, ” Arthur said, “W e should intercept it before it gets to Dayville. Merlin…” “I know, don’ t be reckless, ” he grinned. Arthur shook his head, “I was going to say, keep it between the lines.” He smiled and then grabbed his cameras. Merlin laughed and then pulled of f the exit with the van right behind them. It took them only fifteen minutes to spot the twister on the ground. It was just getting started, quickly gaining strength, and growing in size. Merlin glanced back at the van. “Gwaine stick to the highway, do not follow us, ” he said. “Merlin, it’ s going to shift east, ” Mor gana said. “Yes, it is, ” Merlin said then turned of f the highway onto a gravel road and drove straight for the tornado. His magic was pulsing, begging to be set free, but he held it back. “Not yet, ” he muttered under his breath as Arthur took photos and video. The tornado turned to the east and he realized it had already doubled in size. “Dayville is going to take a direct hit, call it in, Leon. I’m going to skirt the edge and try to get ahead of it.” “Be careful, boys, ” Gwaine said looking up at the rotation, “There’ s something not right with this one. The sky is a wicked shade of green and there’ s wild rotation behind it.” Morgana closed her eyes and nodded, “Merlin, Gwaine’ s right. Be careful.” “Arthur, are you ready?” Merlin asked. “Go for it, ” Arthur nodded, and Merlin hit the accelerator . The gravel road turned to dirt then to mud as they ran into heavy rain and hail mixed. “Holy shit, ” Arthur said as he held the camera on the dark grayish-green writhing twister that was picking up dirt and debris tossing it in every direction. “W atch the edge, there’ s a shallow ditch running along the road on this side.” “Hold on, ” Merlin said as memories of his last chase, and the mistakes he’d made, pushed into his mind demanding attention. He shoved them all back behind a mental barrier and focused on the moment. “It’ s going to hit that house, ” he said and put his foot to the floor . He drove across a field heading toward the home just as they spotted a second tornado reach the ground. It tore through a barn and tossed a tractor end over end right toward them. It flipped over and landed in the ditch narrowly missing them. “Fuck, that was close, ” Arthur said. “Here we go, ” Merlin said then punched through the space between the two separate twisters. He drove right up onto the lawn in front of the house, laying on the horn. No one came to the door, but Arthur spotted movement in the yard just beyond the house. Merlin ran to the house pounding on the door . “Tornado, get under cover!” he shouted as someone finally opened the door . The woman froze in fear as she saw the twister bearing down on them. Merlin grabbed her by the hands. “Are you alone? Is there anyone else here?” he shouted squeezing her hands and trying to get her to focus. She shook her head, and he dragged her out of the house and put her into the back seat. It was then that he saw Arthur running across the yard, the second twister was heading right for him. “Arthur!” he yelled his voice filled with panic. He got behind the wheel and hit the gas busting through the fence that Arthur had hopped over . Arthur looked back over his shoulder for just a second, but it was long enough to realize he was in trouble. He finally spotted the little boy huddled in the corner of the yard behind a stone building, clinging to his puppy . “Come on, ” he shouted over the roar and grabbed him and the dog up in his arms looking around for an escape. He saw Excalibur barreling toward them across the pasture, but there was no way Merlin could reach them before the twister . He realized that the stone building was a pump house for a well and yanked the door open. “Hold on to me, ” Arthur said to the boy, and he nodded, eyes wide and terror -filled. “W e’re going to be okay . Just hold on. I’ve got you.” Climbing down into the tight space between the pump and the wall, he curled his body over the child and covered his head with his jacket, closed his eyes, and braced for the impact. He heard the roar and the ground trembled beneath them. W ater sprayed from a burst pipe soaking them, but he held on tightly to the crying boy and the whimpering puppy . Everything around them exploded, the roof was ripped of f and Arthur prayed. It was then that he felt the warmth of Merlin’ s magic envelope them, shielding and protecting them. The tornado passed over them and Arthur heard Merlin yelling. He climbed out of the hole and ran toward his voice. There was nothing left of the building but crumbled stones. They reached him and Excalibur just as the original tornado was ripping the house apart. Merlin grabbed the puppy and Arthur jumped into the passenger seat with the boy clinging to him. “Merlin…Arthur!” Mor gana was crying as she saw them caught somewhere between the two tornados. “Mor gana, we need a way out. Can’ t see a damn thing, ” Merlin said as he hit the gas continuing across the pasture and through a fence putting some distance between them and the tornado. “Cross the stream, then turn north, Merlin, ” Mor gan said, “There’ s a bridge. Cross it, then turn left there is some sort of concrete dam. It may give you some cover .” “Got it, ” Merlin nodded as they crossed the shallow stream. “Is he okay?” Merlin asked, glancing at the boy . “Yeah, ” Arthur nodded, “I think so.” Crossing the bridge Merlin turned left and spotted the dam. There was no water in it, so he drove right down the steep embankment and in between the high concrete walls. “Hold on, ” Merlin yelled as the tornado passed over the dam. They could feel the wheels of Excalibur lift of f the ground, but the twister couldn’ t quite get a grip on them. “Shit!” Merlin said as everything came rushing back. “Not this time.” He closed his eyes, pushing his magic outward and it wrapped around the Gladiator anchoring it to the concrete and rebar within. He felt Arthur ’s hand grasp his, locking their fingers together . “Merlin!” Gwaine shouted. The tornado mer ged with the other one forming one massive monster of a storm that miraculously shifted its direction again, heading away from Dayville into open farmland. Merlin drove them out the other end of the dam and up onto another gravel road just as the van came toward them from the opposite direction. Morgana got out of the van, running toward them. “Thank God, ” she said as she reached Arthur, and he passed the little boy to her . “Hello, little one, ” she hugged him close. “Got him?” Arthur asked, and she nodded carrying him back to the van. Merlin helped the woman out of the backseat, and she hugged him tightly . “Bless you, ” she cried. He handed her over to Leon along with the puppy . “That was a bit too close for comfort, ” Arthur said, and Merlin spun around and punched him in the shoulder . “Ow, what was that for?” “You tell me not to do anything reckless then you go and pull that shit, ” Merlin yelled at him. “Sorry, I saw the boy and just reacted, ” Arthur said. “You are an idiot, ” Merlin said, shaking his head. “Like you wouldn’ t have done the same thing?” Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow . “Yeah, but I…” Merlin dropped his gaze and huf fed a laugh, “Fuck…” Arthur pulled him close and smiled, “I knew you would save us.” “Dammit, Arthur…” he said his eyes brimming with tears. “Hey, I’m okay . We saved three lives. That is our job, right?” “Yeah, ” Merlin nodded, “It is.” Arthur grinned and kissed him, “W e are back, and I missed this so damn much. I missed you.” “Don’ t do anything like that again, ” Merlin huf fed. “I won’ t if you won’ t.” Merlin chuckled and nodded, “All right, let’ s get them to a hospital.” “Where’ s Merlin?” Mor gana asked glancing around the waiting room of the hospital. The woman, Martha, and the boy, Keenan, were in the ER being examined. Martha was sixty years old and lived alone since her husband passed two years prior . She had been taking a nap when Merlin pounded on her door . She had no idea there was a tornado coming right for her . Keenan was six years old, he lived in a house up the hill from Martha. He had been playing in the pasture with his puppy Samson when lightning and thunder frightened the dog and it had run of f. He’d chased after it and that was when Arthur happened to spot him. His parents had arrived at the hospital shortly after they got there. His aunt was a nurse and called them as soon as the team came in with him. “I’ll find him, ” Arthur said then headed out the doors walking toward their vehicles. He spotted Merlin perched on the bed of Excalibur his head tilted back looking up at the sky . It was raining lightly . “Merlin?” “How are they?” he asked without looking at him. “They are both going to be fine. Martha has a bad heart though, so they are going to monitor her overnight.” “I’m sorry, ” Merlin said. Arthur climbed up next to him and sat down. “For what?” “I am such a hypocrite, ” he huf fed a laugh. “I wouldn’ t say that.” “What would you call it? I got mad at you for being reckless.” “To be fair, it was very reckless, and I knew I was in trouble. But I also knew that you would do the same thing, so it was either me or you. Besides, I trusted that you would save us.” “And what if I couldn’ t? Arthur, I couldn’ t even save myself that day .” “Merlin, I saw Excalibur…Gwaine took me to the wrecking yard to see what was left of it. Anyone else…” Arthur let out a breath, his voice breaking, “Merlin, no one else could have survived that. Y our magic protected you. W ithout it I would have lost you. W ithout it, a whole lot of people would not be alive today . I trust you. I believe in you, and I always will.” Merlin gave him a sideways glance, “Y ou did a good job today .” “Thank you, ” Arthur leaned over and kissed him, “It seems that we are both a bit reckless.” “Maybe we should just embrace it, be reckless together, ” Merlin grinned. “I’d like that a lot.” “Me too.” It was late by the time they returned to home base. Arthur drove while Merlin dozed in the passenger seat. He parked next to the motorhome and nudged him awake. “W e’re home.” Merlin sat up and smiled sleepily, “It’s nice to not have to sleep in a motel room after a hard day of chasing.” “Yes, it is, ” Arthur said as he got out and Merlin opened his door . He unlocked the motorhome and stepped inside to turn on the lights inside and out. He also turned on music that came through the exterior speakers. He moved back toward Excalibur where Merlin was still sitting in his seat. “Come here, ” he said and pulled Merlin into his arms. “It’s a beautiful night, ” Merlin smiled, slipping his arms around Arthur ’s waist, “Hi…” “Hi, ” Arthur said then kissed him, “May I have this dance?” “You want to dance with me?” “Mmhmm, ” Arthur kissed him again then led him into the light. “And they say romance is dead, ” Merlin chuckled as they moved together to the music. Arthur laughed and spun Merlin around, “Just call me Prince Charming.” “Prince Arthur, ” Merlin grinned. “I like the sound of that.” “Thank you, for this.” “Anything for you, Merlin. I love you.” “Love you too.” “We should probably get some sleep. W e have a lot of data to go through tomorrow .” “Not yet, ” Merlin shook his head, “Just hold me, please.” “With pleasure, ” Arthur smiled. They moved together and Merlin tucked his face into the crook of Arthur ’s neck, tightening his embrace. Arthur felt the day’ s tension flow of f of Merlin and he relaxed against his chest. “Y ou okay?” “Better now, ” Merlin sighed. “I think getting back out there today did us both some good, despite the close call.” “It did, and Excalibur T wo is brilliant. Thank you.” “No need to thank me, Merlin.” “Arthur, ” Merlin said, drawing back slightly, “What happened today, I lost focus for a moment. Memories of what happened to me came rushing back and I put us both at risk.” “Merlin, I would be more worried if you didn’ t have residual memories and fears after what you went through.” “I can’ t let myself be distracted. Not just for our safety but the people we are trying to save.” “There is no one I trust more than you, distracted or not. Y ou will always get the job done.” “You have so much faith in me, ” Merlin gave him a nod and a soft smile. “And I always will, ” Arthur cupped the back of his head and brushed their lips together . “Shall we go inside and get some sleep?” he asked tilting his head toward the motorhome. “Yeah, ” Merlin said then they walked inside together . Nathan Merlin’ s phone rang just after dawn. He grumbled then reached out to grab it of f the small shelf next to the bed and swiped the screen. “Y eah, yeah, I’m awake…what?” “Good morning to you too, ” Gwaine chuckled. “Sorry, good morning, Gwaine…what’ s up?” “Thought you might want to know you have visitors here at the auto shop.” “Visitors…who?” Merlin asked as silence followed and then the muf fled sound of movement as the phone was passed to someone else. “Merlin…” “Freya? What the fuck?” he asked running a hand through his hair . “I know, I’m the last person you expected to see or hear from again, ” she said softly, “But I need your help.” “It has been four years, and you just show up here wanting my help?” “Merlin, it’ s not for me, it’ s for Nathan, ” she said her voice breaking. “What’ s wrong? Is he hurt?” Merlin asked, his chest tightening. “No, he’ s fine. Merlin, I need to talk to you face to face.” Merlin glanced at Arthur who was looking at him intently . “I’ll be there in a few minutes, Freya.” “Thank you, Merlin, ” she said then ended the call leaving Merlin staring at the screen on his phone. “Freya?” Arthur asked, his eyes going wide. Merlin got out of bed and got dressed quickly, slipping on his boots. “What the bloody hell…” he muttered shaking his head. Arthur got dressed and put his shoes on. There was no way he was letting Merlin face his ex on his own. “What did she say?” “She needs my help, something to do with Nathan.” “Probably wanting money, ” Arthur said, and Merlin shrugged and nodded. “Most likely, but I need to find out what she wants. Nathan may not be mine, but I still love him.” “I know you do.” They left the motorhome and got into Excalibur, Arthur drove them up to the auto shop and they got out and went inside. Merlin walked through the open garage bay and into the work room. Freya was sitting at the table. Merlin stopped as he saw Nathan with Gwaine looking at the weather monitors and grinning from ear to ear . The boy turned and met Merlin’ s stunned gaze. He raised his hand in an awkward gesture. “Merlin, ” he smiled then crossed the floor throwing his arms around him. Merlin hugged him tightly cupping the back of his head as tears pooled in his eyes. Nathan was nearly as tall as he was. He was fourteen and still had the curious gleam in his brown eyes. “God, Nathan, ” Merlin said, “Look at you.” “I missed you, ” Nathan grinned. “I missed you too.” Arthur walked in behind Merlin, and he glanced back. “Um, this is my husband, Arthur Pendragon. Arthur this is my son, Nathan.” “Pleased to meet you, Nathan, ” Arthur said shaking his hand. Freya stood up and slowly approached Merlin. She looked tiny and frail, beaten down, she had dark circles under her eyes and her dark hair was cropped very short. She was ghostly pale. “Hello, Merlin, ” she said with a tight smile and watery brown eyes. “Freya, ” Merlin said, “What…” She turned to Gwaine, “Gwaine, could you…” Gwaine nodded and took Nathan by the shoulder and steered him outside. Arthur remained with Merlin, not wanting to leave him. “What’ s going on, Freya?” Merlin asked, helping her to sit down at the table again as he took a seat next to her . Arthur remained standing but moved over near the window .” “Merlin, I’m so sorry for coming here, but you are the only person I can count on. I’m dying. Stage four pancreatic cancer . I have maybe weeks to live. Kevin left us after I was diagnosed. He couldn’ t handle it. Merlin, Nathan has no one else. I know it is a lot to ask of you, especially after what I put you through. But I am here to ask you, to beg you to take him. I know I have no right…” she said, her voice breaking of f for a moment as she took a breath. “Nathan needs you. He loves you. I never should have pushed you out of his life. You are the only person he ever wanted to be his father and I kept him from you. I am sorry…deeply sorry .” Merlin sat there his hands holding hers. “Freya…you were right about me. I couldn’ t be the father Nathan needed.” “But you are the father he wanted. God, Merlin, he never stops talking about you. He follows you online, he has your book, and he worships the ground you walk on. T o him, you are his father .” Merlin smiled, “Really?” “I would not ask this of you, but I have no family . You are the only person I can count on to take care of him after…after I’m gone.” “Freya, there’ s still hope, I will help you find treatment. Y ou can’ t die, Nathan needs you.” Freya shook her head and smiled through her tears. “No, Merlin, I have exhausted all avenues of treatment. There is nothing more anyone can do for me. I am dying and I need to know that my son will be cared for when I die.” Merlin embraced her, “God, Freya, I’m so sorry .” Freya pulled back and patted his chest, she looked from him to Arthur . “You’re married, ” she said, “I am so happy for you.” “Yes, ” Merlin nodded, “Um, sorry…this is Arthur Pendragon…Arthur this is Freya.” “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur . You’re very handsome, ” she winked, “I’m glad Merlin found someone.” “Freya, ” Merlin said, “About Nathan…” “I know, it will be dif ficult with your work, but Merlin, he wants to work with you. It is all he has talked about for years. He will be fifteen soon and he wants to learn all there is to storm chasing. He knows what you do is important and that it will not be easy . Please, Merlin, you are all he has.” Freya stood up then, “I need to use the restroom. I will give you and Arthur time to talk.” Merlin got to his feet. Mor gana came out of the back room and nodded taking Freya’ s arm and helping her to the restroom. He turned to Arthur his eyes wide and desperate. “What am I going to do?” he asked. Arthur hugged him close, “Y ou’re going to say yes. W e are going to do whatever it takes to get Nathan through this. Merlin, you love that boy . In his eyes, you are his father . We can’ t turn our backs on him. No matter what Freya has done.” “You’re sure about this?” Merlin asked. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “W e will make it work. Whatever it takes. Nathan needs you.” “I know . I’m just scared.” “Of course, you are, ” Arthur said placing his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders, “I would be too.” Merlin smiled his blue eyes shining with tears, “I’ll have my son back.” “Yes, you will.” Morgana returned with Freya helping her to sit down again. She looked up at Merlin with such hope in her eyes and he sat down taking her hands in his again and nodded. “Freya, you don’ t have to worry . Nathan can stay here with me…with us.” “Oh, thank God, ” she said, hugging him as tears slid down her face. “Thank you, Merlin… Arthur, you have no idea what this means to me.” “Nathan will have a home here with us. It may not be the most conventional family, but we will love him and take care of him. He will want for nothing, ” Arthur said as he bent over to embrace her . Mor gana looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. “Freya, ” she said, “I can assure you that I will be here for Nathan as well. The whole team will be. Y ou won’ t have to worry about him.” Gwaine came back inside with Nathan then and the boy looked at Merlin. “Merlin?” Merlin got up and hugged him, “Nathan, you want to come live with me?” Nathan gave him a tearful nod and threw his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “I wasn’ t sure you would want me.” “God, Nathan, I never stopped loving you, son, not once, ” Merlin said in a choked whisper . “Blood or not, you were always my boy .” “I love you too, ” Nathan laughed, and Merlin drew back to look into his eyes. “You really want to be a storm chaser?” “Yes, more than anything. Just like you.” Merlin turned to Freya, “Where are you staying?” “We have a motel room in town. I wanted to bring Nathan here myself. T o speak to you in person.” Arthur met Merlin’ s gaze then looked at Freya, “Let us make some calls and get you a bed in a care facility where you will have nurses to assist you for however much time you have left.” “I cannot af ford that, but thank you, Arthur .” “I insist, Freya. I will cover all the costs. Y ou need to be cared for, ” Arthur said then looked at Mor gana and she nodded taking a seat next to Freya. “I will take care of it.” “You don’ t owe me anything, Arthur . You don’ t even know me.” “I want to help, Freya. Please accept, if only for the fact that it will help Nathan to know his mother is cared for .” “Mom, please, they are right. Y ou need to be in a place where you will be taken care of, ” Nathan said. “I am your son, but I can only do so much.” “Let us help, ” Merlin crouched down in front of her and smiled, “Everything is going to be okay . I promise.” “Merlin, you are such a good man. I am so sorry I hurt you.” “It’s forgotten.” “You do look happy, ” Freya said, “So, I suppose it was for the best because you wouldn’ t have Arthur .” Merlin nodded, “I did love you, Freya.” “I know you did, but we were not meant to be. I was happy with Kevin until this happened. I suppose I can’ t blame him for leaving. I’ve been going through treatments for over a year . The stress, the money, the pressures of having to take care of me while raising Nathan. It was too much for him.” “He’ s a fucking bastard, ” Arthur said. “Why didn’ t you tell me sooner?” Merlin asked, “I could have helped you.” “I didn’ t want to bother you. If not for Nathan, I wouldn’ t have come to you now . If I had any other option…” “No, Freya, I am glad you came to me. I love Nathan, I wouldn’ t want anyone else to have him. He’ s my son.” Freya’ s eyes filled with tears and Merlin hugged her . “We will need to meet with a lawyer before…before I go, ” she said. “I’ll call my attorney, ” Arthur said, “I will set up a meeting as soon as possible.” “I don’ t know what to say, you are all so kind, ” Freya smiled as she caressed Merlin’ s cheek, “Thank you…all of you.” Two days after, Mor gana had arranged for Freya to move into a hospice care facility just twenty minutes away . Arthur ’s lawyer had taken care of all the paperwork putting a rush on everything to make sure by the time Freya passed Nathan would be legally adopted by Merlin and Arthur both. It had only taken sixteen days for her condition to deteriorate. Merlin was so grateful to Arthur, accepting Nathan without hesitation or question. Not only as Merlin’ s son, but to adopt him as his own. He smiled sadly, tears in his eyes, as he stood on the small, covered patio outside Freya’ s room watching the rain fall. Behind him, the sliding glass door was open, and he could hear Freya’ s ragged gur gling breathing that his mother always referred to as the death rattle. He had heard it before when his grandfather was dying. The end was not far of f. It was only a matter of hours. Nathan was struggling to remain strong for his mother . He was far too young to have to deal with the loss of his mother . “Dad…” Merlin turned around to see Nathan standing in the doorway, his eyes red from crying. He stepped inside and hugged him. They walked over to Freya’ s bedside together . Her eyes were open, but she wasn’ t seeing them anymore. Her hands were trembling where they lay across her breasts. “Nathan, ” Merlin said, “She’ s holding on for you, son. T ell her it’ s okay .” Nathan nodded then stepped closer to the bed. He leaned over and brushed his mother ’s hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. “Mom, I’m gonna be okay . You can go now . I love you, ” he said, his mouth next to her ear . He held her hand in his kissing her fingertips which were blue. “You don’ t have to worry, Freya, ” Merlin said softly, placing a hand on the back of Nathan’ s neck, “I’m going to take care of our boy .” Three minutes later she fell silent and still and the alarm sounded. Nathan turned and buried his face against Merlin’ s chest sobbing quietly . “Shh, I’ve got you, ” Merlin whispered, kissing the side of his head. Freya had insisted on not having any kind of funeral service. She just wanted to be cremated and her ashes scattered somewhere pretty . So, a week later, Merlin, Arthur, and Nathan stood on the edge of a beautiful lake in the woods and released her ashes into the wind with a little help from Merlin’ s magic to carry them far and wide. Gwaine and Mor gana stood nearby watching. “On the wings of a butterfly, Mom, ” Nathan said with a soft smile. Merlin whispered a word of magic and suddenly the air was filled with tiny blue butterflies. Nathan let out a delighted laugh and grabbed Merlin’ s hand. “Thank you, Dad.” “I remember how much she loved butterflies, ” Merlin smiled and nodded. “We can go now, ” Nathan said. Arthur hugged them both then they walked back to Excalibur . “Let’ s go to Grubbs and get some lunch, ” he said. “Go ahead without us, ” Mor gana said, “I have a doctor ’s appointment in an hour . We will see you later . Nathan, if you need anything just ask. I love you.” “Thank you, Mor gana, love you too, ” he smiled and got into the backseat. “See you boys later, ” Gwaine nodded then helped Mor gana into his truck. “Later, Gwaine, ” Merlin said then got behind the wheel while Arthur got into the passenger seat. “Dad, can we have a bonfire tonight?” “Sure, I don’ t see why not, ” Merlin smiled then started the engine and turned the truck around to head back up the dirt road. “Thank you.” Arthur turned around in his seat and reached back to ruf fle Nathan’ s dark blonde hair . “Like Morgana said, anything you want or need just ask, okay .” “Okay, ” he nodded, “Arthur, since you have adopted me too…what should I call you?” “You can call me whatever you want. Merlin is Dad so that’ s taken, ” he smiled. “I’ve always called my father ‘father ’ but whatever you feel comfortable with. I am fine with just calling me by my name too.” Nathan smiled, “Father sounds too formal.” “Just call us both Dad and use our name to dif ferentiate when necessary, ” Merlin chuckled. “That works, ” Nathan nodded. “Are you doing okay?” Merlin asked. “I’m good, Mom’ s no longer in pain. She is free.” “My mother died giving birth to me, I never had the chance to know her, ” Arthur shook his head, “I know it isn’ t the same, but if you need to talk to me about anything I am here for you.” “I know, thank you, Dad, ” Nathan smiled at Arthur . They pulled up in front of Grubb’ s and parked, Merlin shut of f the engine and they got out walking into the restaurant with Nathan between them. Arthur put his hands on the boy’ s shoulders and guided him through the door . Merlin smiled and then followed. Into the Fold That evening they had the bonfire that Nathan asked for, and everyone showed up to help him say goodbye to his mother . He was immediately adopted by the whole team. Merlin watched him throughout the evening surrounded by acceptance and love, and it made him happy . He lifted his head as a butterfly fluttered through the sky above him. He smiled and nodded. “He’ s going to be okay, Freya, ” Merlin whispered. The butterfly fluttered around his head and then flew toward Nathan. He looked up and saw it and mouthed ‘ I love you, Mom’. Then with a wide grin, he held his hand up in the air . The butterfly landed on his fingertip for just a moment then flew away . He glanced over to meet Merlin’ s gaze with tears in his eyes. Morgana saw the whole thing and she came up behind Merlin resting her arm on his shoulder . “Did you do that?” she asked, and he responded with a slight shake of his head. “That was incredible.” “I’m a dad, ” Merlin said his voice catching in his throat. “And you are a wonderful one. Y ou and Arthur both, I am so proud of you two. I am scared shitless as it is to be a mother . I cannot imagine what you are going through.” “I have always felt that he was mine, I never should have let Freya push me out of his life… keep me away . I should have fought to stay in the picture.” “What matters is you are here now . When he needs you most. Nathan is welcome to come stay with us if Camelot ever gets too cramped for the three of you.” Merlin smiled, “W e are good. He has taken over the fold-down bunk over the cab. He loves it. Calls it his tower room. Even has a small TV up there and storage. It will suit him for a while until we get the house built.” “How are you and Arthur going to balance fatherhood and the job while still keeping your relationship on track?” “I have no clue, ” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “But Arthur has been amazing with Nathan.” “Probably because he reminds him of himself at that age.” “You think so?” Merlin asked as he watched Arthur put his arm around Nathan giving him a plate of food, encouraging him to eat. “They are very similar, ” Mor gana smiled then nudged Merlin’ s shoulder . “Percival and Nicole, they are getting quite close.” “He’ s always had a thing for nurses, ” Merlin chuckled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am good, ” he looked up at her and nodded. “I love you, ” Mor gana kissed his cheek. “Love you too.” “You should eat something, Merlin, I’ll go fix you a plate, ” she said then headed for the long tables that were lined with food before Merlin had a chance to refuse. Arthur looked at her, smiling as she approached and said something to him. He looked over at Merlin and nodded then quickly dished up food. He passed the sacred tools of the grill master and the apron over to Gwaine then headed toward Merlin, pausing just long enough to grab two bottles of beer from the cooler . “Hey good lookin’…whatcha got cookin’?” Merlin grinned. “My lovely sister just scolded me for neglecting my beautiful husband, ” Arthur handed him the plate and one of the beers then kissed him. “For give me.” “You’re for given. Thank you.” “Are you okay?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to Merlin’ s. “Yeah, I am.” Arthur followed Merlin’ s gaze toward Nathan and nodded. “Y ou’re worried about him… scared. I know I am. But he’ s a great kid, smart as hell. It’ s almost scary how much he knows about weather and storm chasing.” “Yeah, and I can’ t very well tell him he can’ t do it, because in truth I was a bit younger than him when I started getting into storm chasing. What if something happens to him?” “Merlin, we will protect him, keep him grounded and focused. He’ s a Pendragon now, my father has already set up a trust for him and an account for his education, ” Arthur smiled, as Merlin jerked his head around to look at him. “You’re serious?” “He insisted. Nathan will have the best education and a job waiting for him when he graduates if he wants it. Though I have a feeling we’re looking at the next generation of Excalibur Storm Chasers.” Merlin took a bite of the grilled chicken. “If only I could make the job of the storm chaser unnecessary .” “Would you stop if someone invented the perfect solution to predicting and warning people that made your job obsolete?” Arthur asked. Huffing a laugh, Merlin shook his head, “No, I wouldn’ t.” “Yeah, I didn’ t think so.” “Arthur, I need to say something…” “You really don’ t.” “Prat, shut up, and let me say this. Y ou have been incredible through all this with Nathan and Freya and helping me take care of things. All you did for Freya. Y ou didn’ t hesitate, accepting Nathan, adopting him. It means more to me than I can ever express. And now to know that your father is doing so much for him as well. Thank you is not enough.” “Merlin, it wasn’ t even a question…Nathan is your son. I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is taken care of and has support and love. I know what it’ s like to miss your mother . He has you and he has me and he has all of them, ” Arthur nodded pointedly . “That he does, ” Merlin smiled taking a bite of the baked beans and Dutch Oven potatoes. “What would you think about taking a week or so of f before school starts and we take Nathan sailing?” Arthur asked, “I know it will cut into storm season, but I think it would do us all some good.” Merlin nodded, “Y es, yes, I think that would be good. The team can handle things while we are gone.” “I will make plans then, if you are in.” “I’m in…let’ s do it.” Arthur smiled and kissed him then stole a deviled egg of f his plate popping it into his mouth. Merlin glared at him. “You stole my egg.” “Mmm, and it was delicious. Gwen makes the best deviled eggs.” “I wouldn’ t know since you just stole mine, you ass, ” Merlin said though his eyes were glinting with mirth. “Y ou owe me.” “Ah, I am quite certain I will find a way to make amends, ” Arthur said kissing him again. “Promise?” “Oh, yes.” “I can see I am going to need my earplugs tonight, ” Nathan chuckled as he walked over and flopped down on the ground in front of them. “And maybe a blindfold too, ” Arthur smirked. “Nathan, um, I guess we never really talked about this, ” Merlin said blushing. “Please, Dad, I am almost fifteen. I don’ t need the talk, ” he smiled. “I have been around plenty of kids my age and adults who have same-sex relationships. Anyone can see that you two belong together . I would much rather live with two people who love each other and respect each other than what I lived with before. Kevin treated Mom horribly and I kept trying to get her to leave him, but she wouldn’ t. He had her self-esteem so beaten down that she wouldn’ t stand up for herself. I think she believed she deserved his treatment.” “He beat her?” Merlin asked, his voice cold. “No, never, he wouldn’ t dare lay a hand on her . He used words instead and sometimes words cut deeper and leave more scars.” “Did he ever hurt you?” Merlin asked ready to launch a full-on manhunt for the bastard and flay him alive if he did. “No, he pretty much left me alone. Ignored me like I wasn’ t even there. Unless I did something that reminded him…like set the shed on fire, ” Nathan grinned. “You did?” Arthur asked. “Oh, I did. Should have seen him. He was so red in the face I thought his head would explode.” Both Merlin and Arthur struggled to contain their laughter . Nathan smirked, “He was pissed that I refused to accept him as my father figure. I told him he didn’ t deserve it. I told him that you were my dad, ” he said, looking at Merlin, “No one else ever mattered to me.” “Merlin told me about you, ” Arthur said, “Not long after we started working together .” “You did?” Nathan asked and Merlin nodded. “Nathan, we were just discussing maybe taking a week or so of f before school starts and going sailing. W ould you like to go?” “Sailing?” Nathan asked a huge grin on his face, “Y es, I would love that.” “Good, ” Arthur nudged the boy’ s leg with his foot, “As long as you promise not to set anything on fire.” “I promise no fires, ” he laughed. “Also, I got a call from my father…now your grandfather . He is setting up a trust for you and you will have an account to use for your education. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to study, and a job waiting for you when you graduate if you want it.” Nathan’ s eyes were shining with tears as he shook his head. “Really?” he asked. “Yes, ” Arthur nodded, “My boy, you are a Pendragon now .” “I never even thought about that. God, I don’ t even know what it’ s like to have a father, much less two fathers and a grandfather . But to have an actual education, a future…” Merlin nodded, “I know it’ s a lot. I had trouble with it myself in the beginning. I was using a duct-taped duf fel bag when Arthur showed up. Next thing I know I not only had a new bag but all the funding I needed and Excalibur to chase storms in.” Nathan nodded his eyes growing serious, “Gwaine told me what happened, Dad, that you nearly died. Y ou can’ t die on me.” “Gwaine shouldn’ t have told you, ” Merlin said, rolling his eyes a bit. “Merlin knows he can’ t take stupid risks anymore, ” Arthur said, looking pointedly at his husband. “So does Arthur, ” Merlin huf fed, staring back at him. “Risks are a part of the job, ” Nathan said, “I know that. Just don’ t die on me, either of you. I can’t lose anyone else.” “All right, ” Merlin nodded. “No dying, ” Arthur said. “What’ s for dessert?” Nathan asked, then jumped up to go find out leaving his fathers grinning from ear to ear . “We’re going to have our hands full with that one, ” Arthur grinned. “Yeah, and I have no fucking clue how to be a father .” “You’re doing fine so far .” “I am not exactly the best role model for a teenage boy .” “That’ s not true, Merlin. When are you going to stop doubting yourself?” “Probably never, ” Merlin gave him a sheepish grin. Arthur kissed him, “Y ou are the best man I know or will ever know . There is not a single person here who would disagree with me. Y ou for get that you built this…all of it. W ithout you, none of this would be possible.” “I had help.” “And those people who helped did so because they respect, admire, and care about you. They wouldn’ t be here if they didn’ t.” Merlin looked at Arthur, his eyes wide and filled with intense emotion, “Y ou wouldn’ t be here. Though I sometimes find myself wondering if you’d have come back to me if I hadn’ t been on death’ s door .” Arthur stared at him in silence for what seemed like an eternity then shook his head. “T o be completely honest, I don’ t know what I would have done. But I can tell you that leaving you was the worst thing I ever did in my life and my deepest regret. And I understand that we may never be able to get past it, but I love you, Merlin. I am here now, and I am not going anywhere.” “No, I know, ” Merlin shook his head, “I’m sorry . I shouldn’ t have said that.” “If it’ s what you feel then yes, you should. W e can’ t deal with these lurking shadows in our relationship until we shine the light on them. I need you to be open with me, Merlin. No matter how much it hurts to hear .” “I don’ t want to hurt you, Arthur . It’s not your fault what happened. I don’ t blame you for leaving, not really . And I am so fucking glad that you came back to me. I’m sorry .” Arthur took Merlin’ s nearly empty plate and placed it on a chair pulling him into his arms. “What do you say we take a walk, just you and me?” “I’d like that.” “Great, come on, ” Arthur motioned to Mor gana, and she nodded understanding his nonverbal communication. He took Merlin’ s hand, and they walked around the front end of the motorhome and headed down a trail that followed the river into the wooded area beyond the meadow . The sun was just dipping toward the horizon. “I want to show you the spot where I would like to build our house.” “Okay, ” Merlin grinned, letting go of Arthur ’s hand as they climbed the trail to a rise that overlooked the whole property . “It’ s gor geous up here.” Arthur ran across the grass to a stand of trees. He looked back at Merlin with a grin on his face. “Over here, ” he called out and Merlin ran after him into the shade of the trees. Arthur stopped and moved aside to reveal a hammock stretched between the two lar gest trees and Merlin laughed. “A hammock?” “Yeah, why not?” he smirked then laid down in the extra wide canvas hammock and reached for Merlin. “Get in here, it will hold both of us. I had Percival bounce around in it to make sure it would.” “Percival?” Merlin laughed heartily, “That would have been a sight to behold.” “Mer—lin, ” Arthur said dragging out his name and beckoning him with his fingers. “You’re absolutely crazy, ” Merlin shook his head then eased himself into the hammock and Arthur ’s waiting arms. “There, see, perfect, ” Arthur said kissing him. “Mmm, this is quite comfortable. V ery bouncy, ” he grinned then rolled over on top of Arthur demonstrating said bounciness by rocking his hips into him. “Oh, this could be interesting indeed.” “Indeed, ” Arthur said pulling him down for a kiss that sent a shiver of arousal all through his body . “Fuck, this is an even better idea than I thought, ” he moaned as Merlin proceeded to wiggle and writhe on top of him. “There’ s no one else around, ” Merlin said huskily, biting at Arthur ’s bottom lip, “Shall we experiment?” “God, yes, ” Arthur panted already fully hard in anticipation. “Mmm, I think this will require a bit of assistance, ” Merlin smirked then his eyes flashed gold and their clothes and shoes vanished. Arthur looked around to find them draped neatly over a low tree branch. “Magic makes you entirely too lazy, Merlin, ” he chuckled. “No, I just figured it was faster, seeing as we would have to get out of the hammock to undress.” “You are very wise, ” Arthur kissed him filthily as his hands slid down his back to cup his perfect arse. Merlin moaned closing his eyes as he felt their cocks align together his magic creating a little slickness. “Fuck, Merlin…that’ s…oh yes.” “You in me or me in you, ” Merlin asked, his mouth devouring Arthur ’s collarbone and his shoulders. “Whatever you want, baby, ” Arthur chuckled, “Whatever you want.” “Mmm, yep, I really like you calling me that, ” Merlin grinned then he raised up on his knees and leaned back gripping the hammock with both hands as he stretched his legs out spreading them apart so he could position himself on top of Arthur and align them perfectly . His eyes flashed gold and he shivered as the magic flowed between them opening him up. “Oh, this is…” he moaned as he reached between his legs to finger himself while Arthur watched. “God, you are stunning, ” he said, and Merlin threw his head back, his mouth open in a cry of bliss as he worked his fingers in and out faster and deeper until he was ready for Arthur . “Come on, baby, I need you…I need to be inside you.” Merlin shifted carefully, trying to keep from dumping them out of the hammock onto the ground while getting into position. Arthur gripped his cock holding it in position while Merlin fully impaled himself on it with one thrust punching the air from his lungs in the process and his eye went wide and dark with arousal. “Oh fuck, that is good, ” he panted the angle putting direct pressure on his prostate causing a rush of heat and sparks behind his closed eyelids. “Arthur…” “Merlin, fuck, are you all right?” he asked with a breathless laugh. “Mmhmm…brilliant…you’re a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Here’ s where the bounce comes in handy, ” Arthur said as he gripped Merlin’ s thighs and thrust upward into him. “Holy fuck, ” he growled, and Merlin rocked into him. They found the perfect rhythm, using their body movements in conjunction with the hammock’ s flexibility . “God, Merlin…so good, baby…you feel so good.” Gripping the hammock tightly Merlin spread his legs apart more until his bare feet reached the very edges of it. He let out a stuttered groan just as Arthur thrust upward hitting his prostate dead on again and again. “Arthur…Arthur…fuck, I am so close. Need to switch.” “You’re in control, ” Arthur said his chest heaving. Merlin moved, letting Arthur slip out of him then he turned over onto his stomach and gripped the ends of the hammock finding balance on his knees as Arthur shifted a bit forward fingering him as he kissed the curve of his arse and flicked his tongue against his entrance pushing it inside. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned. “Hold on, ” Arthur said as he moved into position behind him. The awkward angle was like nothing they ever tried before so he eased into him carefully and Merlin chanted his name. “Okay?” “Yes, yes, fuck me, Arthur .” It took a moment for Arthur to get in sync with the hammock’ s movements but finally, it all aligned, and he was pounding into Merlin hard, deep, and fast. “Oh, that is good, so good, ” Arthur grunted. He didn’ t let up until Merlin was trembling and whimpering with every thrust. He stopped to catch his breath. Merlin let go of the end of the hammock and Arthur laid back bringing Merlin back with him so that he was lying on his chest still impaled on his cock. “Hold on, Merlin, ” Arthur growled and pushed his feet against the ropes on the edges utilizing the full bounce of the hammock driving upward into Merlin while wrapping a hand around his cock. “That’ s it, baby, I want you to come for me, ” he whispered in his ear, biting his earlobe. “Fuck, fuck, Arthur, ” Merlin shuddered violently . He came hard, his seed shooting into the air and Arthur followed spilling inside him. “Holy…” Merlin said his chest heaving. They were both shaking with the aftershocks of their releases. “Definitely one of my better ideas, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “God, yes, ” Merlin grinned. “We are definitely keeping this, ” he said. They lay together until the sun had gone down then managed to drag themselves out of the hammock and got dressed before walking back down to the party which was still in full swing. Percival gave them a knowing wag of his eyebrows and Merlin blushed profusely . “I assume it passed the test, ” Percival said keeping his voice low as he winked. “With flying colors, ” Arthur grinned. “You don’ t mind if I try it out myself sometime, you know?” “Not at all, ” Merlin laughed. Someone had brought a couple of acoustic guitars which Merlin was immediately drawn to. He picked up one and Nathan grabbed the other . They sat down by the fire and started to play together like they used to. Singing songs while everyone watched. “I didn’ t know Merlin could sing, ” Mor gana said, and Arthur smiled. He loved seeing the spark of joy and mischief in his husband’ s eyes again. “He is a man of many talents, ” Arthur said. “I’m sure he is, ” Mor gana giggled nudging her brother, “Getting it on in the woods, Arthur . I am impressed.” “Shut up, ” he laughed and kissed her cheek then went to sit between Merlin and Nathan who passed the guitar to Arthur . He took it and started to play along with Merlin. Mor gana was beaming at them as Gwaine wrapped his arms around her, placing a hand on her belly . “I think they are going to be okay, ” he said. “Yes, they will be, ” Mor gana said leaning back against his chest, “I love you.” “Love you too, baby, ” Gwaine smiled, kissing her tenderly . “I’m going to help Gwen and Nicole with the clean up then we can head home.” “Okay, ” he said, “Just let me know when you’re ready to go.” Morgana walked behind Arthur and Merlin then stopped to kiss the top of Nathan’ s head. He looked up at her with a wide grin. “Quite a group we have, ” Percival said to Gwaine as he placed a hand on his friend’ s shoulder . “Yeah, ” Gwaine said with a nod, his eyes shining with tears, “And I would die to protect each and every one of them.” “Me too, ” Percival patted his shoulder then went to help Nicole. After finishing another song, Arthur leaned over to kiss Merlin, and everyone applauded, cheered, and whistled. Merlin laughed at something he whispered in his ear then shoved him playfully while Nathan rolled his eyes and reached over to grab a Pepsi from the cooler . Gwaine smiled. It was so good to see Merlin finally allowing himself to be happy . He had Arthur back and he had Nathan now . Perhaps he would start to realize that there was too much to live for to keep putting himself in harm’ s way . “Penny for your thoughts, ” Leon said nudging Gwaine’ s arm. “They’re worth at least a nickel, if not a dime, ” Gwaine huf fed. “How about I give you a quarter and you tell me what’ s got you looking so pensive?” “Just a feeling. Maybe Mor gana is rubbing of f on me, ” he chuckled. “Well, if I were you, I would trust that feeling, ” Leon nodded. “What’ s going on?” “Just can’ t help but feel like this is the calm before the storm. Which in our line of work is literal.” “You think something big is coming?” Gwaine shook his head, “Y eah, maybe.” “We’ll just have to keep alert and watch out for them, ” Leon said nodding pointedly at the group. “If it will make you feel any better, I will go on up to the auto shop and check on things.” “Thanks, man.” “No, problem, ” Leon said then headed up the hill on foot. “Where’ s Leon going?” Arthur asked as he stood up and walked over next to Gwaine. “To the shop.” “Anything wrong?” Arthur asked. “Not yet, ” Gwaine shook his head. “What did the doctor say?” “Everything is looking good. W e are ten and a half weeks along.” “You’ll be a great father, my friend.” “You’re doing pretty well in that department I see, ” Gwaine smiled. “Making it up as I go along, ” Arthur huf fed. “Arthur, it’s no secret that I was pissed as hell at you for leaving Merlin the way you did. He explained to me what happened, but it was all I could do not to jump on a plane and fly to London to drag your arse back here.” Arthur nodded, “I know . I will regret what I did for the rest of my life.” “No, you’re going to fucking let it go, ” Gwaine said, turning to face Arthur . “You’re going to focus on the here and now and for get the past because if you don’ t it will eat away at you until nothing is left and Merlin needs you. Nathan needs you. Let it go…” “I will try, ” Arthur said. “Next time I will kick your fucking arse, ” Gwaine gave him a tight-lipped grin. “There won’ t be a next time, I can assure you of that.” “Good to know . Don’ t get me wrong. I know Merlin played his part. He has been my best friend…my brother for a long time and I know how he can be. I know he shut you out and pushed you away . But, man, after you left he went down a bad road. I think he was intent on taking himself out one way or another . That day…” Gwaine shook his head fighting tears, “God, that day when I crawled into Excalibur . I blamed myself because I should have seen it coming. I should have seen how bad it truly was, but I didn’ t…I messed up and nearly lost him.” “You couldn’ t have stopped Merlin anymore than I could if I had been here, Gwaine. Even before I left, he wouldn’ t listen to me.” “Look, I don’ t want to keep hounding you. God, Arthur, you are a good man, and you don’ t deserve to have the blame laid at your feet. W e all were hesitant to even tell you how bad it got. But you need to know .” “Thank you, Gwaine. Y ou’re right, I need to know . Merlin is not going to tell me and hell, I doubt he even realizes how bad it was.” “I’m sorry to drop this on you now . I have been trying to find the right time…” Arthur nodded, “There is no right time.” “I love you, man, I do. Just be careful, ” Gwaine embraced him, and Merlin glanced up at them with a look of concern in his eyes as if he knew what they were talking about. “I will. It’ s not just me and Merlin I have to think about now…we have a teenage boy .” Gwaine looked over at Mor gana who was waving at him. “Looks like that’ s my cue to head out. I will see you later, my friend.” “Thank you, Gwaine, ” Arthur nodded, “Y ou’re a good man too and I know you’ll always take good care of my sister .” “Until my last breath, ” Gwaine smiled then headed toward her as Merlin got up and walked over to Arthur . “Dare I ask what you two were talking about? W as it about me?” Arthur hugged him and kissed his lips, “It was, but nothing I didn’ t need to hear .” “Shit, I should have known he would eventually get around to it.” “Merlin, he was right to tell me.” “I guess, ” Merlin shook his head and lowered his gaze, “I’m just ashamed…” “He said I need to let it go and focus on the here and now, and he’ s right. What happened is out of our control now . All we can do is focus on us…you, me, and Nathan have a whole new family dynamic to sort out. That is what is important now .” “I know . How much did Gwaine tell you?” “It’s done, Merlin. I love you and it is time to let it go. Gwaine and Mor gana headed home. Looks like the others are getting close. Let’ s get stuf f put away and go to bed.” Merlin nodded and Arthur kissed him again then they walked over to where the tables were. The food had already been cleared away, so they flipped the tables over and folded the legs then slid them into their custom storage bay beneath the motorhome. Nathan folded up the chairs that weren’ t being utilized and put them away as well. “Arthur, ” Lance said, shaking his hand, “Gwen and I are taking of f. Our babysitter is on the phone. She said Zachary is running a slight fever .” “Get going then, we’ve got this. Give him a hug for us.” “Will do, ” Lance nodded then turned and headed toward their car where Gwen was already sitting in the passenger seat talking on the phone. She waved to Arthur and smiled apologetically . He waved goodbye and threw her a kiss. “What’ s wrong?” Merlin asked as he approached. “Zachary is running a fever they had to go.” “I hope it’ s nothing serious.” “Hope not. Where’ s Nathan?” “He’ s arm wrestling Percival, ” Merlin chuckled. “This I gotta see, ” Arthur laughed then they walked over to the pair . Percival was putting on a show pretending he was losing. Then he grunted and let Nathan win. “Ah, man, so much for being undefeated, ” Percival smirked. “Right, ” Nathan laughed, “Y ou let me win.” “Nope, you won fair and square, Nate, my boy .” “I’ll take my twenty bucks then, ” Nathan gave him a wide grin and held out his hand. Percival put the money in his palm and then mussed his hair . “That’ s it for me, time to go home, ” he winked. Nicole hooked her arm through his, “Good night boys.” “Night you two, ” Merlin said. Merlin extinguished the bonfire with a word and a flicker of gold in his eyes. Nathan was already climbing into the motorhome. Arthur put his arms around Merlin then they followed. They sat on the sofa and drank a couple of beers while Nathan took a shower . He came out wearing Merlin’ s old pajama pants and Arthur ’s T-shirt which was too big for him. “Didn’ t we just buy you new clothes?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah, ” Nathan grinned and shrugged, “I like to be comfortable.” “Love you, kiddo, ” Merlin stood up and hugged him, “Y ou okay?” “Trying to be, ” he nodded. “Good night, love you guys.” “Night, ” Arthur smiled, “Love you too, buddy .” Merlin helped Arthur up of f the sofa and they made their way to the back shutting of f the lights while Nathan climbed into his bunk. They walked into their bedroom and closed the door. Merlin stripped and headed into the shower while Arthur undressed and laid back on the bed closing his eyes. He dozed of f and was treated to a dripping-wet Merlin crawling on top of him kissing his chest. “Hi, ” Merlin said huskily as his teeth grazed Arthur ’s nipples and collarbone. “Hi, ” Arthur moaned, “Thought you would be tired from our earlier workout.” “Nope, are you?” Arthur flipped Merlin onto his back and kissed him deep and hard. “Never, ” he said then kissed his way down Merlin’ s body taking his hard cock into his mouth. “Ah, that’ s good.” “The hammock was fun, but there’ s something to be said for a nice soft bed too, ” Arthur said as he pushed Merlin’ s legs apart and up hooking his strong arms around them holding him still as his lips, tongue, and teeth teased his arse avoiding the actual goal driving him mad with need. “Fuck, Arthur…” Arthur grinned and pushed his tongue inside him drawing a desperate and guttural moan from his throat. He held nothing back fucking into him with his tongue then a finger joined in. Merlin was writhing on the bed his hands tangled in the bedding, head thrown back, mouth open wide. Arthur loved seeing him in such a state. He was beautiful. “I’m going to make you come just like this, baby .” “Arthur…please…” “Let go, Merlin…just let go, ” Arthur kissed the cheek of his arse then his mouth traveled upward over his balls to the base of his cock, his tongue trailing upward along his length to tease the slit before swallowing him down at the same moment his fingers hit his prostate and Merlin bit his bottom lip to keep from crying out in pleasure. “God, Arthur that feels good…too good.” Arthur bobbed his head up and down hollowing out his cheeks and pushed in a third finger sending Merlin over the edge. His seed hit the back of Arthur ’s throat and he swallowed greedily before letting him slip from his mouth and immediately moved up between his legs and thrust into his spasming hole. “Oh, fuck, that feels incredible, ” Arthur groaned snapping and rolling his hips. “Merlin…” “Arthur, harder, ” Merlin gasped his body shaking with the aftershocks of his release. “Ah, baby, you are amazing, I love you.” Merlin raised his legs up over Arthur ’s shoulders changing the angle of penetration. “Fuck, yes, that’ s…just like that…God, Arthur…” Reaching back, Arthur cupped Merlin’ s arse pounding into him at a furious pace until finally he reached the precipice. T urning his head, he kissed and licked Merlin’ s leg as he filled him with his seed. His hips moving with short hard thrusts. “Holy hell, ” Merlin gasped, and Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Every time I think it can’ t possibly get any better, ” Arthur smiled, kissing him as he lowered his legs. “Yes, I don’ t think married sex is supposed to be this good.” “It will always be with us.” “I love you, ” Merlin said kissing him. “Now I need a shower, ” Arthur grinned, “Care to join me?” “Can’ t move, think I’ll just use magic.” “Lazy arse, ” Arthur chuckled playfully smacking his arse as he rolled onto his side. He got off the bed and went into the bathroom. When he came out Merlin was curled up under the covers sound asleep. Arthur smiled and turned out the lights then got into bed with him. He kissed him tenderly . “Good night, Merlin.” “Mmm, night, ” Merlin smiled in his sleep. Arthur was wide awake for some reason, so he reached for his phone. There was a text message from Leon with screenshots of possible severe weather activity for their area in the next couple of days. Looks like it was back to work for them. He glanced at Merlin deciding not to wake him. It would wait until morning, there was nothing indicating immediate danger . Just in case, he pulled up the live feed. Getting out of bed he slipped on his jeans and went quietly into the work area in the middle of the R V and booted up the computer and lar ge monitors. “What’ s going on, Dad?” Nathan asked as he climbed down from his bunk and came to stand beside Arthur . “Leon sent me some data, just checking it out. Nothing to worry about yet.” “That looks ugly, ” Nathan said pointing to a spot near the Nebraska-Colorado border . “The Jetstream is shifting, that’ s going to stir up some storms. There’ s a pronounced hook echo right there. Barely noticeable, but it’ s there.” “I see it, ” Arthur nodded. “The dryline is setting up along here. Definite supercell development all along there.” “Impressive, ” Arthur looked at him, “Y ou really taught yourself all this stuf f?” Nathan shrugged, “It was a way for me to feel connected to Dad. I ate up everything I could find online. Every photo and glimpse of him on some video no matter how blurry it was.” Arthur chuckled, “I know the feeling. Before I ever met Merlin I followed him online. Devouring every bit of information. Back then it was much harder because your dad was elusive and hated publicity…avoided it at all cost. It was only after he wrote and published Beauty and Chaos that he started to embrace it a bit, but it still makes him uncomfortable.” “That was such a great book, ” Nathan said pride in his eyes, “I’ve read it probably ten times through.” “He told me he started a second book. Maybe you can encourage him to finish it.” “I’ll definitely work on him, ” Nathan smiled. “We should go to bed, ” Arthur said, “Looks like the next few days are going to be interesting.” Nathan stood up as he got to his feet then he hugged him. “Thank you…for everything.” “You’re welcome, ” Arthur kissed the side of his head and released him. “You didn’ t have to accept me so readily, I know that. It means a lot to me.” “Nathan, you’re a part of Merlin, that makes you a part of me. I love you.” “Love you too, ” he grinned. “Get to bed now, ” Arthur nudged him toward his bunk, “See you in the morning.” “Night, Dad, ” Nathan said then scrambled up the ladder . “Night, Son, ” Arthur smiled then turned of f the lights going back into their bedroom. “Everything okay?” Merlin asked groggily . “Yes, all good, go back to sleep, ” Arthur kissed him then got into bed. “Nathan…” “He’ s fine. That kid is brilliant, ” he said as he laid back on the pillows. “Are you sure he isn’t really yours?” “Positive, I didn’ t even know his mother when he was born. W ish it were so.” Arthur wrapped Merlin in his arms, drawing him against his chest. “Go back to sleep.” “Okay, ” Merlin nuzzled into the crook of his neck and closed his eyes. “God, I love you so much, ” Arthur whispered. He smiled as Merlin snored softly, his warm breath against his skin. “Sleep, my love, sleep.” Conscious Destruction Merlin woke up to the sound of knocking on the door of their bedroom. “Nathan?” “Yeah, Dad, you need to see this, ” Nathan said, “Hurry .” “Coming, ” Merlin said, reaching over to shake Arthur awake. “Nathan needs us for something.” “Yeah, yeah, I’m up, ” Arthur said pushing himself upright, throwing his legs over the side of the bed to grab his jeans while rubbing his eyes. Merlin had his jeans on and pulled a hoodie over his head then opened the door . Nathan was in the work area with a blanket and a bottle of apple juice. Merlin kissed the top of his head and looked at the screens. “What’ s going on?” “Check this out, ” Nathan’ s fingers flew over the keyboard. When he hit enter all three screens switched to dif ferent areas where supercell thunderstorms were popping up all along the dryline. “Holy shit, ” Merlin said. “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked as he came out of the bedroom running a hand through his messy hair . He looked at the screens and he was suddenly wide awake. “Fuck…” Nathan turned to look at them, “I couldn’ t sleep so I upgraded your system with all the new tracking tools and graphics programs. The tiny hook echo we saw last night in northwestern Nebraska turned into a tornado, touched down three hours ago, with winds over two hundred miles per hour . Damage information is incoming, but it looks like a possible EF4-EF5. T wo towns took a direct hit. This is going to get ugly .” Merlin leaned over the keyboard hitting keys checking out what Nathan had done to the system and smiled. “Impressive, you’re a genius, ” he nodded mussing his son’ s hair . “Thanks, ” Nathan grinned. Arthur pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent out a text alert to all the team’ s phones. “Calling in the calvary, ” he said. “What’ s the plan?” “Good, we are going to need to mobilize quickly . Glad we have both vans back. Let’ s do Gwaine, Mor gana, and Nathan in van one and Leon, Elyan, and Percival in two.” “You’re actually letting me go along?” Nathan asked, his eyes lighting up. Merlin nodded, “As long as you promise to stay in the van. Gwaine will keep you safe. I need you to man the equipment and be our eyes. Do you think you can handle that?” “Yes, absolutely, ” Nathan said then jumped up and hugged Merlin tightly, “Thank you!” “Yeah, yeah, go get dressed, ” Merlin laughed, and the boy headed for his bunk to get ready while Merlin took his place at the workstation typing in a password to log in to the team database. “You sure?” Arthur asked, keeping his voice down. “We need another pair of eyes. And, as I said, I was younger than him when I started, and he is far more technologically savvy than anyone I could hire. Besides, he will be in the van with Gwaine who is already focused on keeping Mor gana and the baby safe. Nathan couldn’ t be in better hands.” “True, ” Arthur nodded, “Which way are we headed? What’ s your magic telling you?” “Everything in me is saying to stay close to home. The dryline is there, the jet stream is running along here, that’ s going to steer the lar gest of the supercells this way . My magic is telling me to position us somewhere in this area, ” he pointed toward the screen indicating an area about fifteen to twenty miles northwest of homebase. “V an one should stick closer to us. V an two will run up this highway to watch our flank and alert us to any oddities.” Arthur ’s phone chimed with incoming texts. “They’re all on their way . Lance said he and Gwen have been up all night with Zachary, but if we need him to call. He really misses chasing.” “He needs to be with his family, ” Merlin said. “Okay, I am going to finish getting dressed, ” Arthur kissed Merlin’ s head and then went back into the bedroom. “Is this suitable storm chaser attire?” Nathan asked as he turned around in a circle. He was wearing jeans, boots, and a tattered T wister movie T -shirt that looked oddly familiar and Merlin chuckled. “Where did you find my old shirt?” he asked. “Mom had a box with all your stuf f in it. I might have raided it and pulled out some things. I also have your old notebooks and a shoebox of photos, ” Nathan grinned, “Oh, and I have your old watch. I had it repaired so it works again.” He held up his wrist and Merlin reached out to run his fingers over the old watch and the leather band and smiled. “It was my father ’s, ” he nodded, “It’ s the only thing I have of his.” Nathan’ s smile faltered, “Y ou should have it back then.” He started to take it of f, but Merlin shook his head and gripped his hand. “It’s where it should be. Y ou wear it, son.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, ” Merlin said, “Y ou’re my boy . He would be proud of you…as I am.” Nathan hugged him. When he drew back, he quickly swiped away a tear . “Thank you. And thank you for letting me go along on the chase with you.” “Yes, well, it would be rather hypocritical for me to tell you that you’re too young to go. I was younger than you when I started chasing storms. As soon as I learned to drive I started taking my Dad’ s old truck out, against my mother ’s wishes, following storms. Then I totaled it and had to save up money to buy another old clunker to use.” “I bet Grandma Hunith was pissed, ” Nathan grinned. “Just a bit, ” Merlin laughed. “I love you, Dad.” “Love you too, Nathan. Thank you for what you did here. This is great.” “It was nothing. There are some other upgrades that are rather expensive, but they would speed everything up and give us more tools to utilize.” Merlin smiled and then got up from the chair . “Make us a list of what you think we need, and I will discuss it with Arthur . Right now, I need to get myself ready to go.” He headed toward the bedroom as Arthur was coming back out. He kissed him then winked and went into their bedroom to grab his boots and into the bathroom to try and tame his wild hair . “Twister, huh?” Arthur asked tugging at the ratty old T -shirt. “It was Dad’ s, ” Nathan grinned. “Might have known. Ah, you’re missing something, ” Arthur said then went to a row of drawers. He pulled one open and took out one of the of ficial Excalibur team jackets. “Here you go, now you’re of ficial.” “Cool, thanks!” Nathan said then slipped it on, it fit him perfectly . It was black with blue and gray bands and the team logo on the back with a tornado graphic above it. “Looks good on you, ” Arthur mussed his dark blonde hair . “I can’ t believe I am going chasing with you all.” “You wanted to be a storm chaser . Your Dad is the best there is. Y ou should learn all you can from him.” “And you too, ” Nathan smiled then he looked at Arthur hesitant to say anything, but he needed to know . “Um, how bad was it…what happened to Dad? I overheard the others talking about it.” Arthur shook his head, “I was in London when it happened. I flew back here as soon as I got the call. Y our Dad and I had separated for a while…six months to be exact. He would have died had it not been for his magic protecting him.” “You two are good now, right?” “We’re working on it, ” Arthur nodded, “W e love each other that has never changed. It’ s just that your Dad tends to put up walls and push people away when he is hurt or angry or feeling overwhelmed. I missed the signs and took it as him shutting me out…which I guess in a way he was. But I never stopped loving him and I never will. He is my heart and soul. W e have a unique bond that nothing will ever break.” “Yes, I heard the evidence of said bond, ” Nathan said cheekily, and Arthur laughed. “Earplugs, ” Arthur said, sticking his fingers in his ears. “I left them in my bag in Excalibur .” “Speaking of which…” Arthur said as he pulled open a drawer in the desk and took out a case. He opened it and handed Nathan his own earpiece which was fully char ged up and ready to go. He put his own in his ear and as Merlin returned he handed his to him. “Let’ s roll, ” he said and opened the door stepping down to the ground. Nathan followed while Merlin locked up the R V and looked up at the sky . “I better put a little spell on Camelot to protect her in case a storm hits, ” he said pressing a hand against the side as his eyes turned gold. A shimmering golden bubble grew around the motorhome sealing it inside the protective barrier .” “Handy, ” Nathan grinned as he watched. “Get in, ” Merlin said steering him to the backseat. They drove up to the auto shop parking inside the empty garage bay . Arthur booted up the computers and the equipment getting it ready while Merlin made a pot of cof fee and went to the storeroom to grab the case with their drones. “What’ s in there?” Nathan asked nodding pointedly toward the case. “Drones, ” Merlin grinned, “Y ou know how to fly them?” “Sweet, yes!” “Good, we will take them along in case we need to get a bird’ s eye view .” The rest of the team arrived within half an hour and twenty minutes later, they were ready to go. Merlin put his hands on Nathan’ s shoulders. “You’ll do what Gwaine tells you. Stay in the van and help him protect Mor gana and the baby .” “You got it, ” he smiled. “Good boy, ” Merlin patted his cheek then headed for Excalibur, climbing behind the wheel, and starting the engine. “All aboard, ” Gwaine said, tugging on the sleeve of his jacket, “That looks good on you.” “Thanks, ” Nathan said then climbed into the van shutting the door . He took up his position in the back at the laptop and fastened his seatbelt. “T esting, testing, can you all hear me?” he asked. “Welcome to Excalibur, Nate, ” Percival chuckled, “Y ou owe me a rematch.” “You got it, big guy, ” Nathan grinned. “Everybody ready, ” Merlin asked, looking at Arthur who was laughing. “Ready, ” Leon said. “Give me just a bit, ” Mor gana said as she took a seat next to Nathan. “Let’ s get you set up back here, ” she smiled, showing him what he needed to do. The kid took to it like a duck to water . “Okay, we are ready, let’s roll, boys, ” she smiled as she returned to the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Gwaine started the engine and then pulled out, following Excalibur along the road to the highway . Leon and the others were right behind them. “Okay, boys and girls, ” Merlin said, “As you are all now aware, we have a new team member . I know you will all watch out for Nathan. He may be young, but he is a genius and the boss’ s son.” Nathan laughed heartily, “I don’ t expect any special treatment.” “Good, because you won’ t get any, ” Gwaine said. “Okay, Nathan, ” Arthur said, “Show the team what you can do.” “All right, we are heading northwest, we have supercells popping up all along the dryline. Gonna be a wild ride. W eather peeps are predicting multiple tornados possible. Already looking at a hook echo just this side of the Nebraska border . Dad’ s magic is pointing us in that direction and as you all know we always trust the magic, ” Nathan said with a nod. “How’d I do, my two dads?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou’re going to fit right in, my boy .” “Good job, ” Arthur smiled. “We’re going to stick fairly close to home, ” Merlin said, “Everything is telling me the action is coming at us. Seems the chasers are becoming the chasees these days. Leon stick to the main highway and Gwaine you’ll watch our six but keep a safe distance. Maintain situational awareness…keep your heads on a swivel.” “You got it, ” Gwaine responded knowing what his unspoken duty was…protect Mor gana and Nathan at any cost.” “Mor gana, how’ s your magic, sweetheart?” Merlin asked. “It’s buzzing beneath my skin at the moment. Never imagined that pregnancy hormones could af fect my magic. I’m good though.” “Okay, I will need your instincts. If this gets hairy . What’ s it telling you?” “That we are heading in the right direction and there are multiple rotations in the sky just itching to drop a twister . Merlin…” she added somberly . “Yeah, I know…lives are going to be lost today, I’m afraid. But we are going to do whatever it takes to lessen the impact. Nathan, give me the names of the towns that are in the most danger .” “Give me just a sec, ” Nathan said then quickly finished tweaking the software and refreshed the screen. “All right…we have Marysville, Stonebridge, and Brookline…then just across the border we have Dry Creek.” “Marysville, ” Merlin said, his magic spiking, “Marysville and Dry Creek are most at risk.” “The hook echo is nearly on top of Marysville, ” Percival said. “Dad, there’ s another hook echo growing just west of Dry Creek, ” Nathan said. “Reflectivity is showing possible lar ge hail and heavy rains.” “Which one?” Arthur asked. Merlin fell silent and intensely focused for several minutes as he drove. Then he nodded sharply . “W e’re heading to Dry Creek, ” he said, “Keep watch on Marysville and the other towns let me know what pops up.” Arthur leaned forward and refreshed the feed on his laptop then pulled out his cameras to get them ready . He gave Merlin a sidelong glance. He looked tense all of a sudden, his eyes were dark with worry . It was obvious that he was torn between the two towns and hoped he was making the right decision. “Merlin…” “I’m all right.” “Trust yourself…no second-guessing.” Merlin nodded and smiled, “Right.” “Dry Creek?” Arthur asked. “Yes, Dry Creek it is.” “Leon, break of f at the next crossroad and take the highway, that will keep you on our right flank, ” Arthur said. “Gwaine, hang back, watch your backs too.” “Got it, ” Leon said. “Boys, ” Gwaine said leaning forward to look up, “Y ou have a funnel cloud forming right above you. It’ s a tiny little rope but watch yourselves.” “See it, ” Arthur said, and Merlin looked up. “It’s weak, we are good. Thanks for the heads up, Gwaine.” “No problem, ” he responded. Merlin drove down the practically single-lane road that was riddled with potholes. “I need a better road, Arthur, this is not going to work.” “Next intersection…take a right.” “Got it, ” Merlin said slowing to make the turn. “Dad, ” Nathan said, “The hook is growing, you’re heading right for it.” “Yeah, seeing the rotation now, buddy, ” Arthur said pointing up as he snapped photos and took video. “There it goes.” “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, “Be careful.” “Hang back, Gwaine, ” Merlin said, “This is the one.” He hit the gas and Excalibur ate up the gravel road heading right into the rapidly rotating and lowering wall cloud. The tornado touched down just to their left and headed right toward Dry Creek. “Fuck, I hate being right sometimes, ” he muttered under his breath then pressed the brake, slowing to get a good look at the wicked twister and a feel for what it wanted to do. “Dad, this thing is not stable. Be careful. Y ou’re going to run into hail any second.” Merlin smiled as a hailstone hit the hood of Excalibur, “That’ s my boy .” Arthur grinned and snapped photos. “Look at that inflow, ” he said. “Nathan is right, this thing is not stable, ” Merlin said, “It’ s all over the place. I’m going to try and cut through and make it to Dry Creek before it gets there. Percival, call in the alerts.” “Already on it, ” Percival said. “Let’ s do this then, ” Merlin said then put his foot down to the floor . Excalibur shot across the field heading for the main road into Dry Creek. They hit a shallow ditch and went a bit airborne before reaching the asphalt and Merlin turned the wheel a hard right and hit the gas again. They were doing nearly ninety miles an hour, and the tornado was keeping up with them easily . “Merlin, it’ s picking up speed you need to move, ” Gwaine shouted as he saw the tornado ripping up and tossing a whole fence line. He swore under his breath and slowed down as posts were tossed at them like missiles. “Fuck! Hold on, ” he said and turned of f the asphalt and onto a dirt road then followed a canal taking them away from the writhing base of the storm. “Boys, we are of f course. Evading incoming fenceposts.” “Get clear, ” Merlin said, “Head for Marysville and warn the people. This thing is unpredictable right now .” “Dad, we have another one, rotation just to the west between here and Marysville, ” Nathan said his voice calm but tinged with fear . The real world of storm chasing was both exhilarating and freaking scary . “Be careful, you both promised, no dying.” “No dying, ” Arthur nodded. Merlin looked back then shook his head, “Fuck this.” He turned the wheel to the right driving down into a shallow, dry riverbed and up the other bank. He turned left again and hit the gas as the wheels dug into the gravel spitting it out the back and they tore down the road and over the railroad tracks tearing into town with the horn blaring. Arthur flipped on the loudspeaker . People were casually walking on the street oblivious to the danger . “Fucking people do they ever heed the warnings?” Arthur muttered then held the mic up to his mouth. “Get of f the streets! Seek shelter now!” he said his tone commanding. “T ornado heading for Dry Creek, get of f the streets! Move!” People looked at their vehicle suddenly realizing who they were then scattered, running for cover . Arthur turned up the volume. “Seek shelter now! Dangerous tornado, move!” “Fuck, ” Merlin said, “Hold on.” The tornado hit the railroad tracks tossing train cars and sending them rolling into homes and buildings. He hit the accelerator and turned down the main street which was nearly clear . There was a sherif f’s vehicle parked in the intersection. He saluted them as they passed then took of f toward the center of the town with lights flashing and sirens blaring. “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, “Where are you?” “In town, the tornado is on our ass.” “You need to get to the river, ” she said, “Run!” Merlin nodded and looked up as the tornado slammed down on the buildings to their right. “Shit, ” he yelled, “The fuck…this thing is erratic.” “The river, Merlin!” Mor gana cried. Merlin hit the gas and headed down the main street crossing back over the railroad tracks before turning down River Road. The water level was low enough, so he drove across, water spraying up around them obscuring the storm until they reached the other side and headed down the highway that followed the river on one side and a concrete train bridge on the other . Spotting an unused train tunnel, Merlin drove of f the road, turned the Gladiator around positioning it to straddle the rail, then backed into the tunnel. Arthur flipped on all their exterior lights as he backed as far away from the entrance as possible. Not even a minute later the tornado passed over them. The roar was deafening, and they could feel the suction pulling at Excalibur trying to drag them out of the tunnel. “Fuck, that was close, ” Arthur said. “Dad!” Nathan’ s voice crackled in their ears. “We’re okay, Nathan, ” Merlin said letting out a deep breath as he laid his head back against the seat. “Where are you?” “We are in Marysville. People are cleared out. W e are heading toward the school. There’ s a storm shelter there.” “Good, get to the shelter . We will catch up as soon as we get out of this train tunnel.” “You’re in a train tunnel, ” Nathan huf fed. “Mor gana, thank you for the guidance, ” Arthur said. “You’re welcome, ” she said her voice a little shaky . “Leon, where are you?” “We are in Marysville.” “Wait, ” Nathan said, hitting the keys on the computer and then refreshing the feed. “Stop, Gwaine!” “What?” “Trust me, stop!” Nathan shouted and as soon as Gwaine pulled over, Mor gana moved to the back with him. “What do you see?” she asked. “That, ” he said pointing at a dark spot right ahead of their current position, “Nearly right over the school.” “Oh, no, ” she gasped, “Merlin, there’ s something unnatural happening here.” “What is it?” Merlin asked as they drove out of the tunnel. He had to gun the engine to get them over broken trees and other debris and back onto the highway then turned toward Marysville. “This storm has changed direction. It’ s no longer heading toward you.” “Doesn’ t matter, ” Nathan said, “This storm is already here. Sitting right over the town like a giant pissed-of f cat waiting for the right moment to pounce.” “Gwaine, get them out of there, ” Merlin said. “No, ” Nathan shook his head, we need to stay put. Right here.” “Nathan is right, ” Mor gana said, feeling it in her gut, “This freaking thing is rotating in place just ahead of our position.” Leon pulled up right next to them and stopped the van, getting out to look up at the sky . It was a dark, swirling mass resembling a whirlpool in water . The others got out as well and Nathan walked into the middle of the street with camera in hand. The air was eerily still, no sound, no birds, complete silence but for the distant rumble of thunder . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked. “This is really fucking creepy, ” Gwaine said. Nathan snapped photos and took videos as well. He couldn’ t help but be in awe of the beauty and the utter chaos. This was what his dad witnessed countless times. What he wrote about in his book. “This is so cool, ” he smiled. A moment later a long twisted finger lowered from the center of the darkness and touched the ground the only sound coming from it was a low groaning whistle. Then the demons were released. The finger scoured the asphalt as it moved down the street heading right for the school. “Shit, ” Gwaine said wrapping his arms around Mor gana. The air remained still around them as if they were in some sort of pocket. The tornado tossed cars and ripped a roof of f the gas station. Broken power lines writhed around like headless snakes before catching spilled fuel causing the whole place to erupt in a ball of fire and a deafening roar . Flames quickly spread through the neighboring buildings and homes. The school blew apart as the tornado slammed into it with vengeful force. The roof lifted of f, practically in one piece only to be carried into the air before breaking apart. “Holy hell, ” Leon gasped. “Fuck, ” Percival said. “We would have been right in the middle of that had we kept going, ” Elyan said, “Nathan, you saved us.” “But the people, ” Nathan said, his voice breaking as Percival wrapped him in his strong embrace. “Shh, it’ s all right. W e have to hope they all made it to the town shelter beneath the school.” Merlin spotted the vans. He drove across the railroad tracks pulling up next to them, then jumped out of the truck, heading straight for his son. Nathan moved away from Percival and walked into his embrace. “Are you okay?” Merlin asked holding him. “Yeah, I’m fine. Though I have a much deeper respect for what you do, ” Nathan said. “Shit, ” Arthur said as he took in the scene before them. It was apocalyptic. Devastation and raging fires. He put his arm around Nathan and gently squeezed his shoulder . They stood together in silence watching the storm, there was nothing they could do to help anyone in its path. V iolent and vicious, mindless destruction and death before their eyes. The sky opened up then, dumping rain on them as they all ran for the vehicles. Nathan got into the back seat of Excalibur and Merlin started the engine while Arthur was on the phone calling 91 1 to get help. “Need to find a way around the fires, ” Merlin said. “Hand me your phone, Dad, ” Nathan said, and Merlin passed it back to him. He quickly pulled up the GPS location and found the school. “Okay, turn left down that alleyway go two blocks we will come to a bike trail. T ake it until we reach the bridge then cross the river there.” “The fire is out of control, ” Merlin shook his head, “I need to do something.” “The rain is helping, ” Arthur said, “Y ou need to focus on getting to the school. W e may need your magic to get to the people buried in the storm shelter .” Merlin turned down the alley, the vans were right behind them. “Fuck, I hate feeling helpless. People are dying and I can’ t stop it.” Nathan put his hand on the back of his neck and squeezed gently, “You can only do so much, Dad. Y ou’re only human.” “I know, but what good are my abilities if I can’ t save them all?” “You’re not meant to save everyone, ” Nathan said his voice filled with emotion, “Y our job is to be a beacon of hope. That’ s your purpose. Save those you can.” Arthur looked back at him and smiled. “Couldn’ t have said it better myself.” Merlin huf fed a soft laugh and turned onto the bike trail. He looked in the rearview mirror and Nathan gave him a slight nod. Arthur reached over to pat Merlin’ s thigh. “Smart kid. Y ou should listen to him.” “Maybe so, ” Merlin nodded. The bridge was still intact, but it was littered with burning debris. The rain was still coming down as they got out and started trying to clear the bridge. Percival and Leon managed to heave part of a downed tree over the railing into the river and cleared a path for them. Getting back into the vehicles they drove across the narrow bridge which was just barely wide enough as it was part of the bike trail. “Go one block then turn back toward the school, ” Nathan said. Merlin hit the gas busting through more debris. Downed trees, pieces of buildings, roofs, wrecked cars, and puddles of water burning because of spilled fuel and chemicals. It was like Armageddon hit Marysville. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, pointing ahead of them, “There are people trapped in those cars.” “Percival, we have people in vehicles. See what you guys can do while the rest of us continue on to the school, ” Merlin said. “On it, ” Percival said as Leon pulled the van over and he got out to assess the situation. “Elyan, call 91 1, Leon, with me.” They managed to quickly get the three people out of the cars and moved them to a covered structure in the nearby park. They had only minor injuries. “Paramedics are on the way, ” Percival told them as Elyan gave them blankets and water . “We need to get to the school to help out. Y ou’re safe here until help arrives.” “Let’ s go boys, ” Leon said then got back in the van. “Merlin, are you feeling that?” Mor gana asked. “Yeah, yeah, I am, ” he said, “W e need to hurry .” “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Another tornado developing, just west of us.” “Shit, ” Nathan said, and Merlin gave him a look. “Sorry…crap.” “Over there, ” Arthur pointed toward the school. “Where’ s the entrance to the shelter?” Merlin asked. “Somewhere under all that, ” Nathan said as they took in the completely collapsed brick walls and burning wood. “Holy fuck, ” Gwaine said as they got out of the vehicles. Arthur opened the covers on the bed of Excalibur and pulled out shovels and flashlights. “Nathan, you should stay here.” “No, I can help, please, ” he said. Merlin looked at him. “Nathan, it’ s dangerous.” “Yeah, it is, and I am going with you, ” Nathan looked at him intently . Merlin turned to look at Arthur questioningly and he nodded. “Fine, you can come with us, but I want you to stay close. Grab the medical kit from the back of the truck. Mor gana, you stay in the van. There could be all kinds of chemicals and such in there. Y ou need to stay put.” “Yes, Gwaine has already made that quite clear, ” she said. Gwaine came toward them with a heavy duf fle bag of equipment. “Let’ s do this.” They made their way through the rubble, stepping carefully to avoid exposed nails, rebar, broken glass, and sharp pieces of sheet metal. Arthur scanned the area trying to spot the entrance to the shelter . “Hello! Can anyone hear me?” he shouted getting no response. “Over here!” Gwaine called out as he put gloves on and started pulling pieces of sheet metal and broken beams of f the solid steel structure in the ground near the foundation of the school. “Hello! Can you hear me?” he shouted pounding on the door . It was secured from the inside which meant there were people in there. The outside latch had been mangled beyond repair so they couldn’ t open it. Arthur and Merlin put on gloves and then helped to clear away the bricks. Merlin knelt down, splaying his hands over the cold, wet steel. His eyes flashed gold as he uttered a spell, and they heard the metal groan as the interior latch securing the door released. “Gwaine, help me, ” Arthur said. They pulled the heavy door up letting it fall to the side. Turning on flashlights, they made their way down into the structure that thankfully remained intact. “Hello? It’ s okay, the storm has passed.” They heard movement and the murmur of relieved voices. Gwaine approached a group of five people huddled around three small children and two dogs. Arthur walked around a concrete dividing wall and his heart shattered. Children, all sobbing silently holding each other…more than forty of them. Around the next corner he found more children and at least twenty adults all with varying injuries and burns. “Dear God in Heaven, ” he whispered tears in his eyes. Merlin appeared at his side. “It’s okay he said. The storm is passed, help is coming, ” he said as he knelt down to help a young woman with a bleeding gash in her neck. “Can you tell me your name, honey?” he asked with a reassuring smile. “Angel, ” she whimpered. “Good, Angel, we are going to take care of you, all right. Paramedics will be here soon. Can you tell me if you have any other injuries?” “My ankle, I think it is broken, ” she said, tears streaming down her face. Merlin looked back toward the entrance where Nathan was helping to get kids up the steps then Percival and Leon were carrying them to safety while Elyan was treating injuries. “Nathan, I need you, ” Merlin said. Nathan ran toward him with the medical kit and dropped to his knees and opened it up immediately getting to work. “Y ou really know what you’re doing, ” Merlin smiled. “Two years of first aid and survival training, ” Nathan said, “The only nice thing Kevin ever did for me.” “Angel, this is my son, he is going to help clean your wound. Nathan, her ankle may be broken as well, ” Merlin said, and he nodded. “Don’ t worry, Angel, we’ve got this, yeah, ” Nathan smiled at her, and she nodded gratefully . Merlin made his way over to a man who was lying on his stomach. He checked him for injuries and felt for a pulse finding none. He was dead. Likely a heart attack from the sheer terror . “I’m sorry, ” Merlin said then reached for a blanket covering the body so the children wouldn’ t see. He got up and walked along the back wall where kids were lined up on their feet, their eyes wide with fear . “I’m Merlin, ” he smiled, “Are any of you hurt?” They all shook their heads not taking their eyes of f him. “Okay, I’m going to get you all out of here. Hold hands and come with me.” He took the hand of a little blonde girl and waited until the others got in line holding each other ’s hands. He led them to the door then lifted two at a time up to Percival who put one on each hip and carried them through the rubble to the road where rescue vehicles were beginning to arrive. It took two hours to get everyone out and the injured stabilized and into ambulances to be transported to hospitals. It was getting close to sunset when the team climbed out of the shelter and made their way to their vehicles. Morgana hugged Gwaine and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. The storm that was still churning to the west was losing strength, but no less a threat. Merlin could feel it pulsing, rumbling, flashes of lightning zipping horizontally across the evening sky . “What now?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, focused, and clearly troubled. “This isn’ t over .” “I was afraid you would say that.” “Where’ s Nathan?” Merlin asked, looking around. “He’ s in the van checking the weather feed. That kid is something else.” “I’d say he’ s a chip of f the old block, but yeah, ” Merlin chuckled. “He may not be yours by blood, but he is your son in every other way . He’ s brave as hell… cares for people and he is smart and strong. Completely calm under pressure. Y ou should be very proud of him, I know I am.” “I am proud of him. He is in his element out here and that scares the shit out of me.” Arthur grinned, “I guess now you know what you put your mother through all these years.” “God, Mom, I am so sorry…for give me, ” Merlin said shaking his head. “Where to now?” Gwaine asked. “It will be dark soon, ” Mor gana frowned. “Are you okay?” Arthur asked her, giving his sister a hug and a kiss on her forehead. “I’m good, just worried.” Leon approached them running a hand through his hair . “I was talking to the sherif f, ” he said, “So far there are ninety-one dead, more than two hundred injured, and countless missing.” Merlin dropped his gaze to the ground pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead. “Fuck, ” he swore under his breath. Arthur cupped the back of his neck and drew him into his arms. “You can’ t do this to yourself, Merlin, ” he whispered against his ear . “I feel like I’m fighting a living, breathing, conscious entity, ” he growled, “There was something wrong with the tornado that hit the hospital, there was something wrong with this one. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I have no idea how to stop it.” “Guys, you need to see this, ” Nathan hollered from the van. Merlin ran over and climbed in with him. “What is it?” “Look, ” he said pointing toward another dark shape on the screen, even lar ger than the one before. “This is not normal, ” Merlin shook his head and hit some keys on the laptop then refreshed the feed. “Dammit, ” he exhaled sharply, his elbows on his knees, chin resting on his folded hands. “Okay, ” he turned to look at Mor gana and she nodded in understanding, “Leon, you guys load up and head west on Dworshak Road, Gwaine, you, Mor gana and Nathan take Juniper Road north. Arthur and I will take Excalibur and run the diagonal between these two points, ” he tapped the map. “This thing will drop at any moment, and it is going to make this last tornado look like a dust devil with an attitude.” “What are you going to do?” Mor gana asked. “I have no fucking idea how, but I have to stop it.” “How are you going to do that without killing yourself?” Arthur asked, his eyes dark. “Better me than hundreds of unsuspecting souls, ” Merlin said, getting out of the van and heading for Excalibur with Arthur on his heels. “Merlin, no, ” he said, “I won’ t let you do this.” “You can’ t stop me, Arthur .” “Goddamn it, Merlin, I thought we were past this.” Merlin spun around to face him, “I have no choice, Arthur . I am the only one who can do this.” “And if you die…what about Nathan, what about me? Y ou promised…” “Fuck, Arthur, I don’ t have time for this right now . I have a job to do, and I am going to do it. If you don’ t want to come, fine. Stay with Nathan, ” Merlin said, tears shining in his eyes. “He will need you if…” his voice trailed of f, “Just take care of him, please.” “If you think I am letting you go out there alone to face this thing…” Merlin let out a breath and looked up at the sky running a hand through his unruly hair . “I don’t know what else to do, Arthur, ” he choked on the words and Arthur embraced him. “We will go after it, you will do what you can, but I won’ t let you sacrifice yourself, Merlin. I will fight for you, for us, for Nathan. I won’ t run away…not again. So, give me the damn keys, and let’ s go.” Merlin handed him the keys and then got into the passenger seat rebooting the laptop. Arthur got in the driver ’s seat and a moment later Nathan got into the back seat. Merlin jerked his head around. “No, absolutely not!” he shouted, “Out, go back and get in the van with Gwaine and Morgana.” “Nope, the way I figure, if I am with you, you won’ t do anything stupid and get yourself dead, ” Nathan said as he fastened his seatbelt and the extra harness as well. “Let’ s roll, Dad, ” he smiled, and Arthur looked at Merlin. “He’ s got a point, ” Arthur said. “God, fine…you two…” Merlin said then he and Arthur both fastened their seatbelts and harnesses. Arthur glanced in the rearview mirror meeting Nathan’ s gaze. They smiled at each other despite the situation and the fear in their eyes. They both knew that if they let Merlin go on his own that he would get himself killed. The sky had turned a deep turquoise color with tinges of gold from the setting sun. Merlin handed Nathan the camera. “If you’re going to ride with us you get to handle the camera since Arthur ’s driving.” “Deal, ” Nathan grinned, “Love you, Dad.” “Yeah, yeah, love you too, brat, ” Merlin said his lips quirking slightly as he fought a grin. “Merlin, how are you going to do this without draining your magic?” Arthur asked. “I have no idea, but I can’ t sit by and do nothing.” “What about a magical artifact…like that crystal your father gave you?” “If I had something like that it would help, but I don’ t. Gaius said he has searched for similar artifacts for years with no luck.” “Dad, what would one of these artifacts look like?” “Usually a crystal, or something made of natural minerals or wood that has been enchanted. A magical artifact will usually have special properties that the magic will naturally bond to.” Nathan grinned, “Oh, I have something.” Merlin turned to look at him, “What?” The boy dug into his bag and pulled out a leather pouch. He loosened the drawstrings and dumped the contents into his palm. “W ill this do?” he asked grinning from ear to ear .” “Where did you get that?” Merlin asked his eyes wide as he smiled. “Your ratty old T wister shirt and Grandpa’ s watch weren’ t the only things in that box. Mom said you gave this to her when you were dating. She said you told her that it would protect her.” Merlin reached out to grasp the amulet in his hand and shook his head, “I am surprised she kept it. I thought she tossed it after we broke up.” “Does it still hold magic?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, yeah, it does, ” Merlin grinned, “I can feel it.” “Will it help you?” Nathan asked. “It certainly can’ t hurt. Thank you, son.” “You’re welcome. Now, aren’ t you glad I came, ” he said smugly . Merlin laughed putting the amulet over his head positioning it in the center of his chest and closed his eyes. When he opened them, his irises were bright gold. Arthur focused on driving and the twisting storm directly overhead. “Arthur, pull over and stop just before the crossroads, ” Merlin said, and Arthur did as he asked. “Stay in the truck, ” Merlin told them in a tone that let them know it was an order, not a request. “Merlin!” Arthur said. Merlin walked around to the driver ’s side window and Arthur lowered it. “Stay! I love you both.” He then turned and walked into the crossroads and looked up at the sky and the swirling vortex that almost seemed to be directly tar geting him. “Holy fuck, ” Arthur said. “We aren’ t really going to just sit here?” Nathan asked fretfully . “Give him a bit, ” Arthur nodded, though he was itching to go out there and grab Merlin and yank him back into the truck. Merlin dropped his head and closed his eyes his hand clutching the amulet. It was made of a rare stone that could no longer be found in nature. Made in the time of dragons and sorcery, it was imbued with an ancient magic more powerful than anything except for the man wearing it. Merlin threw his head back and roared stealing Arthur ’s breath away . He gripped the steering wheel watching in awe as Merlin’ s eyes turned from gold to a bright white and his body contorted and transformed before their eyes. “What the hell?” Arthur gasped. “Holy shit!” Nathan cried out. There before them in the headlights of Excalibur stood a thirty-foot purple dragon with glowing eyes and wings that lifted it of f the ground. Merlin had changed himself into a fucking dragon. Arthur and Nathan got out of the truck and watched as the dragon flew directly into the center of the storm and let loose a barrage of flames and magic. “God in Heaven, ” Arthur said, his eyes filling with tears as he pulled Nathan close to his chest holding him. “Okay, now that is the coolest thing I have ever seen!” Nathan exclaimed. The dragon flew circles around and around the vortex tightening the ring until the storm had stopped its forward momentum and seemingly balked at the attack. Merlin was right, the damn thing had a consciousness and intent. This was no normal tornado. “Merlin…” Arthur said completely awestruck at what they were watching. “Get it, Dad!” Nathan shouted at the top of his lungs. The storm twisted and writhed then turned and Arthur grabbed Nathan and shoved him back into the truck. “Buckle up!” He threw Excalibur into reverse and backed away from the crossroads until he felt they were clear for the moment. The dragon punched through the vortex, its powerful wings unphased by the winds, claws ripping and tearing at the dark roiling mass as magic explosions and golden tentacles of light wrapped around the body of the tornado squeezing it, tightening the vise. The dragon swooped down low and then shot straight up the bowels of the beast until the whole thing blew apart in a spectacular shower of golden sparks and white light. Bolts of lightning struck the ground. “What the fuck is that?” Gwaine asked in their ears. “Never seen a dragon before?” Nathan asked. “No, can’ t say that I have, ” Gwaine chuckled, “Fuck, Merlin, you are just full of surprises.” “That dragon is Merlin?” Leon and Percival chimed in at the same time. “Yes, ” Arthur said as he got out of the truck again and Nathan followed, “Y es, it is.” Both vans pulled up and parked behind Excalibur and the whole team stood around with their mouths open staring at the incredible scene before them. The dragon swooped down and came around before flying up into the last of the storm blasting it with magic and fire. “There will be no explaining this away if anyone else sees it, ” Mor gana said her eye wide and bright as she smiled. The tornado tried to form again, the winds whipping around them. The dragon roared and with a crack of its wings and a blast of fire, the magic blew it apart destroying the entity at the heart of it. W ith a high-pitched wail it died and with it the wind. Suddenly there was only silence except for the sound of leathery wings cutting through the air . The dragon landed with a thud in the middle of the crossroads. Arthur and Nathan took of f running toward it as the dragon wrapped its wings around its body and vanished leaving behind its human form lying on the ground. “Merlin!” Arthur cried out as he dropped to his knees next to Merlin’ s limp body . “God, please, no…wake up. Merlin!” “Ow, ” Merlin chuckled wrapping his hand around Arthur ’s wrist. “Dad!” Nathan hugged him hard, “That was incredible. How did you do that?” “The amulet, it was handed down to me from my father and his father before him. W e are descendants of the ancient Dragonlords.” “Are you all right?” Arthur asked kissing him. “Yeah, did you see it? There was some sort of entity within the tornado. It’ s dead now .” “Can you get up?” Arthur eased his arms around him, and Merlin pushed himself to his feet swaying a bit. “Easy, ” he whispered wrapping his arms around him. “Y ou’re amazing. I love you.” “Love you too, ” Merlin said his hand gripping Arthur ’s shirt. “Dad, ” Nathan said, “The amulet…” Merlin looked down and smiled. He reached up and took it of f, slipping it over Nathan’ s head. “Y ou hold onto it. It will protect you.” “Will it turn me into a dragon?” he grinned. “Afraid not, ” Merlin laughed mussing his hair then he hugged him tightly, “I love you, son.” “Love you too, Dad.” Merlin glanced around at his team as they surrounded him. “I need food, let’ s go, ” he smiled then headed for Excalibur . Arthur and Nathan followed while the team stared after them. “Did that really just happen?” Gwaine asked, huf fing a laugh. “I think so, ” Mor gana smiled. “Unbelievable, ” Percival shook his head. “It is Merlin, ” Leon said with a shrug then they all walked back toward the vans. Portal to Hell “What the hell was that thing?” Arthur asked Merlin as the team sat in the back of an all- night cafe eating and drinking tons of black cof fee. Merlin shook his head, “I’m not exactly sure, but it was powerful and otherworldly…almost demonic. It was gaining strength with every storm. Something was fueling it. It was evil.” Nathan was quiet, typing away on the laptop while picking at his food. Merlin tapped on his shoulder then pointed at the computer, and he looked up. “What? Oh, yeah, sorry, just give me a sec. I have a theory .” “About?” Arthur asked, taking a bite of his bur ger. “That thing…the entity, ” Nathan said, “Following a gut feeling.” “Are you sure he isn’ t your kid?” Gwaine asked Merlin. “Okay…hear me out before you tell me I am crazy, ” Nathan grinned then turned the laptop around to face Merlin. “The idea came to me because I’m a big fan of the show Supernatural. The town of Lawrence, Kansas is the hometown of Sam and Dean W inchester . Real town and not far from a rather infamous cemetery…” “Stull Cemetery, ” Mor gana said, and Nathan nodded. “Stull Cemetery took a direct hit from an EF4 tornado two months ago. It destroyed many of the oldest graves including what was left of a church that dated from the late 1800s. A church rumored to have been built over the gate to hell…a portal. What if by destroying it, the doorway was opened, and this entity escaped, attaching itself to that tornado and others since then? It has been wreaking havoc and feeding of f the souls of the dead the tornados have claimed. It explains what you said about the storms being unnatural and you said yourself that it felt like you were the chasee rather than the chaser .” “It makes sense, ” Merlin nodded, “The storm that hit the hospital felt the same…like it was a conscious entity bearing down on the one place where it would find the most souls.” “How far are we from Stull Cemetery?” Mor gana asked, “W e should go there and check it out.” “Less than two hours from here, ” Nathan said then looked at Merlin questioningly . Merlin nodded, “Let’ s go. If this portal is open, I have to seal it somehow to keep other entities from coming through.” “How?” Arthur asked and Merlin raised an eyebrow giving him a tightlipped smile, “The same way I killed that thing…dragon magic.” “Dragonlord magic, ” Nathan grinned. “I’m in, ” Mor gana said. The whole team nodded in agreement. Only Arthur held back, clearly uncertain and worried. “Arthur, ” Merlin said, “It will be okay . If Nathan’ s theory is wrong, no harm no foul.” “And if he’ s not?” Arthur asked. “Then I have to seal the portal. It’ s the only way to keep this from happening again.” “And what if there are already more of these entities on this side of the veil? Y ou’ll be making yourself a tar get for them, ” Arthur said sharply . “I’m already a tar get for them. W e all are, ” Merlin said, “I have to do something. These storms today and the one that hit the hospital were nothing compared to what they could produce if I don’ t stop them. The storms themselves were very real and natural, but the entity’ s power made them even more dangerous and destructive. It gave them direction and intent, using them to feed on the victims’ souls. I can seal the portal, and hopefully, that will pull any other entities that may be out there, back into hell as it closes. If I do nothing these things will continue to wipe out towns and cities.” Arthur knew Merlin was right, he looked at Nathan and nodded, “All right. Let’ s go.” They all got up, quickly downing the last of their cof fee, then headed for the exit while Merlin paid the bill. He turned to find Arthur standing behind him. “It will be okay, ” Merlin said, “T rust me.” “I do trust you. I just…” “Love you.” “Love you too, ” Arthur smiled, and they left the cafe. It was nearly one in the morning when they got into the vehicles and Merlin started the engine. “Stull Cemetery, ” Nathan grinned, “T wo-hour drive will put us there during the witching hour of three to four a.m.” “That’ s reassuring, ” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Sorry, but I can’ t wait, I have always been into the paranormal, Dad, ” Nathan patted his shoulder . “Stull Cemetery is legendary in the ghost hunter world. So many stories of hauntings and Satanic rituals and mysterious sightings.” “I don’ t think you’re helping the situation, my boy, ” Merlin chuckled as he turned out of the parking lot and onto the highway heading south. “Are you scared of ghosts?” “No, ” Arthur said, “Just prefer living breathing people.” “But you believe in them, right?” “I suppose, yeah…I mean magic is real so obviously there are things that exist that we cannot necessarily explain away .” Merlin nodded, “Everything has a spirit…an ener gy, including the earth. I have seen much in my life that people would never believe if I told them.” They arrived at Stull Cemetery at exactly three a.m. and Merlin used magic to open the locked gate. No one was around as they drove down the narrow road between rows of graves. They came to the area where the tornado damage was obvious. A lar ge stone church had been reduced to rubble and multiple other headstones were damaged or toppled. Getting out of the truck, Merlin walked toward the center . “Can you feel that?” Mor gana asked him. “Yes, there’ s definitely something here, ” he nodded then crouched down placing a hand on the ground his eyes flashing gold. He could feel the power emanating from within and around the church. Lowering his head, Merlin uttered words of a spell, his voice starting out low and growing louder as he stood up and looked into the sky . He heard what could only be described as hushed voices coming from all around him. “Y ou must return to where you belong, ” Merlin bellowed, his voice deep and rough. “Merlin, ” Mor gana said, her voice calm despite the situation they found themselves in. “Are you sure you can do this?” “I have no choice, ” he said then shouted the spell again and suddenly the sky was alive with sickly green streaks of light. Nathan stepped forward. “You’re gonna need this, ” he smiled, and Merlin took the amulet from his outstretched hand putting it over his head then he climbed to a high spot away from the graves. The team moved back to stand near the vehicles as they watched Merlin’ s body contort and twist then transformed into the massive dragon again. “W icked, ” Nathan grinned as the dragon launched into the air . “Get down, ” Arthur shouted, and everyone ducked behind the vans as the dragon soared above them and was immediately attacked by the entities…what seemed like hundreds of them. “Fuck, Merlin!” The dragon screamed through the air letting out a powerful roar and a burst of flames. It flew up into the sky, higher and higher as the entities continued their relentless attack. Flipping and rolling, wings snapping and the massive tail swiping at them. Letting out another loud roar that made the ground vibrate, the dragon dipped and dodged flying in a tight circle over the crumbled church. A burst of golden mist flowed from its mouth the streaks of green light turned and ran but the light enveloped them. Thunder rumbled across the sky and suddenly the ground opened up and the entities were sucked into it as the dragon scorched the earth sealing the rupture for good. Arthur and Nathan stood up and ran to the area, hurrying to paint the symbols Merlin showed them on each of the four cornerstones of the Church while Mor gana uttered the spell casting a blanket of protection over the land and the graves. The dragon flipped over in the air, spinning around, its wings suddenly going limp, it dropped like a stone, spiraling toward the ground and landing with a sickening thud. It then vanished leaving a deathly still Merlin lying on his back in the grass, arms outstretched. “Merlin!” Arthur screamed, running up the hill, reaching his side. “God, Merlin, ” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, following Arthur . “Ow, fuck…” Merlin choked, struggling to breathe. There was no hiding the pain etched on his face, his lungs burning. “Dammit, Merlin! Mor gana, the medical kit, ” Arthur shouted to her, and she ran back to the van, but Gwaine already had it in his hands. “Get in the van, stay there, ” he said then headed for Arthur and Merlin. Percival was right behind him. “Merlin, ” Gwaine said as he dropped to his knees next to them. “Hurts, ” Merlin said in a strained whisper . “Where does it hurt?” Arthur asked, checking him over with the flashlight and finding no blood or open wounds. “Merlin, I need you to talk to me.” “Inside…everywhere…” Percival carefully picked him up carrying him back to Excalibur placing him on the ground in front of the floodlights so they could look him over . Mor gana had a blanket ready, but Arthur motioned for her to hold of f and they quickly stripped him down to his underwear . His skin was pale and riddled with red scratches and darkening bruises. “What the bloody hell?” Gwaine asked. “Dad, ” Nathan said, taking hold of his wrist, eyes shining with tears. Merlin looked at him and smiled then his eyes closed, and he passed out. “Shit, ” Arthur said, “We need to get him to a hospital.” He picked Merlin up and maneuvered him into the backseat getting in with him. Mor gana handed him the blanket then closed the door and ran to get into the van with Gwaine. Nathan jumped in the passenger seat while Percival slid behind the wheel and started the engine. “Closest hospital is in Lawrence, ” Nathan said, checking Merlin’ s phone, “Like twelve minutes due east on Highway 40.” “Got it, ” Percival said, glancing back at Merlin wrapped in the blanket and shivering in Arthur ’s embrace. “Hold on, ” he said then hit the gas driving out through the open gate and onto the highway . The others followed in the vans. “Arthur, ” Merlin said, his eyes fluttering open. “You’re going to be okay . We’re heading for the hospital in Lawrence. Just hold on.” Merlin’ s hand went to the amulet on his neck and gripped it tightly . He smiled as he felt his father ’s ener gy, magic, and love emanating from within it. He looked up into Arthur ’s worried gaze. “He’ s with me, ” he muttered softly . “Who?” Arthur asked. “My father…he protected me.” “I’m sure he did, ” Arthur nodded, tears in his eyes. “It worked?” “Yes, you did it, you brave idiot.” “Then that is all that matters.” “No, Merlin, you matter, dammit. No more sacrificing yourself, please, ” Arthur said, kissing his forehead. “Shit, ” Merlin said with a low groan, “Pull over…need to pull over .” Percival heard him and drove into the wide driveway of a feedlot. As soon as they stopped moving, Merlin stumbled out of the truck, his legs barely cooperating. Bending over, he heaved up everything in his stomach. Arthur picked up the blanket he’d dropped on the ground. “Merlin…” “Stand back, Arthur…just give me a sec, ” Merlin gasped. He gripped the amulet. His eyes turned gold and his skin began to glow . The cattle nearby balked, quickly moving away from the being. “Father, ” he whispered roughly as his whole body was enveloped in a bright light. “Dad!” Nathan shouted as he tried to reach for him, but the light was blinding and hot. When it finally faded away, Merlin stood up straight and let out a relieved breath. The scratches and bruises on his skin were gone and his color returned. He turned to Nathan, pulling him into his arms. “I’m all right, I’m good, ” Merlin said, hugging him tightly then he reached for Arthur pulling him closer . Arthur wrapped the blanket around him, and they moved back toward Excalibur . Percival handed Merlin a bottle of water and a wet towel to clean himself up. Arthur took the towel gently wiping his neck and chest. He removed the amulet from his neck handing it back to Nathan. “Nathan, in the back of Excalibur, there’ s a gray bag, grab the black sweatpants and hoodie for your Dad to put on, ” Arthur said, and the boy hurried to do as he was asked returning a moment later with the requested items. “Thank you, son.” Merlin put a hand on Nathan’ s shoulder while Arthur helped him step into the sweatpants. Then he put the hoodie over his head and arms before pulling it down. Merlin then sat down on the ground to put his boots back on. “Better?” Arthur asked, reaching down to of fer a hand up then pulled the hood over Merlin’ s head. “Much, thank you, ” Merlin said. “What happened?” Nathan asked. “Those things were nasty . Even with my dragon magic, they were powerful…draining me… feeding of f my soul and my magic.” “Are they gone?” Arthur asked. “Yes, ” Mor gana said, “They are gone.” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “I guess we’re back to regular old boring, generic tornados.” “I’ll take generic and boring, ” Gwaine smiled, and the team nodded. “It’s too far to drive home, ” Arthur said, “Let’ s go into Lawrence and find a motel. Merlin needs food and sleep.” “I can make it back to Camelot, ” Merlin frowned. “No, not going to push it. W e get rooms and sleep then we will have a big breakfast and head home after . How’ s your stomach can you eat something?” “Yeah, it’ s good now . Just stop and grab me some food from a drive-thru.” “All right, load up, ” Nathan said in a commanding tone. “Giving orders now?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Yeah, ” he said, matter -of-factly, “Let’ s roll.” “Yes, boss, ” Percival mussed Nathan’ s hair then put his arm around the boy’ s shoulders. Merlin turned to look into Arthur ’s gaze. “I’d kiss you, but I have vomit breath, ” he grinned. “Don’ t care, ” Arthur shook his head slightly before kissing Merlin, “I love you.” “Thank you for taking care of me.” “I will always look after you.” Merlin kissed him tenderly, “You’re not tired of me yet?” “God, no, never in a million lifetimes, ” Arthur hugged his neck, “I thought I’d lost you again.” “I am tougher than I look.” “Yes, yes, you are.” They got into the truck holding each other in the back seat while Percival drove, and Nathan searched Merlin’ s phone for motels in Lawrence. He chose a place on the edge of town and called the number to see if they had room for a weary team of storm chasers. The owner was all too happy to accommodate them. Nathan hung up and looked back at his parents. “The Good Knight Inn, ” Nathan said to Percival, “On the right as we drive into town. There’ s a truck stop just across the road with fast food. They have four rooms two with one bed and two with two beds. Mind having a roommate?” he asked. “Not at all, ” Percival shook his head and smiled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine, ” Nathan said looking down at the amulet in his hand, rubbing his fingers over the smooth surface.” “You don’ t look fine. What’ s bothering you?” “I guess I’m just wishing this was my rightful legacy, that I was really…it’ s stupid, ” he huffed, shaking his head. “It’s not stupid. It’ s how you feel.” “Why can’ t Merlin be my real father?” “He is in every way that counts…Arthur too, ” Percival smiled, “Believe me, I understand. My father was a piece of shit, a waste of oxygen. Drank himself to death. Many times, I longed to have a real father -son relationship, but it was never going to happen. Y ou might not be his blood, but you are Merlin’ s son.” “I know, ” Nathan nodded. “I just have no idea who I really am, and I never will because my Mom is dead, and she would never tell me who my real father was. She would get angry any time I asked. I want Merlin to be my real father more than anything. T o have descended from such strong, proud, and honorable men…the Dragonlords.” Merlin sat up and leaned forward putting his hand on Nathan’ s shoulder . “You’re mine… you’re my boy and I love you, ” he said firmly . That’ s who you are and that is who you will always be.” Nathan looked back at him with tears in his eyes and gave him a sight nod. “Love you too.” “Hey, I’m not exactly chopped liver, ” Arthur huf fed with feigned of fense, and they all laughed. “Sorry, ” Merlin grinned, kissing him. “Love you too, Dad, ” Nathan chuckled. Percival pulled into the parking lot of the motel and huf fed a laugh. “The Good Knight Motel” fitting, ” he smiled, parking Excalibur . “You two stay here, Nate and I will go get us checked in.” “Yes, boss, ” Merlin said with a sigh as he pulled the blanket around himself and laid back against Arthur . “Percival, use this card, ” Arthur said handing him his credit card. “Great, be right back, ” Percival nodded taking the card then got out. He and Nathan headed to the of fice while Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. “I’m just tired, that’ s all.” “Can you please not get yourself killed, or almost killed for at least a month?” “I’ll consider it, ” Merlin looked up at him and smiled then touched his face, “Y ou’re my hero.” “I didn’ t do anything, ” Arthur said. “You put up with me.” “Yes, well, it seems I am rather fond of you. So, there’ s that. Oh, and you are hot as hell and a very good kisser, ” Arthur smiled, and Merlin took that as his cue and kissed him. “It’s one of my many talents.” “Mmm, and I do appreciate each and every one of your talents, Merlin.” “Can’ t you two wait until you get to your room?” Mor gana giggled as she leaned in the open window . “Insatiable…both of you.” “I just realized that we haven’ t broken in this backseat yet, ” Merlin wagged his eyebrows at her. “Please, don’ t, ” she rolled her eyes. Percival and Nathan returned, passing out the room keys. Nathan handed one to Arthur . “King bed, room seven right there. Percival and I are in the adjoining room with two beds. Gwaine and Mor gana together and Leon and Elyan in the other two bedded room.” “Sounds good, ” Mor gana smiled, “I am beat.” “I’m heading across the street to get some food, ” Gwaine said, “T aking orders.” “I want a chili dog and a milkshake, ” Mor gana said. “I’ll take a bur ger and fries and a Pepsi, ” Nathan said. “Me too, ” Merlin nodded. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he made a list. “Chicken sandwich, fries, and a Pepsi.” “Percival?” “Not sure what I want so I will just go with you. Y ou’ll need help carrying it all back.” “I’ll go too, ” Elyan said. Leon shook his head, “I’m good, just going to shower and go to sleep.” “Need money, Gwaine?” Arthur asked reaching into the back pocket of his jeans for his wallet to both return the credit card and get some cash.” “No, I’ve got it, my treat, ” Gwaine smiled, then the three men headed across the street to the truck stop. Merlin opened the door and got out of the truck. Mor gana wrapped her arms around him, kissing his lips, and smiled. “You’re okay?” she asked. “Yes, I promise, I am fine.” “I have asked him not to die, or almost die for at least a month, ” Arthur smiled, “Think he will listen?” “Good luck with that, ” Mor gana laughed. “I told you, I’m like a cat…nine lives, ” Merlin shrugged. “And by my count, you have used up at least four already, Merlin, ” she said raising an eyebrow . “That leaves me with five to go, no problem.” “Not funny, Dad, ” Nathan said poking him in the ribs from behind. “Sorry, I know, ” Merlin nodded reaching back to wrap an arm around his son. “Come on let’s all go into our room, open up the connecting doors and wait for food.” Gwaine and the others returned with the food, and they all sat around Merlin and Arthur ’s room eating and talking. T rying to wind down after what they had just gone through. Nathan ended up falling asleep on the floor with his head on Arthur ’s bag right between the beds and the bathroom door . “Aww, he is adorable, ” Gwaine chuckled. “He’ s had quite the initiation into storm chasing, ” Arthur said. “Maybe it will change his mind about being one.” “Fat chance, ” Merlin shook his head, “When I was his age the danger and excitement only fueled my thirst for more. As much as I would like him to do something dif ferent, he has what it takes. He is as born to this as I was…minus the magic, of course.” “Doesn’ t it scare you?” Mor gana asked, “I would be petrified if our baby decided to chase storms when they grow up.” “God, yes, it fucking terrifies me, but I know if I tell him no, it will only make him even more determined. At least this way I know that I can teach him the right way and hone his skills until the time comes to hand over the reins to him and retire.” “You, retire from storm chasing?” Percival huf fed, “Hell will freeze over first.” Merlin looked at Arthur and nodded, “I used to think so too, but now…” Arthur ’s eyes widened hopefully, “Merlin?” “It won’ t be for a while, but I think once we have the next generation of Excalibur, I will probably step back and take a more behind-the-scenes approach and focus on a certain someone that I never want to lose again.” “I don’ t want you to give up storm chasing for me. Y ou would only come to resent me if you did.” “I wouldn’ t be giving it up for you, Arthur . I would be giving it up for us. I love you and can’t be without you. I don’ t like the person I become when you aren’ t around.” Arthur hugged him, “Whatever you want, I will never leave you again. I swear on my life, I will always be by your side. I love you.” Morgana blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Dammit, you two…as if pregnancy hormones aren’ t bad enough you just had to make me cry .” Gwaine embraced her and then handed her another box of tissues. “W e should get to bed. It’ s nearly five in the morning.” “We have the rooms for a full twenty-four hours, there’ s no rush we can sleep till noon or after. The owner knew who we were as soon as he saw us pull in. Apparently, he is Johnny’ s uncle, ” Percival said. “Lily’ s dad?” Merlin asked and Percival nodded. “Yes, he is only char ging us for one night, but we have the rooms until tomorrow morning if we want them.” “That’ s nice of him, ” Arthur said yawning and stretching, “I am beat.” “We can’ t leave Nathan there you two will trip over him, ” Mor gana said. “I got him, ” Percival said then scooped Nathan up and carried him through the connecting door. Mor gana followed, turning down the covers before he laid him on the bed and took of f his jacket and shoes. “Thanks, ” Nathan muttered with a crooked grin then rolled onto his stomach wrapping his arms around the pillow before going right back to sleep. Mor gana covered him with the blanket and smiled. She and Percival turned to see Merlin standing behind them. “Do you think I am making a mistake encouraging him to pursue this line of work?” “No, you’re right, ” Percival said, “That boy may not be yours by blood, but he worships the ground you walk on. He wants this so badly that if you tried to stop him, he would only rebel and do it against your wishes, which would put him in more danger . It’s better that he has you to teach and guide him.” “Thank you, Percy .” “You’re welcome, ” he embraced Merlin, “Love you, man. Y ou’re a great father . Nathan is damn lucky to have you and Arthur .” “I agree, ” Mor gana hugged and kissed him, “Bedtime for me. Come along, Gwaine.” “Yes, ma’am, ” Gwaine nodded, “Good night all.” “Night, ” Percival grinned. “Night, guys, ” Merlin said. He leaned over to kiss the back of Nathan’ s head. “Night, my son.” He smiled and then walked back into the other room as Percival closed the connecting door. He looked toward the bathroom door, which was partially closed, and he could hear the shower running. Undressing quickly, Merlin slipped into the walk-in shower behind Arthur . “Am I intruding?” “Not at all, ” Arthur turned around pulling him into his arms for a tender kiss. “I think we are both far too tired for much more than this though.” “Mmm, I am good with this, ” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Though I think we would both sleep better…” he moaned against Arthur ’s lips as his hands trailed down his sides. “Can I, please?” he asked. “Yes, you know I can never say no to you, baby, ” Arthur whispered kissing him with increasing ur gency . Merlin grinned then grabbed the bottle of body wash pouring it over his hand and Arthur ’s extremely interested cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making him gasp then gripped both their shafts in his hands pulling, stroking, and running his thumbs over the heads as they both panted and kissed passionately . “Fuck, Merlin, ” Arthur groaned his gaze locked on Merlin’ s. “Good?” “Yes, damn…more.” Merlin increased the speed of his hand movements until they were both breathless and trembling. “God, now, ” he moaned and came hard. Arthur leaned into him, pressing him back against the wall, thrusting into his hand hard and fast until he finally crashed over the edge his seed spilling against Merlin’ s stomach. He laughed against his lips. “That was a really good idea.” “I’ve been known to have a few now and then, ” Merlin raised an eyebrow, kissing Arthur again. They washed each other then got out of the shower and dried of f. Putting on their underwear they got into bed and held each other close. They fell asleep quickly . Finding Balance They got back to home base late in the evening. Everyone headed to their homes. Nathan unlocked the motorhome door and went inside. Arthur and Merlin took a walk down to the river. “They are predicting tornados over the next few days, ” Arthur said. “Yep, ” Merlin nodded. Arthur looked at him intently, “What’ s bothering you?” “Just thinking.” “That’ s never good.” Merlin grinned, “Nothing bad.” “Then why do you have that look…like you’re about to have a root canal?” “Arthur, we have been through a lot.” “Yeah, we have, and we have made it through. W e are stronger for it.” “We are and I am so damn grateful.” “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked looking worried. Merlin let out a breath and nodded before slowly turning to look at him. “I love you, Arthur . I want to show you just how much and what it means to me to have you back.” “I already know, Merlin…” “Arthur, will you marry me again? I want to renew our vows.” “Merlin, I would love to marry you again.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a wide grin on his face. “If that is what you want, then yes, ” Arthur pulled him into his arms. “Maybe we can actually have a honeymoon this time around.” “Anything you want, baby .” “Anything, huh?” “Mmm, yes, ” Arthur kissed him. “Let’ s go make some dinner, I’m starving, ” Merlin grinned. “Should I fire up the grill?” “No, I have something in mind already . I am in the mood to cook.” “Then by all means, ” Arthur grinned opening the door for him. Nathan was just coming out of the bathroom wet from a shower . “W as about to send a search party out for you two, ” he grinned. “We had some things to discuss, ” Merlin said. “Now I am going to make dinner if you want to help me.” “Sure, just let me throw something on.” “I am going to take a shower if there is any hot water left, ” Arthur said. “Plenty, I was quick.” “Good boy, ” Arthur mussed his wet hair then headed to the bedroom. “Anything I should know about?” Nathan asked with a raised eyebrow . “What?” Merlin asked then smiled, “Oh, yeah, I have asked Arthur to marry me again…or renew our vows actually .” “That’ s so sappy, Dad.” “Sappy?” “No, really, it’s romantic and sweet. I’m happy for you both.” “I want to include you in the ceremony . It’s important to me that you feel a part of this.” “I’d be honored, but you’re totally on your own for the honeymoon, I will stay with Mor gana and Gwaine, ” Nathan grinned, and Merlin laughed. “Get dressed, you can grate the cheese for me.” “Yes sir, ” he smiled then headed for his bunk. Merlin made tacos with black beans and rice. After dinner, Nathan went for a walk while Arthur cleaned up the kitchen and Merlin was at the desk checking the weather feeds. “No more anomalous dark shapes on the feed, ” Merlin said as Arthur put his hands on his shoulders massaging them. “Thank God for that.” “I told Nathan we are going to renew our vows. He’ s happy for us.” “Good, ” Arthur leaned down to kiss Merlin’ s neck, “Our anniversary is coming up in two weeks, we could do it then.” “That’ s what I was thinking, ” Merlin said, “It’ s your birthday too. W e could invite the team and families. My mom and your dad probably won’ t be able to come anyway . We could take the week of f and go on a real honeymoon, somewhere far away from tornado alley .” Arthur smiled, “Leave the honeymoon to me.” “Okay, ” Merlin grinned. “Nathan said he will stay with Gwaine and Mor gana.” Arthur rotated the chair bringing Merlin around to face him then crouched down taking hold of his hands and pressing his lips to each palm and his fingertips. “I love you, ” he said softly . “Love you too, ” Merlin leaned forward and kissed his lips. Arthur and Merlin stood together on the stone patio in Gwaine and Mor gana’ s backyard surrounded by the team and their families. Nathan stood beside them. Gaius and Hunith had flown in together for the ceremony, Uther had not been able to get away on such short notice. Gaius looked from one to the other and smiled. “W e are all here this evening to love and support Merlin and Arthur . It is not often that people find the strength to keep fighting for each other, for their love. T o overcome so much, to come out the other side stronger and closer than ever before. Anyone who knows you knows that the two of you are of one heart, one soul, and meant to be together . I am so proud of you both and love you dearly . You requested that this be an intimate and informal ceremony surrounded by family and friends, so here we are.” Merlin and Arthur nodded and smiled. Arthur winked at him. “A new beginning, ” he said softly . “Arthur, would you like to go first?” Gaius asked and he nodded. “Merlin, on this day four years ago I said I do, and I have never regretted it, not for one moment. God knows we have had our struggles, and while I am quite certain there will be many more in the future, I am here tonight to promise to you that I am in this with you, come hell or high water . This is where I belong, you are my beacon in the darkness, my fortress in the storm, my refuge. I vow to you, Merlin, I will love you and protect you until the last breath leaves my body . My soul and yours will always be bound in this world and the next. My heart is yours, ” Arthur smiled, his eyes shimmering with tears. “I love you, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, leaning forward to kiss him tenderly, placing a hand on his chest. “Arthur, I know I am not the easiest person to be with, ” he smiled shaking his head slightly, “But I promise you, that this bond we share will only get stronger . You are the love of my life. You’ve been my knight in shining armor even when I didn’ t think I needed one. Y ou showed me that life is precious and that some risks are just not worth taking. I vow to you now, tonight, that I will be by your side always. I will love you until my soul departs from this earth and even after because this love we have is eternal. Y ou accepted me for who I am from the very beginning, and you welcomed Nathan into our lives without even a moment’ s hesitation. Thank you for putting up with me and for loving me despite my recklessness, ” Merlin grinned. “Arthur, I love you.” “We stand as witnesses to this renewal of your vows, ” Gaius smiled, “Love, live, and be one in all ways. Let nothing come between you and believe in each other, fight for your love always and forever .” “Can we kiss now?” Arthur asked. “You may, ” Gaius chuckled. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur ’s neck kissing him with everything he had. “I love you.” “I love you, ” Arthur said kissing him back as everyone applauded and whistled. “Is this far enough away from T ornado Alley?” Arthur asked as he wrapped his arms around Merlin from behind. “Mmm, definitely, ” Merlin smiled leaning back against Arthur ’s bare chest, turning his head to kiss him, “It’ s beautiful here. Beautiful and secluded.” Arthur had brought them to the coast of Maine. They were staying on a private island estate surrounded by forest and green grass. The gor geous rocky beach was a short walk away . There were areas of sand and tide pools. The house was incredible. It was an older Cape Cod-style house that had been completely renovated and restored inside and out. Their bedroom overlooked the ocean. W ith the French doors open at night they could hear the waves and the foghorn and see the beam of the lighthouse that sat out on a smaller island just offshore. Standing on the balcony outside their room, enjoying the morning sunshine and the sea air, it was heaven on earth. “This was a very good idea, ” Arthur said kissing Merlin’ s neck. “How long can we stay here? I don’ t think I want to go back.” “We can stay as long as you like.” “Being here feels like we are a world away, ” Merlin shook his head slightly . “Are you happy?” Arthur asked his lips right next to Merlin’ s ear. “Nope, absolutely miserable, ” he grinned. “Mmm, I’m sorry, I shall have to remedy that.” “Please do, ” Merlin turned in his embrace and kissed him passionately, their tongues moving together drawing a low moan from him. “Fuck, Arthur…” “If you insist, ” Arthur said huskily as he hooked his thumbs over the waistband of Merlin’ s boxer briefs and eased them down to his thighs. “Right here, ” he grinned then turned Merlin back around to face the railing. “Better hold on.” “Ah, God, yes, ” Merlin panted as Arthur pushed his knee between Merlin’ s legs easing them apart while Merlin’ s hands gripped the wooden railing. “Arthur…” Arthur kissed the back of his shoulder and kissed that spot behind his ear . “You’re beautiful, Merlin, ” he said, his hot breath caressing his cheek. His fingers pressed into his entrance finding him slick and ready for him. “So, good, baby, ” he said then gripped his cock, the head penetrating slowly . “I love you.” “Arthur, more…please, ” Merlin panted trying to move his hips, but Arthur kept him still. “Shh, don’ t move…just let me.” Merlin leaned forward slightly holding onto the railing. He closed his eyes reveling in the sensation of Arthur taking his time, drawing out the pleasure in such a way that was almost torturous. He wanted to beg, to cry out for him to move, but part of him welcomed this exquisite torture. He bit his bottom lip and whined when Arthur withdrew teasing and tormenting him. “Arthur…” “You know I will always take care of you, Merlin, ” Arthur said as he rolled his hips sliding his length along the cleft of Merlin’ s perfect arse. “T rust me, ” he said, and Merlin huf fed a breath as he pushed into him again. “Better?” “Mmhmm, ” Merlin said. Arthur smiled, thrusting in a bit farther before pulling out again earning him a loud cry of protest. “Fuck, you’re enjoying this far too much.” “Yes, I am.” “I hate you.” “I know, ” Arthur chuckled then eased into Merlin again, moaning filthily as his shaft was fully enveloped in wet slick heat. “Ah, yes, Arthur…so good!” “Shall I pull out again?” “No, please, ” Merlin gasped contracting his body around Arthur ’s cock to keep him in place. “Need you to fuck me, hard.” Arthur let out a low growl and snapped his hips pushing in as far as he could go. Merlin tilted his head back, his lips parted in a silent cry of sheer bliss. “Arthur…move…move please.” “Merlin, fuck, ” Arthur said breathlessly, his chest rising and falling with each thrust until he was pounding into Merlin with abandon, his hands moving up Merlin’ s sides then around to his chest as his teeth grazed his shoulder and neck. “So, good, baby…so tight.” “Arthur!” Merlin’ s breathing stuttered and he let go of the railing, one hand gripping his own cock the other reaching to cup the back of Arthur ’s head. “I’m so close, God, Merlin…you feel incredible, ” Merlin’ s hand stroked his shaft, his thumb pressing against the slit, his knees were trembling, and Arthur pulled out to the head struggling to hold them both up as he drove into him again rolling and snapping his hips until Merlin spilled over his hand in a breathless cry . “Ah, Merlin…fuck yes, ” Arthur said then he was filling Merlin with his seed. Both of them clinging to the railing as the aftershocks of their release washed over them again and again leaving them panting and shaking. The muscles in their thighs and abdomens rippling. They laughed and collapsed on the lounge chair a few feet away holding each other close. “Are you happy now, Merlin?” Arthur asked, kissing him. “Oh, yes, but I am tempted to say no so we can do that again.” “As much as I would love to, we need food or neither of us will have the ener gy for a repeat performance.” “Bacon?” Merlin asked. “Bacon, ” Arthur grinned. “Shower first, then bacon.” “Definitely .” They laid there a while longer and Merlin sighed, “T oo bad a shower and bacon requires movement.” “Yes, it does. Okay, come on, up now, ” Arthur said getting up of f the lounge before dragging Merlin to his feet and wrapping his arms around him. They kissed and then went inside. After a quick shower, they dressed in jeans and T -shirts before heading downstairs and into the kitchen. “There you boys are. W as beginning to think I’d have to eat all this food myself.” “Sorry, Millie, ” Arthur kissed her cheek, “Thank you. It looks delicious.” “Merlin, I made extra bacon, just for you, sweet boy .” “Ah, yes, I love you Millie, marry me, ” Merlin gave her a wide grin and a big hug. “You’re already married, ” Arthur said shoving a piece of bacon into Merlin’ s mouth. “You two are adorable, ” Millie giggled, “If there is nothing else you need I will take my leave and be back to fix you dinner .” “I think we are good, ” Merlin. “You are the best, Millie. Thank you.” “Arthur, my boy, you are so welcome. Y ou remind me so much of your mother . You look just like her, ” the older woman hugged him. “Y ou and your Merlin enjoy the day . Frank said to let him know when you want to go for a ride.” “Merlin, you want to take a ride around the island?” Arthur asked. “Yes, definitely, I would love to.” “Great, ask Frank if he can prepare Zephyr and T empest for us. W e will be down to the stables in an hour .” “Wonderful, I will tell him. W ould you like me to pack a picnic for you?” “You’ve done more than enough, we can handle it, ” Merlin said. “All right, I will get out of your hair, ” Millie kissed them both on the cheek then left through the back door heading to her car, looking back to wave goodbye. Merlin sat down at the table while Arthur poured them each a cup of hot cof fee and a glass of orange juice. “She is a sweetheart, ” he grinned. “Millie, yeah, she is my mother ’s cousin. She and Frank take care of this place. This house originally belonged to my maternal grandparents.” “You’re so lucky to have so many family connections. It’ s just me and my mom since my dad died. My grandparents are all gone. I know my dad had a brother, but no one has heard from him since my dad’ s funeral.” “Have you talked to Nathan?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “He texted me late last night, he is having a blast with Gwaine. They are analyzing every bit of data we got on all the freak tornados.” “Really?” Arthur asked as he sat down across from him. “Y ou’re missing it, aren’ t you.” “Actually, no, I’m really not. I thought I would. I am really happy and relaxed for the first time in a very long time.” “I’m glad.” “I mean you brought me to a private island accessible only by one bridge or by boat, ” Merlin grinned, “W e have privacy, surrounded by beauty and absolutely amazing food. Horseback riding, romantic beach walks, mind-blowing sex…and time together without any other distractions.” Arthur smiled taking a sip of his cof fee, “I thought you would enjoy this more than a fancy hotel in New Y ork City or a T ropical Island.” “You know me so well, ” Merlin grinned. “Yes, I do. It makes me happy to see you like this. W e should come here again and bring Nathan. He would enjoy it too I think.” “Are you kidding, ” Merlin chuckled, “He would love it. Horses, boats, and the ocean.” “We can take the sailboat out tomorrow if you want. The weather is supposed to be beautiful.” “Sounds good.” They finished breakfast and then cleaned up the kitchen. Arthur ran upstairs to put on his boots while Merlin threw together a picnic lunch in a backpack and slung it over one shoulder . “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Ready . Should we walk or drive to the stables?” “Probably better take the car, because it has been years since I have ridden a horse and my ass is not going to feel like walking back after, ” Arthur chuckled. “At least your arse has more padding than mine, ” Merlin grinned. “When is the last time you rode a horse?” “Not since I was around sixteen or seventeen.” “All the more reason to drive, ” Arthur said wrapping his arms around Merlin to cup his arse. He kissed him then tilted his head toward the door . “Come on let’ s go.” They left the house, got into their rental car and Arthur started the engine. The drive to the stables only took maybe ten minutes mainly because the road was crooked and a bit rough. Merlin took in the view along the clif fs, his eyes wide, an easy smile on his face that Arthur loved seeing. He looked good. Arthur parked next to the stables and leaned over to kiss Merlin, “I love you so much.” “I love you too.” “Come on, Zephyr and T empest await.” Merlin got out and followed Arthur into the building. He looked around stunned by the size of the place. There were well over fifty stalls and all of them were occupied by horses, plus the ones Merlin saw in the pasture outside. Arthur smiled knowingly . “Frank boards and trains horses here for people on the mainland.” “There’ s my boy!” Arthur turned as a tall lanky man with a gray beard and a cowboy hat came out of one of the stalls and locked it. He was a good three inches taller than Arthur and Merlin. “Look at you, all grown up. Y our mother would be so proud. This must be your Merlin. Pleased to meet you, young man.” “You too, Frank, ” Merlin said shaking his hand. “Good to see you again, Frank, ” Arthur grinned, “Are Zephyr and T empest ready to go?” “Ready and waiting, tethered out back, ” Frank said, “Follow me.” They walked through the doors and Merlin gasped as they stepped outside to see two of the most beautiful horses he had ever seen in his life. “Wow, ” he said as he approached them, “Which is which?” “The palomino is Zephyr, the gray is T empest, ” Frank said. “Fitting, ” Merlin grinned at Arthur pressing his forehead to the neck of the silvery-gray mare, “Hello, I’m Merlin…we’re going to get along well aren’ t we.” Arthur untethered Zephyr and put a foot in the stirrup swinging a leg over the saddle before patting the stallion’ s neck. “He looks really good, Frank.” “Yes, I wondered when you would make it back to ride him.” Merlin looked at Arthur questioningly and Arthur smiled, “I was here when Zephyr was born five years ago. He’ s actually mine.” “Oh, ” Merlin said, “And T empest?” “Tempest is yours, Merlin, ” Arthur said, and Merlin’ s eyes went wide. “Mine?” “Yes, I knew she would be perfect for you. Brave, stubborn, beautiful…” Merlin grinned, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, now mount up and let’ s ride. I’ll race you to the beach.” “You’re on, ” Merlin climbed into the saddle and Arthur gently kicked Zephyr into a gallop. Merlin leaned forward whispering to T empest, his eyes flashed gold, and horse and man became one. He nudged her into a gallop catching up to Arthur and Zephyr easily . “You’re sure you haven’ t ridden since you were a teenager?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yep, ” Merlin grinned then nudged T empest and she took of f across the grassy field. They reached the dirt trail leading down to the beach. Arthur laughed and ur ged Zephyr to follow . “Something tells me he’ s using magic, ” Arthur said to his horse. They rode down the trail to the open sandy beach. T empest galloped through the waves and Merlin let out a whoop of glee throwing his arms out to the side as the surf crashed around them. Arthur and Zephyr caught up and passed them. “Are we going to let them win, T empest?” Merlin asked and she picked up speed as if she understood every word. He gripped the reins and laughed breathlessly . They caught up and passed them. “Good girl!” he shouted. “You’re cheating, you little shit, ” Arthur laughed. “Who me?” Merlin tossed back over his shoulder . “Yes, you, magic boy!” “Prove it!” They rode the full length of the sandy shore before turning to ride back in the direction they had come at a much more relaxed pace. Merlin’ s face hurt from smiling. He had not had this much fun in…well, ever . He was beginning to realize just how much storm chasing had consumed his life and his time. He knew he would never quit, but now that he was able to step back and see what he had been missing, he wanted more now . He needed more. “You okay?” Arthur asked, bringing Zephyr up next to T empest and reaching for Merlin’ s hand. “Yeah, I am great, ” Merlin smiled, “Just thinking about all the things I have missed out on being so focused on the job. Don’ t get me wrong, I don’ t regret it for even a second, but I realize that I need something else…I need balance.” “And you’re finding it now, ” Arthur said. “Thanks to you. This is amazing, Arthur . I love this place and T empest is wonderful.” “Merlin, this place, I can make it ours. I just have to sign the transfer documents and it will be our home. My family has been of fering it to me for years. If it is what you want. W e could come here anytime we want and live here between storm seasons. I still want to build our house back home where we can live during storm seasons.” Merlin looked at him and shook his head, “Arthur…” “Think about it, there’ s no hurry . I have been putting it of f for years.” “Are you certain it is what you want?” “Yes, ” Arthur nodded. “Then yes, ” Merlin smiled, “Y ou have made so many sacrifices to be with me. I want you to have your family home here.” “Really?” “Yes. Nathan will love it here.” “Then I will call my family’ s lawyers and make an appointment.” “Brilliant, ” Merlin leaned over to kiss him, “I love you. Thank you for T empest, she is perfect.” “You’re welcome and I love you.” Getting of f the horses, they led them along the beach. The tide was coming in. They found a spot in the shade of the trees near a stream where the horses could graze and drink while they ate their picnic lunch in the tall grass. “This place is so peaceful, ” Merlin smiled laying back in the grass and Arthur took the opportunity to move over on top of him. “Hi, ” he grinned. “Hi, ” Merlin smiled. “Do you have any idea how happy I am right now?” Arthur asked, kissing him tenderly . “Mmm, I have a pretty good idea.” Arthur unfastened Merlin’ s jeans slipping his hand down the front of his boxer briefs wrapping around his hard cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making Merlin moan and lift his hips. “Arthur, anyone could walk up on us, ” he laughed breathlessly . “Mmm, private island, ” Arthur grinned stroking him. “Oh, fuck, that feels good, ” Merlin whispered huskily . Arthur unfastened his own jeans and Merlin rolled onto his stomach. His eyes flashed gold to ease the way and speed things up. He moaned and let out a growl as Arthur pushed into him, wrapping one arm around his waist as he fucked into him slowly at first, then faster until they both came. “That was so good, ” Merlin smiled. “What you do to me, baby, ” Arthur said kissing him, “I will never get enough of you.” “That’ s good, because I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” “Such a hardship, ” Arthur grinned. Merlin wrapped his legs around Arthur kissing him harder . “You’re mine forever .” “What do you want to do tonight?” “Mmm, I think I want to take a walk on the beach, maybe build a fire and look at the stars.” “That sounds good.” “All this free time, I don’ t know what to do with it.” Arthur grinned, “How about we ride for a while longer before we take the horses back? There’ s something I want to show you.” “Okay, ” Merlin nodded then got up of f the ground, fixed his clothing, and got back in the saddle. “Which way?” he asked as Arthur swung his leg over Zephyr ’s back. “Through those trees, ” Arthur nodded pointedly, and Merlin headed in that direction. They rode for about fifteen minutes before Arthur slid of f his horse and led him through a gap between the clif f and a huge rock heading down into a protected cove with a sandy beach. Merlin followed, leading T empest. “Oh, Arthur, ” he gasped, “This place is stunning.” “Isn’ t it?” Arthur smiled, “I was told that my mother used to come here when she was a young girl. It was her secret spot.” “It’s incredible, ” Merlin said as he looked around at the high clif fs and the rock formations that enclosed this little hidden piece of heaven. The waves crashed on the shore while seabirds soared overhead. It brought tears to his eyes thinking of Arthur ’s mother and how he must feel so close to her here in this magical place. “Merlin, are you okay?” “Yeah, yes, I’m fine. God, Arthur I see why your mother loved this place. Y ou definitely need to come here more often.” “I’ve never brought anyone here until now, Merlin.” “Really?” “Not even Mor gana or my father, ” Arthur said with a soft smile, “Only you.” “Then I am truly honored that you wanted to share this with me.” “There is so much more I want to share with you, Merlin, ” Arthur stepped closer, placing one hand on Merlin’ s cheek his eyes so full of emotion. “When you were in the hospital, my father, he told me that my mother would have adored you.” “Your father said that?” “You know my father, he’s not one to express his emotions or say anything even remotely related to emotion, ” Arthur shook his head, “He was scared to death that you wouldn’ t make it, that I would lose you, and afraid of what it would do to me.” “Arthur…” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “I never want to be without you, ” Arthur said then kissed him tenderly, “I never want to know a life without you in my arms. Merlin…” Merlin sur ged forward and kissed him with passion then shook his head. “Y ou won’ t, you will never lose me again.” “Promise, ” Arthur ’s voice broke, his eyes glistening with tears of his own. “I promise, Arthur . We are going to grow old, gray, and fat together, ” Merlin smiled. “I’ll be fat, you won’ t…never seen anyone who eats like you and never gains a pound. I have to fight like hell to keep from getting a gut.” “I think you’re perfect. But if you’re really worried about it, I will be sure and keep you quite active, ” Merlin wagged his eyebrows. “Lots and lots of physical activity of the pleasurable kind.” “Mmm, sounds like fun, ” Arthur kissed him. “Rigorous workouts, day and night.” “I shall look forward to that.” “Come on, let’ s head back, ” Merlin said then winked, “I’m suddenly feeling the ur ge to take an afternoon nap.” “Funny, me too, ” Arthur grinned. They led the horses back to the trail and then mounted them. “Race you to the stables, ” Merlin chuckled then nudged T empest into a run as soon as they were on flat open ground. “Hah, ” Arthur shouted, and Zephyr took of f after them, but they couldn’ t catch up. They reached the stables and Merlin was already of f Tempest and removing her saddle. “Y ou cheated.” Merlin looked at him with wide-eyed innocence and shrugged then gave him a cheeky grin. “Y ou used magic…not fair .” “Aww, did we injure Arthur and Zephyr ’s fragile egos, T empest?” Merlin asked the silver - gray mare rubbing her neck. He laughed, “She said you are just a sore loser .” “You’re talking to a horse?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yeah, ” Merlin nodded as if it were the most normal thing ever and Arthur raised an eyebrow . “You’re serious? Y ou can understand her, and she understands you?” “Yep, we have a bond. Don’ t we, girl.” “Magic…you’re really something, ” Arthur said as he slid of f Zephyr and began to remove the saddle. They worked together giving the horses a rub down, food, and water . Frank came out of the stables with one of his trainers, a young red-haired girl. She waved to Arthur and Merlin then headed for a blue pick-up truck. “Frank, that was Sarah Olson, ” Arthur said. “Yes, ” Frank nodded, “She’ s one of my best trainers.” “Last time I saw her she was a kid.” “Just graduated from veterinary school. She is amazing. Looks like you two had a good ride. Y ou sure know what you’re doing, Merlin.” Merlin looked at him and smiled, “Thank you, sir .” “Merlin is a natural at everything he does, ” Arthur said, “Some people say he’ s magic.” “I believe it, he tamed you, ” Frank chuckled. “Merlin, this one was quite a handful growing up. T oo bad you didn’ t come along sooner .” “Oh, was he?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow . “Hey, I was a good kid, ” Arthur said with feigned of fense. “I bet he didn’ t tell you about the time he tried to ride Damien, one of my mean-tempered stallions. Got his arse tossed of f in less than a minute, broke his tailbone and left leg.” “That horse was possessed, ” Arthur said emphatically, “Son of Satan, I’m telling you.” “Didn’ t think your father would ever let you come back here.” “He nearly didn’ t, ” Arthur huf fed, “I had to guilt him into it.” Frank took the leads for both horses and patted their necks. “Good job, boys, I will take it from here. Enjoy the rest of your day .” “Thank you, Frank, ” Arthur nodded and held his hand out to Merlin. “Ready?” “Yes, ” Merlin nodded taking his hand and they walked toward their car . “You never told me anything about this place and what it meant to you, ” he said as they got in. “I know, I’m sorry, ” Arthur said, “This place has always been my refuge.” “Your refuge?” “Yeah, but now you are my refuge, so I wanted to bring you here. T o share it with you.” “I’m glad, ” Merlin smiled leaning over to kiss him. “Mmm, I’m ready for that nap, ” Arthur said huskily kissing him back. They got back to the house and immediately headed upstairs pulling each other ’s clothes of f as they headed into the bathroom for a shower . Merlin turned on the water and pulled Arthur under the stream with him their lips locked together as their hands roamed over wet skin. “Fuck, I am hard, ” Arthur groaned his fingertips pressing into the soft flesh of Merlin’ s arse. “Me too, ” Merlin huf fed against his lips, “God, I want to ride you.” “Merlin…” “I’m going to ride you…” “Fuck, yes, please…” “Need to hurry and wash, ” Merlin grinned grabbing the washcloth and body wash cleaning them both from head to toe. They kissed and moved together . “Arthur…” “All clean, ” Arthur gasped then shut of f the water . They stumbled together out of the shower grabbing towels to dry each other of f. “Bed…now .” “Yes, bed, ” Merlin grinned backing out through the door with Arthur glued to his front kissing his neck and shoulder . “Fuck…I can’ t wait…now .” Arthur flopped down across the bed and Merlin climbed on top, facing away from him. Arthur gripped his hips guiding him down, the head of his cock pushing into his tight slick entrance. He was never more grateful for Merlin’ s magic, if they had to wait to prepare him Arthur would go mad. “Fuck, Merlin, ” he moaned filthily, “You look so good. “Arthur, ” Merlin growled he lifted up until just the head of Arthur ’s shaft was inside him and held himself there. Arthur slid his hands up his back dragging his fingertips back down his spine causing him to shiver in pleasure. “Merlin, fuck, look at you, baby, ” Arthur said his voice thick with desire. The sight of Merlin hovering above him, fighting for control, made him long to lift up and drive into him, but he waited letting Merlin take the reins. “Ah, yes, Arthur…” Merlin lowered himself down taking Arthur inside him a little at a time closing his eyes and losing himself in the heat and fullness. The angle of penetration was perfect, he raised up again and breathed out Arthur ’s name before impaling himself fully on his cock. “Fuck, Merlin!” Arthur stuttered, “So good.” He wrapped his hands around Merlin’ s waist as he leaned back and started to move up and down on him. “That’ s it, ride me, baby .” Merlin let out a breath and laughed, “Giddy up.” Arthur tilted his head back of f the edge of the bed, his mouth open. His hands moved to Merlin’ s hips. “Feels so good, ” he panted. Merlin moved faster, leaning back as he rolled his hips. “Arthur…fuck, yes…” He sat up straight then pulled of f of him turning around before impaling himself on Arthur again facing him. He leaned over kissing his neck and chest. Arthur pulled him down for a deep kiss as his fingers gripped Merlin’ s hips and he took over, driving upward into him again and again. Merlin let out a cry of utter bliss and reached for his cock stroking himself to release, spilling all over Arthur ’s stomach and chest. His body tightened around his shaft. Arthur pulled out before he could come maneuvering Merlin onto his stomach. “Fuck, Merlin…you’re incredible, ” he whispered then straddled him, sliding his slick cock along the cleft of his arse before pushing into him again. “Absolutely intoxicating, baby .” “Arthur, yes, fuck me, ” Merlin panted his hands gripping the bedding. “Beautiful, ” Arthur moaned rocking into him slowly at first then faster and harder, “Merlin…” Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold for a moment and Arthur felt his magic flow through him. He cried out in pleasure and surprise as his arousal increased tenfold. He pulled out and rolled Merlin onto his back kissing him. “What was that?” he laughed breathlessly against his lips. “Just a little spell, ” Merlin smiled, “Keep going, you’ll find out.” Arthur lifted his legs thrusting into him again. “Ah, wow, Merlin, ” he moaned as he felt his release building. “Let go, Arthur, ” Merlin said his eyes flashing gold again and Arthur ’s whole body trembled with magic, and he came with a stuttered cry, his seed pulsing into Merlin filling him. “Holy, hell…” Merlin kissed him, wrapping his legs around his body . “Good, yeah?” “That was intense.” “I love you, ” Merlin said stroking his cheek, running his thumb across Arthur ’s bottom lip. “Love you too, ” Arthur smiled. Happy Endings Do Exist They spent the next three days sailing and riding T empest and Zephyr . Then Sunday morning they said goodbye to Frank and Millie with a promise to return in the fall. Arthur had officially taken possession of his family’ s property, so it was now theirs. They boarded the plane that would take them home and Merlin sat by the window looking out. “You all right?” “Yeah, just part of me doesn’ t want to leave.” “We will be back. W e have a storm season to finish and a son to get back to before Gwaine corrupts him beyond repair, ” Arthur smiled kissing him. Merlin chuckled, “Y eah.” “It was a great honeymoon.” “Yes, the best. I am so glad we did this.” “What would you say to spending the holidays on the island?” “Really?” “Yes, I haven’ t done so since I was a kid. It’ s beautiful in winter . Millie goes all out with the decorations and the food. W e can come back for Thanksgiving and stay through New Y ears or longer if you want.” “Yes, ” Merlin smiled and nodded. Arthur kissed him. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” “Almost as much as I love you.” “Always and forever, ” Arthur said kissing him again. “Nathan, hurry up, ” Merlin shouted, and Nathan jumped down from the R V and ran toward them jumping into the back of Excalibur . “Ready, ” Arthur asked with a wide grin. “Yep, all set, ” Nathan laughed, and Merlin started the engine. He drove up onto the road and the vans fell in behind them. “Feels good to be back at it, ” Arthur said. “Yes, it does, ” Merlin smiled. “How many teenagers can say they get to chase tornados on their birthday?” Nathan asked, “This is so cool.” “Probably none, ” Merlin laughed. “Which way are we heading?” Arthur asked. “What do you think, son?” “Me?” Nathan asked in surprise. “Your birthday, you choose, ” Merlin grinned. “Okay, ” he pulled up the feed on his laptop, “Northwest. The line of storms coming in looks promising. What do you think?” “Northwest it is, ” Merlin nodded. “You’re really relying on me to choose? What if I’m wrong?” “You have the right instincts, Nathan. T rust them.” “Okay, ” he grinned, “Northwest.” Merlin nodded, “Okay boys and girls, the birthday boy is pointing us northwest. Let’ s roll.” He laughed and Nathan blushed as everyone started singing happy birthday to him over the earpieces. “Thanks, guys, ” he laughed. They had only driven half an hour before they spotted a funnel cloud. “See, Nathan, I told you…trust your instincts, ” Merlin said. “We have visual, ” Arthur said, “Gwaine, Leon, hang back for the moment while we check it out.” Merlin drove Excalibur of f-road, a wide grin on his face. It had been good to get away and rechar ge. He was feeling rested and focused again. His magic was singing in his veins, and he was happy . Glancing over at Arthur he felt a rush of emotion. This was what he needed all along…balance. “Dad, it’ s on the ground, ” Nathan said. “On it, ” Merlin said putting his foot to the floor heading for the newly formed tornado. It was in a sparsely populated area so there was no danger to homes as of yet. Arthur had his camera out snapping photos and taking videos. “It’ s definitely a photogenic one, ” he said. The storm was almost white against the dark sky . Little more than a twisting rope but growing wider . “Cool!” Nathan said pointing at the small satellite snaking down to the ground just east of the original. “Hold on, ” Merlin said then hit the gas turning the wheel hard left, and crossed over a small stream and up the other side. Driving across the field he circled the tornado just as the satellite retreated back into the wall cloud. “Merlin, it’ s gaining strength, ” Mor gana said. “Yep, and it’ s going to turn.” “Got enough, ” Arthur said, “Let’ s get out of here.” Merlin nodded then spun the wheel turning Excalibur around. Nathan looked out the back window as the tornado changed course. He shook his head and smiled. His dad was right again. “Was that instinct or magic, Dad?” “What?” “You knew it would turn. W as it your instincts or your magic?” “A little of both actually .” Nathan looked again. The tornado was gaining on them. “Y ou might want to step on it, Dad, I don’ t need instincts or magic to see it is knocking on our back door .” Merlin laughed and hit the gas. Excalibur ate up the ground reaching the main road again where the vans were parked just to the north. He parked on the asphalt, and they all got out to watch the tornado cut across the field. It destroyed a couple of old sheds and a fence before finally losing strength and roping out. “God, I love this job, ” Merlin said then pulled Nathan into his embrace. “Happy birthday, my son. I love you.” “Love you too, Dad.” Arthur smiled, “On to the next?” “On to the next, ” Nathan grinned hugging him. Epilogue Christmas Eve Merlin stood by the windows looking out at the falling snow . The warmth of the fire in the hearth behind him and the smell of cinnamon in the air made him smile. “Hey, ” Arthur said as he wrapped his arms around him. “Come sit with me.” Merlin nodded and followed him to the sofa in front of the fireplace. They sat down and he curled up against Arthur reveling in the feel of his body . He kissed him tenderly . “Hi…” “Hi, ” Arthur smiled kissing him back. “Y ou look happy .” “I am, ” Merlin grinned, “I am in a beautiful place with the man I love and our son. The snow is falling, and we are alone on Christmas Eve.” “It’s a bit dif ferent, isn’ t it? Not having the team around.” “They are enjoying themselves I’m sure. I know our parents are. Spending their extended honeymoon in Hawaii. I prefer the snow to the hot sun.” “Mor gana wanted to come, but she couldn’ t make the trip this late in the pregnancy . And Gwaine is a nervous wreck. They are going to be great parents. Like Lance and Gwen.” “Percival texted me, ” Merlin grinned, “He’ s going to propose to Nicole on New Y ear's Eve.” “Good for him, ” Arthur nodded, “They are a good match.” “I’m glad we came here for the holidays, ” Merlin smiled kissing Arthur . “Me too.” “Nathan is really happy here. Millie and Frank are spoiling him rotten.” Arthur let go of Merlin and reached over the arm of the sofa to grab something. He handed the wrapped package to Merlin with a wide grin. “Merry Christmas.” “Shouldn’ t we wait until morning?” Merlin asked. “No, this one is just between you and me, ” Arthur said nodding pointedly at the gift. Merlin unwrapped it carefully and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful painting of the two of them. It was stunning. He looked at Arthur . “This is incredible, ” he said then looked at the signature. “A Pendragon…” he said, “Y ou painted this. “God, Arthur…” “You really like it?” “I love it. I didn’ t know you were an artist.” “I’m not really . My mom was. I guess it’ s the one part of me I share with her .” Merlin shook his head, tears in his eyes, “Arthur…this is…when did you have time?” “I started at Thanksgiving. W orked on it while you were sleeping.” “We have to hang this in our bedroom over the fireplace.” “Okay, ” Arthur chuckled, “I love you, Merlin. “I love you, A Pendragon, ” Merlin kissed him, “Let’ s go upstairs.” “Lead the way, ” Arthur said. Merlin carried the painting and held his hand as they climbed the stairs and went into their room. He immediately pulled down the landscape artwork over the fireplace and replaced it with Arthur ’s painting. “Perfect, ” he grinned. “Yes, you are, ” Arthur kissed him then scooped him up in his arms and carried him to the bed. “My knight in shining armor, ” Merlin smiled caressing his cheek. “Always, my love, ” Arthur kissed him. THE END Crying in the Rain by A-ha and the Everly Brothers Chapter Summary p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Crying in the Rain by A-ha I'll never let you see The way my broken heart is hurting me I've got my pride and I know how to hide All my sorrow and pain I'll do my crying in the rain If I wait for stormy skies You won't know the rain from the tears in my eyes You'll never know that I still love you so Though the heartaches remain I'll do my crying in the rain Raindrops falling from heaven Could never take away my misery But since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain Whoo, whoo Since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain Songwriters: Howard Greenfield, Carole King. 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Language: English Series: Part 2 of Storm Chaser Merlin Series
Published: 2023-06-16 Words: 52,200 Chapters: 13/13 Crying in the Rain by DeansBrokenHeart , MerlinsBrokenHeart (DeansBrokenHeart) Summary With his marriage to Arthur coming apart at the seams, Merlin is in a downward spiral, taking dangerous risks like a man with nothing to live for . Chasing storms with reckless abandon, determined to avoid facing his problems, he makes a disastrous mistake that could cost him his life. Arthur is in London when he gets the call he has been dreading. His worst nightmare has been realized. Faced with the devastating reality that he could lose Merlin for good, Arthur flies back to the US. Hoping and praying he will survive and that they will somehow be able to fix what went wrong between them. Sometimes the most tumultuous storms you can face in life are on the inside… Notes This is the long-awaited sequel to Living at the End of the W orld my original Storm Chaser Merlin fic I posted one year ago. Enjoy and I love feedback, good or bad!!! Thank you to all my readers!!! p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Flirting With Disaster “Merlin, damn you, get the fuck out of there!” “Back of f, Gwaine, I’ve got this. Just head south, and keep your distance,” Merlin said as he hit the gas, driving Excalibur down the narrow road following a drainage ditch heading right into the path of a massive rain-wrapped tornado that was bearing down on a small town. He looked up, realizing that he was way too close, but he kept going anyway . “Merlin, do you have a death wish?” Percival shouted, “Dammit, Merlin!” “Fuck it,” Merlin said then yanked his earpiece from his ear and tossed it on the passenger seat. He couldn’ t concentrate with his team yelling in his ear . “Okay , devil storm, it’ s just you and me now ,” he said, shoving his foot to the floor and the Jeep Gladiator tore along the gravel road until he came to a narrow bridge. T urning right, Merlin hit the brakes skidding to a stop in the middle of the bridge, and got out. He raised both hands shouting the spell while the mounted cameras took video of the dark, writhing mass of a storm. A piece of debris flew directly at his head, forcing him to duck down behind Excalibur before he could finish the spell. It was too close and too powerful for him to use magic to slow it down. There wasn’ t anything he could do. His magic was screaming beneath his skin, pulling at him, ur ging him to run. He stood up to get another look at the tornado just as it suddenly turned, heading right for him. Getting behind the wheel he threw the truck into reverse and turned it around, but it was too late. “Shit,” Merlin said as the rear end of the truck was hit by a lar ge piece of debris spinning him back around to face the storm. He hit the gas, but the rear wheels were no longer on the ground. Whatever hit him was wedged up underneath the frame. Fear and regret gripped his heart, and he shook his head, tears in his eyes. “Forgive me, Arthur…” he choked out just as the tornado swept him up and tossed the Gladiator end over end. “Merlin!” Mor gana screamed as they witnessed Excalibur lift of f the bridge and fly through the air . They lost sight of it in the rotation and airborne debris. “God, no!” she cried as Gwaine pulled her into his arms, turning her face into the crook of his neck. “Goddamn it, Merlin,” Percival choked, dropping to his knees on the edge of the road. The tornado continued its path of destruction missing the town while leveling a house and a dairy barn as the team watched helplessly , praying for a miracle. Praying that, against all odds, Merlin would survive. “Get in, let’ s go,” Gwaine said, “Leon call for help and please, tell me the tracker on Excalibur is giving of f a signal.” “I’m scanning,” Leon said, hitting the keys on the laptop, “Fuck, come on baby , where are you? Speak to me, sweetheart.” He scanned again as Gwaine turned the van onto the road and headed toward the bridge. “Got it, the signal is weak but it’ s there. About a quarter mile east of the bridge. God, Merlin…” he said realizing that the chances of Merlin surviving the impact after being thrown that distance were slim. He hit 91 1 on his cell phone. “Merlin, so help me, you better not be dead,” Gwaine muttered under his breath as he drove then reached over to grasp Mor gana’ s hand. She was struggling to keep it together . “God, please…please, no…” she sobbed, covering her mouth with her free hand. Merlin struggled to open his eyes. All he could see was darkness. Everything was deathly silent except for the sound of running water somewhere. He was disoriented and shaking, his body hurt all over . Reaching his right arm out toward the passenger seat, he felt around for his earpiece cursing himself for taking it out. He could move his legs, but his left arm was useless. “Fuck,” he breathed out. Reaching for his magic he struggled to focus it, to get a sense of where he was and hopefully find his phone or earpiece to call for help. Finally , his hand closed around the earpiece, and he winced in pain as he raised his arm putting it in his ear praying it was still on and would work. The entire side of his head was covered in blood. “That’ s not good,” Merlin huf fed, his chest hurt, and his lungs burned. “This is it…end of the road,” he choked out hoarsely . “Thank fuck, Merlin!” Gwaine’ s voice sounded in his ear . “I hear you…we’re coming. Just hold on, buddy .” “Gwaine…” Merlin said, his eyes were growing heavy , and it was getting harder to breathe. “Stay with me, Merlin!” Gwaine pleaded, “Y ou’re not dying, not like this.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Hold on, please.” “Mor gana,” Merlin smiled sadly , “Tell him…tell Arthur…” “No, Merlin, I am not telling my brother anything. Y ou are going to live through this, and you are going to fix things between you two.” Mor gana shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Y ou are not going to die. Y ou can’ t die.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded weakly . He felt his magic fading, his heartbeat slowing. “Arthur…” he whispered then the darkness swallowed him up and there was nothing. Gwaine pulled the van of f the road in the area where Excalibur ’s signal indicated. He got out, going to the back to pull out the emer gency kit. Mor gana was on the phone with 91 1 giving them their location. Leon and Percival made their way down a steep embankment. “Stay here, we’ll get him,” Gwaine said, kissing Mor gana then followed them. “Over here,” Percival shouted and pointed. Excalibur was wedged in beside a corrugated steel culvert that had been partially ripped from the earth by the tornado with water still pouring out of it. The water was knee-deep around it and rising. “Merlin!” Percival yelled running into the muddy water , reaching the passenger side door which was completely crushed. He yanked until it finally broke free and he was able to remove it. Climbing inside he felt Merlin’ s neck and wrist praying he would find a pulse. “Merlin, come on…” he said and sighed in relief when he finally got a pulse, though it was weak. The driver ’s side door was jammed up against a piece of concrete. Leon climbed up onto the back of the Gladiator and helped Percival to remove the damaged roof panels so they could get to Merlin easier . “He’ s alive, but barely ,” Percival said as Gwaine reached them with the emer gency kit. “Merlin, come on,” Gwaine said, taking Percival’ s place in the cab of the truck, “Y ou stupid son-of-a-bitch, what the fuck were you thinking?” He did everything he could to slow the bleeding, but Merlin’ s injuries were bad, very bad, and that was just what he could see. “Percival, can you get the back cover open and see if there is a blanket in there? Anything else we can use.” Percival managed to get the latches open and found two blankets. “Here,” he said, passing them through the shattered back window . Gwaine grabbed them and carefully covered Merlin. “Leon, go back to the van and find out how far out the paramedics are,” Gwaine shouted, “Merlin doesn’ t have much time. He’ s losing a lot of blood.” Leon nodded then ran back to the road. “Merlin,” Gwaine shook his head cupping his friend’ s cheek. “Y ou can’ t die. Hold on, please. I’m sorry…so sorry , I should have seen this coming.” He fought back tears, pressing his forehead to Merlin’ s. “God, Merlin…” he choked. Life Flight landed in the middle of the road ten minutes later , the sherif f and an ambulance pulled up three minutes after . Gwaine stepped out of the Gladiator letting the rescue crew take over . Percival helped him up out of the water and put a hand on his shoulder . They looked at each other , worry and fear in their eyes. Morgana ran into Gwaine’ s arms as soon as he climbed back up to the road. He cupped the back of her head, holding her close as they waited, watched, and prayed. It took them twenty minutes to extract Merlin from what was left of the Gladiator , and it would take them a while to get him to the road and loaded into the helicopter . “I’ve got to call Arthur ,” Mor gana said clutching Gwaine’ s shirt. “You should call him now , baby , it will take him a while to get here from London.” Morgana nodded then got back into the van dialing her brother ’s number with trembling hands. She didn’ t even know what time it was in London. She couldn’ t think or focus. The phone rang four times, and she hung up and called back again. “Arthur , pick up, please.” Arthur rolled over in bed feeling for the nightstand and his vibrating phone. Finally , he grabbed it swiping the screen while wiping the sleep from his eyes and looking at the bedside clock. It was one in the morning. “Hello,” he said groggily . “Thank God,” Mor gana sobbed. “Mor gana?” Arthur asked, “What’ s wrong?” “Merlin, he’ s…God, Arthur…” Arthur sat upright, immediately alert, his heart in his throat. “Mor gana…what happened?” “Merlin…he—he got too close. The tornado…Arthur , you need to come. I don’ t know if he’s…” she choked back a sob. Gwaine came over to the van, opened the door , and gently took the phone from her . “Fuck,” Arthur said, his worst fears were being realized. “Merlin…” “Arthur ,” Gwaine said. “Gwaine…what happened?” Arthur asked as he grabbed his bag and started packing. “Arthur , Merlin got caught up in the tornado. It threw Excalibur a good quarter of a mile. Paramedics are here, Life Flight too, they are getting him out. He’ s alive, but barely .” “Fuck,” Arthur said, “I’ll call Hunith. W e will be there as soon as we can. I’ll call my father and get the jet. Gwaine, tell him I love him.” “Arthur , I’ll be honest, it doesn’ t look good. Get here,” Gwaine said then ended the call. Arthur immediately dialed Hunith’ s number , sitting down on the side of the bed struggling to keep his emotions under control. He had to keep calm and focused. “Arthur , what’ s wrong?” Hunith asked. “Hunith, Merlin…there was an accident. W e need to go.” “Oh my god,” she gasped, “My boy .” “He’ s alive, but Gwaine said it doesn’ t look good,” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “I’ll send a car for you within the hour , I need to call the hangar and have them ready the plane.” “I’ll be ready ,” Hunith said, fighting tears. “I’m sorry , I should have been there…” “Arthur , you cannot blame yourself. I will see you shortly , love.” “See you,” Arthur said, ending the call. He then called the airport and his father . Ninety minutes later they were in the air . Hunith was sitting quietly next to the window staring out into the darkness, tears in her eyes. Arthur sat next to her , leaning forward, with his elbows braced on his knees. Everything came rushing back…the last six months away from Merlin. Everything that happened before. None of it mattered now . “Fuck,” he choked, a sob escaping from his throat before he could stop it, his hands trembling as Hunith linked their fingers together . “It’ s my fault…I never should have left him.” “I understand why you did. It isn’ t your fault, Arthur .” “If I had been there, he wouldn’ t…” “You know as well as I do how stubborn and reckless my boy is.” “Hunith, I can’ t lose him. God, I still love him so damn much. I just want a chance to fix things between us and now I may not get that chance.” “You will. Merlin is a fighter , and he is strong. His magic protects him. He will be okay…I have to believe that. I need to believe that. Believe in him, Arthur ,” Hunith said drawing Arthur into her arms and kissing the back of his head as she held him. “I love you, dear boy ,” she whispered. “Arthur ,” Uther said, “I have a helicopter waiting to take us to the hospital as soon as we land.” “Thank you, Father ,” Arthur said, then sitting upright, pulled his phone out of his pocket. Uther put a hand on his shoulder , “Do not worry . We will do whatever it takes to save Merlin. I know you two have had your share of problems, but you still love each other .” Arthur nodded then sent a text to Mor gana letting her know they were in the air . “Hold on, Merlin,” he said wiping the tears from his eyes, “Just hold on.” He shook his head, thinking of the last words they had said to each other , and it terrified him that he may have to bury Merlin and never get the chance to erase those words. T o fix what went wrong between them. “What the hell do you think you were doing out there?” Arthur asked, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. “My job,” Merlin said with a shrug. “Your job! Y ou ignored my warning and you nearly got yourself killed. What the fuck is wrong with you? Y ou’re being an ass to everyone. Gwen said you blew of f two book signings. That’ s not like you. At the storm chaser event the other night you were drunk and moody . What’ s going on with you?” Merlin tried to walk away , but Arthur refused to let it go. For weeks he had been acting like an ass. All he wanted to do was chase storms and he was taking extreme risks. He’d taken off, leaving Arthur behind at the van with the team, to go after a tornado and nearly ended up rolling Excalibur . Merlin let out a low growl, “Y ou know how I feel about publicity and all the bullshit that goes with it. Sometimes I wish I had never written that goddamn book. I let you talk me into it, and now it controls my life and takes me away from my real job which is supposed to be chasing tornados and saving lives. It’ s what I do, and it is what I am fucking good at. I don’ t need all these speeches and interviews and ridiculous photo shoots. I want my anonymity back!” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “That book is a fucking international bestseller and has brought so much attention to the world of storm chasing. Not to mention, it has helped in the research and development of your warning system, or have you for gotten that?” “Maybe I just need a break,” Merlin grumbled. “Fine! Great! I’m all for it. T ake a break…take time of f from storm chasing and get your head on straight before you get yourself or me or the team killed,” Arthur said, grabbing Merlin’ s arm. Merlin yanked it away , “I don’ t need a break from chasing. I need a break from you!” Arthur flinched. His eyes were wide with hurt. “That’ s what you want?” “Yes!” Merlin hissed. “I told you I was in this with you to the end and I won’ t walk away even if you want me to. I refuse to give up on us, just because you have a fucking death wish and are acting like a selfish prick.” Arthur stepped forward again grabbing Merlin’ s shoulder , spinning him around. “Y ou’re reckless and unfocused. Y ou’re drinking too much, and I know you’re having nightmares that you refuse to talk about. Dammit, Merlin, I really believed your walls were all down when it comes to me, but you have only replaced them with a fucking moat and set it on fire.” “Just let it go, Arthur…” Merlin said in a warning tone, “Get of f my back and let me do my fucking job. I don’ t need you second-guessing me or questioning my judgment. I was doing this long before you came along, and I will keep doing it, with or without you.” “Merlin, stop chasing, at least for a while. W e can take a trip somewhere…sailing maybe. You enjoyed that trip when we went before. W e can do it again. Y ou need to stop before you destroy everything we have worked so hard to build.” “I built this!” Merlin shouted, his eyes dark, “I am the only thing standing between innocent lives and violent tornados. No, I won’ t stop chasing. Y ou know that. Y ou knew that from the beginning. If you don’ t like it, you can walk away , I won’ t fucking stop you.” He started to turn away , but Arthur lunged forward, yanking him around. Merlin brought his fist up and swung catching Arthur across the jaw knocking him back, more from the shock than the actual impact. “Fuck, I can’ t believe you just hit me!” Arthur huf fed a breath, pressing his hand to his face. “I’m sorry , okay ,” Merlin said, averting his gaze, “Just leave me alone, Arthur . Leave me alone, please.” He then stormed of f, heading for the auto shop. Arthur stood there rubbing his jaw , tears shining in his blue eyes. He had no idea what to do. Merlin was out of control, hurtling towards the edge of a sheer clif f and he was powerless to stop him. He dropped to his knees staring up at the overcast sky . He was done. If Merlin didn’ t want him here, he would go. It would kill him, but he would walk away . Maybe if he did, it would shock Merlin out of this. If it didn’ t…well, then it was over . He could not stay and watch his husband self-destruct and take the team down with him. “Goodbye, Merlin,” he said then got to his feet. He walked over to Elyan who was just getting ready to leave. “Elyan, I need a ride into town…” “Arthur…” Merlin murmured in this sleep for the thousandth time as Mor gana watched over him. He had under gone a six-hour sur gery to try and relieve the swelling in his brain and to stop the internal bleeding. He had been in and out of consciousness since they moved him into ICU. Doctors had done all they could. He was lucky to be alive. It was a miracle that, other than several cracked ribs, he didn’ t have a single broken bone. Morgana moved to stand beside the bed, taking Merlin’ s hand in hers. “Merlin, he’ s coming. He will be here soon. Just hold on.” The doctor had warned them that when and if Merlin woke he would likely suf fer at least partial vision loss, if not full. While it would most likely be temporary , it would be jarring for him, and someone needed to be there when he opened his eyes. T o explain why they were bandaged. Morgana’ s phone rang and she immediately pulled it out of her pocket and swiped the screen. “Arthur , how much longer?” she asked, her voice breaking. “We just landed, boarding the helicopter in a few minutes. How is he?” “Still unconscious, keeps saying your name. Arthur , hurry .” “God, I am trying, Mor gana…I’m barely keeping it together .” “I know , he’s just so weak. Arthur , I can’ t really feel his magic. I’m scared we are losing him.” “He can’ t die, I have so much I need to say to him. I never should have left. I thought it would help, to put some distance between us for a while, but it only made things worse.” “You did what you felt you had to do…I know that. Merlin is just so damn stubborn and determined to sacrifice himself for the job.” “I have to go now , Mor gana,” Arthur said, “I’ll be there soon. I love you.” “Love you, my brother .” “Take care of him for me.” “I will,” she nodded then ended the call and looked down at Merlin. “Just a little longer , Merlin,” she said then bent over to press her lips to his. “I love you, don’ t leave us.” Arthur was quiet in the helicopter , remembering the day they first arrived at base camp, the auto shop. The day he first laid eyes on Merlin. The memory brought a sad smile to his face. How much their lives had changed in three years. It had been six months since the day he left Merlin. He hadn’ t planned to stay away , but Merlin had done nothing to bring him back, moving on with his life as if Arthur meant nothing to him. So, he’d stayed in London working for his father , chasing a few storms in The Netherlands and Germany . Doing so while missing Merlin every second of every day . Now Merlin lay in a hospital possibly dying and Arthur felt the weight of regret on his chest. The pang of guilt and a profound anguish at the thought of never being able to fix what was broken between them. His eyes pooling with tears, he leaned forward in his seat, pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead, his shoulders vibrating as he gave in to the feelings that were tearing him apart. “Arthur ,” Uther said softly , putting his arms around his son. He just held him, pressing his lips to the side of his head. “Merlin is going to be fine…you’ll see. Y ou’re not going to lose him.” Arthur melted into his father ’s embrace and let it all out. Love is Blind Merlin felt detached from his body . Like he wasn’ t in control of his limbs and his magic felt like a frightened kitten burrowed down in a dark space hissing and clawing every time he tried to reach for it. Something wasn’ t right. He tried to focus, to get his eyes to open, but they felt like they were glued shut. He was pretty sure he was alive because death was supposed to be peaceful and welcoming…this was anything but. “Arthur…” His voice sounded alien to his own ears. Like he was hearing it from a distance. What happened? Where was he? Then he remembered the tornado picking up Excalibur with him in it. Remembered absolute weightlessness, and the sound of tearing metal, and debris slamming into it. Then the crash, the impact, hitting the ground, hitting something. Then darkness…nothing. His mind rebelled then, yanking him away from that moment, slamming him back into wherever he was now . Back into this state of existence where nothing made sense. Then came the pain, excruciating pain, in his head and body . He screamed. “Merlin, shh, it’ s all right. Y ou’re in the hospital. I’ve got you. I’m so sorry .” Merlin felt the familiar touch…heard that voice. No, it couldn’ t be…he’d driven him away . It wasn’ t him. Maybe he really was dead, and this was his eternal punishment. Arthur was gone. He was never coming back. He had destroyed the one pure thing in his life. “Merlin, I’m here,” Arthur choked back a sob pressing his lips to Merlin’ s hand, “I’m so sorry . God, I never should have left you.” Merlin focused on the familiar connection. His fingers moved, chasing more of that warmth. He was cold, so cold. Arthur let out a relieved but rough laugh as Merlin’ s hand grasped his, long slender fingers intertwining with his own. “Shh, I’ve got you, Merlin. Y ou’re going to be okay .” “Arthur…it hurts,” Merlin grimaced. “I know . God, I wish I could take the pain away . But you are alive, you’re still with me. I’m never letting you go again. I should have been here.” “You should hate me…” “Merlin, no, I love you. I will always love you. When Mor gana called…I have never felt so lost, so helpless. Y our mom is here too. I brought her and my father with me. They are in the waiting room just across the hallway . Do you want me to get her for you?” Merlin shook his head slightly , causing another wave of pain. “Not yet…just you, please.” Arthur smiled, tears shining in his eyes. “Merlin, you idiot…what the hell were you thinking?” “How bad is it?” “You look kind of like you went ten rounds with some sort of giant washing machine, shredder hybrid with a battering ram thrown in to make it interesting,” Arthur said with a chuckle. “That’ s pretty much what it felt like,” Merlin gave him a weak grin. “How much do you remember?” Arthur asked. “All of it. Right up to the impact. I’m guessing Excalibur is totaled.” “Yeah, I haven’ t seen it yet, but Gwaine said it was bad.” “I’m sorry .” “Don’ t worry about that now ,” Arthur shook his head, then leaning over the bed, he kissed Merlin. “God, I have missed you.” “I can’ t open my eyes,” Merlin said. “No, they are covered. Y ou suf fered a TBI, the swelling is causing pressure on your optical nerve. They said you will likely experience partial or total vision loss, but it should only be temporary .” “And if it’ s not?” Merlin asked, panic seeping into his voice. “Merlin, we are going to do whatever it takes. My father has already been talking to specialists about your condition if we should need them. Chances are the swelling will go down and your vision will return to normal.” “Shit, I really fucked up, didn’ t I.” “Yes, you did, but we are going to get through this together .” “I don’ t deserve…” Merlin choked, and Arthur kissed him. “Merlin, I’m here. I love you and I am not going anywhere.” “I’m sorry…Arthur , what I did to you…” “Doesn’ t matter anymore. I am just as much at fault. I shouldn’ t have left you.” “It’s not like I gave you a choice.” Arthur shook his head, “I had a choice, and I made the wrong one.” Merlin squeezed his hand, “Arthur , when that tornado hit me…I just wanted one more chance to ask you to for give me. T o tell you that I love you.” “I do, Merlin…I for give you…if you can for give me for not fighting for us like I should have. I just walked away . I wanted so badly to come back, but you moved on with your life. I felt like there was no place for me in it anymore.” Merlin squeezed Arthur ’s hand. “I drove you away .” “Why?” “I don’ t know .” “Merlin, we promised to be by each other ’s side for the rest of our lives. Something made you lash out, push me away .” “I don’ t understand it myself,” Merlin huf fed a laugh. Arthur gently brushed his thumb over Merlin’ s cheekbone. “It doesn’ t matter now . We will talk about things once you are back on your feet. Right now , I just need you to focus on healing. How is your magic?” “It’s there but not there,” Merlin said, “Hiding…” “Yes, Mor gana told me that she couldn’ t feel it.” “Arthur , the pain,” Merlin whimpered his face tightening. Arthur reached over and pressed the button to call the nurse. “Hold on, help is coming. We’ll get them to give you the good stuf f.” The nurses came in and Arthur stepped back out of the way as they checked Merlin’ s vitals. “Look at you, sweetie,” one of them smiled, “Good to see you’re awake. The doctor will be here soon to speak with you. How bad is the pain on a scale from one to ten?” she asked. Merlin winced when she gingerly touched his bound ribs. “Is there another option?” he asked. The nurse smiled, “No, I’m afraid not. One to ten, sweetheart?” “Seven point five,” Merlin huf fed. “Good boy ,” she laughed. “Does that mean I get the good stuf f?” he asked with a pained smirk. “That is up to the doctor . This should help,” the nurse said pushing medication into his IV . “You’re a lucky boy . I saw you when they brought you in, Merlin. It’ s truly a miracle that you’re still with us. I am Xena, by the way . And this is Nicole, she is going to take a little bit of blood.” “A nurse named Xena,” Merlin chuckled then winced. The second nurse drew blood from Merlin’ s arm and then left the room quickly . “I loved that show ,” he grinned, “Y ou kicked ass.” “Good, then you know not to mess with me. Y ou will do what I say ,” Xena smiled then winked at Arthur . “Let me know if you need anything, Arthur .” “I’m all right,” Arthur said then walked to the window closing his eyes trying not to think about how close he had come to losing his husband. He shook his head, fighting tears. Gwaine had told him some of the details while sparing him the worst of it. He heard the door open. “Merlin, you are awake. I am Dr . Annis Carlson.” Arthur turned to see an older , red-haired woman in a white coat. Her hair was pulled back in a tight braid that shouldn’ t look good on a woman her age, but it suited her . She wore no makeup, not that she needed it. She was beautiful. He moved closer to the bed and extended his hand. “Dr. Carlson, I am Arthur Pendragon, Merlin’ s husband.” “Oh, good, they said you were flying in from London, you got here quickly .” “I left as soon as I got the call.” Hunith came into the room and the doctor smiled then nodded. “Y ou’re Merlin’ s mother?” “Yes,” Hunith said, “What can you tell us?” “Merlin suf fered a traumatic brain injury . I was able to relieve some of the pressure, and seeing as he is awake, that is a good sign. He has five cracked ribs and suf fered a collapsed lung and internal bleeding. He had a dislocated shoulder and more than his fair share of lacerations and contusions. He also had a metal object embedded in his skin just below his collarbone. As far as his vision goes, we will have to wait and see. It should return once the swelling goes down, but we won’ t know for sure until that happens.” “Dear God,” Hunith gasped, and Arthur put his arm around her . Dr. Carlson looked at them then Merlin. “Merlin is a lucky young man.” “Can you take the bandages of f my eyes?” Merlin asked. “We could, I just didn’ t want you to panic when you woke up,” the doctor smiled, “If you want me to I will remove them. Just be prepared that you may not see anything, or you could see light and shapes but little else.” “I understand, I just want them of f, please,” Merlin said. “Very well,” Dr . Carlson said then proceeded to remove the covering on his eyes. “Keep them closed for a moment,” she said as she removed the last of the bandages. “Okay , now slowly open your eyes and tell me what you see.” Merlin let out a breath, his eyelids fluttering as he slowly opened and then closed them again. Arthur reached out taking hold of his hand, and he tried again, his eyes opened fully this time and he made a sound that broke Arthur ’s heart. “Can’ t…can’ t see anything,” Merlin choked. “It’s to be expected,” Dr . Carlson said, “There’ s no reason not to believe your vision will return. Just give it time. I have seen this kind of thing many times. Once the swelling goes down and the pressure is relieved you should regain your sight. I could replace the bandages…” “No,” Merlin said, “It’ s fine.” “I will be by to check on you in a few hours. Rest, Merlin,” the doctor smiled. “Y ou are a strong young man, and I don’ t see any reason why you can’ t make a full recovery .” “Thank you, doctor ,” Hunith said moving to her son’ s side. “I’ll walk you out,” Arthur said then followed the doctor into the hallway . “Thank you for saving his life.” Dr. Carlson put a hand on Arthur ’s arm. “It’ s going to be a long road. Just keep encouraging him and keep his stress levels down.” “I can do that.” “It is good that he has you and his mother and so many friends who love him.” “How bad was it really?” Arthur asked, not sure he wanted to know , but needed to. Dr. Carlson nodded, “When I said he is a lucky young man I meant it. Arthur , when they brought him in, he was quite literally on the ver ge of death. He was covered in blood and barely breathing. If your friends had not found him as quickly as they did, he would not have survived. I heard your sister say that you and Merlin have been apart for a while.” Arthur nodded, “Six months. But I am back now , and I will never leave him again.” “I hope that is true. The paramedics told me that the whole flight in, despite his injuries, he kept saying your name over and over again.” Arthur nodded, “I should have been there, then he wouldn’ t be lying in that bed right now .” “Whatever dif ferences caused you two to separate, you need to set them aside and focus on him. He is going to need a lot of love and support to get through this.” “I know ,” Arthur said, “I am here for him.” “Good,” she smiled, “I will be back in a few hours. If you need me, have the nurses call.” “Thank you, Dr . Carlson.” “You’re welcome, Arthur ,” she said then walked away . “Arthur ,” Mor gana said as she approached him, “Merlin is awake?” “Yes,” he smiled then hugged her and she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Come on in with me.” They walked into the room together and Mor gana went straight to Merlin’ s bedside. “Merlin, thank god you’re awake. I was so scared.” “Mor gana,” Merlin smiled reaching up to touch her cheek. “Your eyes…” she said softly . “Yeah, can’ t see your gor geous face at the moment. I love you.” “I love you too. Don’ t ever do that again, Merlin. When I saw that tornado pick up and toss Excalibur…” she shook her head. “God, I thought you were…” she sobbed. “Shh, don’ t cry,” Merlin smiled, “I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere.” “You promise?” “I promise,” Merlin said. “I’m going to go call Gwaine and the others, let them know you are awake.” “Tell them I’m sorry for everything. I know I royally fucked up.” “It’s just a damn good thing the tracking signal on Excalibur worked or we never would have found you in time,” Mor gana said then she squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. “I will be back in a little while.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded. Morgana hugged Arthur then Hunith stood up and smiled, “I am going to call Gaius and Will. Y ou rest. I love you, my boy .” “Love you too, Mother ,” Merlin smiled. They left the room, and he heard the door shut. “Arthur?” “I’m here,” Arthur said taking hold of his hand. Merlin knew there was so much he needed to tell Arthur , but at the moment he just wanted to be with him. He smiled and Arthur grinned. “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Just so good to hear your voice. I missed you so damn much. I must have picked up my phone to call you a thousand times, but I was so ashamed of how I treated you and for hitting you. It was wrong and I am so sorry .” “I know you are. W e will talk things out, but not now . The doctor said we have to keep your stress levels down. It’ s not a good idea to discuss any of that until you are recovered.” “Well, when I am, you have my permission to punch me.” “I am not going to punch you, Merlin.” “Why not? I deserve it.” “True,” Arthur chuckled, “But I am not going to hit you.” “Um, how have you been?” Merlin asked, squeezing his hand. “I’ve been fucking miserable. Merlin, I don’ t know who I am when I am not with you. These past six months were hell. I too thought about calling, but I didn’ t know what to say to you. I didn’ t think you wanted to hear from me.” “I’m glad you’re here now .” “Me too,” Arthur said caressing his cheek, “I wish I could hug you, but it’ s not a good idea.” “Yeah, probably not.” “I think I should let you rest. I’m going to the cafeteria to get something to eat. I haven’ t had anything since the flight over . “I will be back in a little bit.” “Okay ,” Merlin said. Arthur kissed him tenderly and then left the room. As soon as he heard the door close, Merlin brought his right hand up to cover his mouth. “Fuck,” he said, tears streaming down his face as he bit his bottom lip. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, the room was quiet, but he could sense Arthur . “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked scrubbing a hand over his eyes as he sat upright on the cot Gwaine had brought in for him to sleep on. He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the bed. “Is the pain worse?” “No, about the same. Sorry , I woke you.” “It’s all right. Just fighting jetlag.” “You should go get a room in a motel. Y ou’d be more comfortable.” “I don’ t want to leave you alone.” “We need to talk about things,” Merlin said his voice a bit rough. “We will, just not now . Not until you are back on your feet.” “Tell me about London. What were you doing the past six months?” Arthur pulled a chair over and sat next to the bed holding Merlin’ s hand. “Y ou want to talk about me?” he asked. “It’s too quiet. Not being able to see…it’ s rather boring. Can’ t even watch crap tv ,” Merlin grinned, “I’m trying to find some humor in the situation.” “I’m afraid my life has been rather dull,” Arthur chuckled. “W orking for my father . I did chase a few storms in Germany and The Netherlands. They were rather underwhelming after the ones we chased here. I helped your mother out at the deli and hung out with some old friends.” “Girlfriends?” Merlin asked, dreading the answer . Arthur shook his head, “If you’re asking if I was seeing anyone else the answer is no. I would never do that to you, Merlin. Did you really think I would?” “No, sorry , I didn’ t…I was just afraid. After what I did…I half expected to be served with divorce papers at some point.” “Are you telling me you want a divorce?” Arthur asked. “God, no, Arthur…never , I love you. I don’ t deserve your for giveness. I wouldn’ t have blamed you if you had found someone better…” “Merlin, there is no one else. There will never be anyone else. Y ou are everything to me and that is never going to change no matter what.” Merlin smiled, “Even when I act like a giant, self-destructive prick?” “Yes,” Arthur grinned. “I think you need your head examined.” “Probably ,” Arthur nodded, “But then I knew you could be a giant, self-destructive prick even before I said I do. Not to mention a whiny control freak,” Arthur smirked. Merlin gripped Arthur ’s hand, bringing it up to his lips before holding it against his shoulder . “I honestly can’ t believe you are here,” he choked as tears pooled in his eyes, “I hurt you so badly .” “We hurt each other , Merlin. I am just as much to blame. I’m almost afraid to ask what you have been doing while I was gone.” Merlin let out a breath. “They told me you left with Elyan. I went to town the next morning to apologize, and you weren’ t there. Then Mor gana told me you left for London. I hoped that you would come back, but days turned into weeks then weeks into months. At first, I was just numb. Then angry and I decided that I was going to let you be. I knew it was my fault. I buried myself in work and went through the motions. The team…Gwaine was pissed at you at first, but I told him it wasn’ t your fault. I told him what I did. Mor gana wouldn’ t speak to me for a week. She probably would have quit and followed you back to London if it weren’ t for Gwaine and Gwen.” “Yes, she asked me if I wanted her to come home. I told her not to fuck things up with Gwaine just because I couldn’ t fix things with you. And I asked her to keep an eye on you for me. I knew she didn’ t want to come back to London, and I wasn’ t going to ask her to.” “Anyway , I went through a rough patch where I was drinking more. The whole team kicked my arse when I showed up at the auto shop completely pissed out of my head. I’d been out drinking all night and we were supposed to test the new sensors. Percival picked me up and threw me in a huge mud puddle in the field and left me there. I dragged myself out, covered head to toe in mud. Mor gana took pity on me and grabbed the hose to wash me of f. Needless to say , after that I was cold, wet, and halfway sobered up. She and I had a long talk and she said that I needed to pull my head out of my arse and fix things with you.” Arthur nodded, “She actually told me about that, well the conversation, not the mud bath. That I would have paid to see.” Merlin grinned, “It was not fun. The mud was like clay , so it did not wash of f easily . I was digging the stuf f out of every crack and crevice for a week. After that, I tried writing you an email. I never sent it. Still saved in my draft folder . I couldn’ t say what I needed to say to you through an email and I was too much of a coward to call you.” “Merlin…” Arthur shook his head. “No, you’re here now . I need to say this. Arthur , you are a good man, and I took you for granted. I didn’ t realize until you were gone just how much I truly needed you, and depended on you. When we first met, I was so determined not to go there with you. But my heart had other ideas. The first time we kissed, I knew that there would never be anyone else. It scared me in a way , but I was happy . I let the job come between us, and for that I am sorry . You were right about everything. I never wanted to hurt you, but I did and for that, I am deeply sorry .” “Can I say something now?” Arthur asked with a soft smile. “I guess so.” “I want us to get back to being happy , Merlin. I am sorry that I pushed you to write the book and put you in situations you were not comfortable in. I knew before I met you that you did not like attention and recognition. I had for gotten that…I had for gotten who you were. I understand why you were upset and angry . I didn’ t get it at the time, but I do now . I will never force you to do anything you don’ t want to do. I am extremely proud of you for the book, and the technology you have developed and put out there. I am so damned proud of the man you are, Merlin.” Merlin shook his head slightly , “It wasn’ t just about all that. Not really . I am glad I wrote the book. It has helped a lot of people. I get messages on the website from people all over the country . It was just that it pulled me away from so many other things that were important to me. Including us. T raveling to book signings and conferences and being away from you and from the team so much. Being away from the job. I felt like I was letting people down. I felt like I was letting you down by not being grateful for all of it. I didn’ t know how to tell you. I lashed out and I tried to drive you away . It was stupid. And now , with what happened…It all seems so petty and meaningless.” “Yes, I suppose almost dying changes a person’ s outlook on such things,” Arthur said. “Do you think we can ever be happy again?” Merlin asked. “Yes, I do,” Arthur said then stood up and kissed him, “My love for you has never wavered. Not for one single second.” “And if I tell you that I am not going to stop chasing even after this?” Merlin asked. Arthur nodded, “I already figured that. I do hope you will take a little time of f though.” “I’ll consider it. What about you? Are you going to stay and be my wingman again? Keep me out of trouble…or try to anyway?” “You want me to ride with you again?” “Only if it is what you want.” Arthur smiled, “Then yes, I will.” “Good, because as much as I love Elyan, he sucks at banter .” “Oh, you missed my witty comebacks and playful insults?” “I missed you, Arthur ,” Merlin said softly . “I missed you too, Merlin. More than I can ever say .” “Of course, if my eyesight doesn’ t return I won’ t be chasing anything.” “It will, I am sure of it.” “What time is it anyway?” Merlin asked. Arthur checked his phone. “It’ s three in the morning. Y ou need to rest, and I am about to drop. Are we good now?” Merlin smiled, “Y eah, I think so.” “Okay , get some sleep then. How’ s the pain?” “It’s bearable.” “Do you want me to get the nurse to give you something to help you sleep?” “No, I think I can manage. I just wanted to talk to you.” Arthur kissed him, “Close your eyes then and get some sleep. I will be here when you wake up.” “Think you can find me some bacon for breakfast?” “I will get you as much bacon as you can eat.” “You do love me,” Merlin said then closed his eyes and Arthur covered him with the blankets. “Yeah, I do,” he smiled then kissed his hand and went back over to the cot to lie down. “Arthur…” “Yeah?” “Sorry about Excalibur .” Arthur huf fed a laugh, “It was just a truck. It’ s replaceable, you aren’ t.” “Do you think we can get a blue one this time?” “Anything you want, Merlin. Now sleep.” “Night, Arthur .” “Night, Merlin.” Man Against Nature “Mor gana, make Arthur go home with you, or get a motel room,” Merlin said, “He’ s been here every night for over a week.” “I’m fine, Merlin. This cot is perfectly comfortable.” “Arthur , Merlin’ s right. Let me take you home. Y ou need a good night’ s rest and a home- cooked meal. Hunith and father are staying in rooms at the Hearthstone Hotel.” “I’m doing better , Arthur ,” Merlin smiled, “I can get by one night without you.” Arthur nodded and scratched his shoulder . “I’ll think about it. I could use a nice long hot shower . The shower room the nurses let me use is fine, but the water pressure isn’ t the greatest.” He looked at Merlin, “I just don’ t like leaving you alone when you can’ t see.” “I’ll be fine. I have Xena the W arrior Princess here to protect me tonight,” Merlin grinned, somehow sensing the nurse as she came into the room. “You’re getting very good at that, Merlin,” she laughed as she checked his vitals. “Your shoes…they make a dif ferent sound on the floors than everyone else, and you smell like roses,” Merlin chuckled. “Nicole’ s shoes are harder , and she walks really fast.” “How’ s the pain tonight?” Xena asked. “The ribs hurt worse than my head,” Merlin frowned. “When can I get out of here?” “That’ s up to Dr . Carlson. If it were up to the staf f, we would keep you here forever , purely for the fact that you’re such a wonderful patient.” “That is surprising,” Arthur grinned, “He’ s usually a whiny control freak.” “Prat,” Merlin laughed, “Xena, will you please tell Arthur that I will be fine? He can go take a break from here and come back tomorrow .” “Somehow I think no one can make Arthur do anything he doesn’ t want to do. He loves you,” Xena smiled and winked at Arthur . “Merlin, how’ s your vision? Any improvement?” “I catch flashes of light occasionally , but I’m not sure that isn’ t just my brain playing tricks on me.” “It may return gradually , or it could come back all at once. I’ve seen both. Dr . Carlson has ordered another MRI for you tomorrow . We will know more after that.” “Oh, yay , another MRI,” Merlin frowned. “Arthur , come home with me and I will bring you back in the morning,” Mor gana said, “He will be fine for one night.” “All right, I will go. Is there anything you need me to bring you, Merlin?” Arthur asked taking his hand. “Where were you staying before this happened?” “The Prairie Rose Motel, home sweet home,” Merlin said, “Gwaine already checked me out of my room and moved my stuf f to home base. “Why didn’ t you keep our apartment?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, “Didn’ t seem right. Not without you. I moved everything into storage.” “We will look for a new place once you’re back on your feet and we figure things out.” “I’d like that,” Merlin smiled. “Great,” Xena said, “I will be back to check on you again in a couple of hours. Y ou know the drill, call if you need anything.” “Will do,” Merlin said. “Are you sure?” Arthur asked. “I’m sure, get out of my hair , go get some food and rest and I’ll see you tomorrow .” “All right, I’ll go. I love you.” “Love you, Arthur ,” Merlin said pulling him close for a kiss and a hug even though it made his ribs ache. “See you in the morning.” “See you,” Arthur cupped his cheek and kissed him again. “See you in the morning, Merlin,” Mor gana said hugging him gently , “I love you.” “Love you too, take care of him for me.” “I will.” Merlin listened for the door to close then shifted his position to get comfortable. As his pain meds kicked in he drifted of f to sleep. He was jolted awake from a vivid nightmare by the sound of heavy rain on the windows and a low reverberating thunder . He listened for a moment, his magic humming beneath his skin. “Fuck,” Merlin muttered as he struggled to sit upright. He grabbed the IV pulling it from his arm and cast it aside, then slid his legs over the edge of the bed. He had to stop for a moment to breathe, the pain quickly reminding him that he was not supposed to be moving. He turned his head toward the window just as a flash of light assailed his vision followed by a loud clap of thunder . “Oh, God, no, no, no,” Merlin shook his head and slid of f the bed his feet hitting the floor , his knees nearly buckling. He extended a hand moving slowly toward the window , his fingers hitting the wall then slid sideways until they came in contact with the cool glass pane. Through his fingertips he could feel the vibrations and his magic screamed. It knew what was coming…he knew . “Fuck, no,” Merlin said then turned and made his way to the door yanking it open. He gripped the rail that ran along the hallway wall and started moving toward where he knew the nurses’ station was. “Xena…Nicole!” he shouted hearing nothing he moved back the other way. His ribs were throbbing, but he forced the pain down. He had to focus. “Xena!” he screamed. “Merlin,” Xena rushed to his side from where she had been in another patient’ s room down the hallway . “You are not supposed to be out of bed. Come on, let’ s get you…” “No, fuck, Xena, you have to listen to me. There is a tornado coming, it is going to hit the hospital. Y ou have to get people to the basement.” “Merlin, honey , I know you are worried. After what you went through, it is to be expected, but you need to get back to bed. Everything will be all right.” Merlin grabbed her upper arm and squeezed to get her attention. “Xena, if you don’ t listen to me, everyone in this hospital is going to die. Y ou know who I am. Y ou know what I do. People are going to die. Y ou have to believe me.” Xena stared at him for a moment, a cold chill shot down her spine as the hair on her arms stood on end. She knew then…Merlin was telling her the truth. “Oh, my god,” she gasped, and Merlin gave her a reassuring nod. “There’ s still time. Go…go save them.” “What about you?” she asked. “Don’ t worry about me. I may be flying blind, but I am not useless,” Merlin smiled, “Go… go now . I’ll do what I can.” “Merlin…” “Xena, please, just go.” Xena ran to the nurses’ station, made a call to security , and then called in every nurse, doctor , and other staf f member on duty . “There is a tornado coming right for us,” she said, “W e need to move now while there is still time. Get the patients into the basement. Use the elevators for those who are immobile. The rest, take them down the stairs.” “Merlin?” Nicole asked knowingly , meeting Xena’ s gaze. “Yes,” Xena nodded. “I need to help him,” Nicole said then headed for his room. She walked in to find the room empty . “Merlin! Merlin, where are you?” Merlin pushed his magic outward letting it guide him. He followed the rail along the wall until he came to the main lobby and the front doors. He was dressed in nothing but pajama bottoms that Mor gana had brought him and a white T -shirt that was too big. He had managed to grab a pair of slip-on shoes from the staf f locker room, so his feet were not bare. He would have laughed if the situation were not so dire. He must be quite a sight, stumbling around blind, looking for a fight with a fucking tornado. “Only you, Merlin, only you,” he huf fed and pushed the doors open. The moment he felt the wind on his face something shifted inside him. He smiled and moved away from the building, stepping out from beneath the shelter of the covered entry . The rain was relentless. Soaking him through in seconds. His magic flowed out his fingertips, swirling in the turbulent air , reaching out, searching. “There you are, you son-of-a-bitch.” “Arthur!” Mor gana shouted as she burst through the bedroom door . He was already on his feet and getting dressed, having heard the weather alert going of f on his phone. “Arthur , it’s heading right for the hospital!” “Holy fuck, Merlin…call the team. I need a vehicle!” “The van is out front, Gwaine is already out there. Go,” she said. “What about you?” Arthur asked grabbing his jacket. “You don’ t need me, just get to Merlin. He’ s going to do something stupid…you know he is. Get to him, before it’ s too late.” “All right,” Arthur kissed her cheek. “Be careful…I love you,” Mor gana said, covering her mouth with her hands as she said a prayer . Arthur ran out the door of Gwaine and Mor gana’ s house just as Gwaine slammed the doors shut on the van. He didn’ t bother ar guing, tossing the keys to Arthur who was already getting into the driver ’s seat. “Get in the back and monitor the storm,” he said and Gwaine nodded scrambling into the rear of the van where he already had all the equipment running. “Buckle up and hold on,” Arthur shouted as he started the engine and hit the gas, tearing out of the circular drive and onto the dark street. “Merlin, we’re coming,” he said under his breath, “Don’ t do it.” But he knew , he knew that Merlin, even blind and injured, would still do whatever he could to fight the storm and would end up getting himself killed in the process. “Fuck, Arthur ,” Gwaine yelled, “It’ s on the ground, and on a collision course with the hospital and hundreds of homes and businesses. “This is bad, real fucking bad.” “What’ s the shortest route to the hospital?” Arthur asked. “Hit the freeway for two miles then take the first exit. That will take us right to it,” Gwaine said then shook his head, “Arthur , Merlin…” “I know , which is why we have to get there before the goddamn tornado. How much time do we have?” “It’s hard to tell, the feed is all over the place. This is a monster . I can tell you that with absolute fucking certainty .” “Call Leon,” Arthur said, “Get the rest of the team caught up.” “Already got them on coms. Y our earpiece is in the console.” Arthur reached down and grabbed it, shoving it into his ear , and smiled. “Hell of a welcome back, boys,” Arthur huf fed, “Let’ s do this!” “And girls,” Gwen’ s voice chimed in. “Gwen, what are you doing?” Arthur asked. “Don’ t worry , I am staying home with the kids. Lance is loading up blankets, water , and medical supplies. He will meet you at the hospital. Handing this of f to him now .” “Hitting the road as we speak,” Lance said as he put the earpiece in his ear and kissed his wife goodbye then got into the driver ’s seat. “ET A twenty minutes if I don’ t run into traf fic.” “Lance, if you take Baseline Road and head north you should have pretty much a straight shot and little traf fic,” Leon said, “Arthur , good to hear your voice.” “Thanks,” Arthur smiled. “I need all of you to track this beast for me. I have got to get to the hospital because you know Merlin is going to try and fight this thing.” “But he can’ t,” Elyan said, “He can’ t even see it coming at him. It’ s suicide.” “Yes, well, when has Merlin ever worried about self-preservation?” Percival piped in. “He is going to do whatever it takes to hold of f the tornado and give the staf f time to save the patients,” Arthur said. “I pulled up the floorplan of the hospital online, Arthur ,” Elyan said, “It’ s a relatively new structure built five years ago. The basement is reinforced and there are massive backup generators. The elevator shafts and stairwells are also reinforced. If they can get all the patients to the lower levels they will be somewhat protected, but there is no guarantee.” “Arthur ,” Gwaine said, “Other storm chasers are saying this thing is growing stronger by the second. It’ s easily half a mile wide already and picking up strength. The lightning is constant, which means they can see it in the dark at least.” “Flashes of light,” Arthur huf fed, “Merlin said he was seeing flashes of light.” “You think he was seeing the lightning in his head?” Gwaine asked. “I don’ t know .” “Leave it to Merlin, to find a way around his blindness,” Leon said. “How far are you from the hospital, Leon?” Arthur asked. “Too far , Arthur . You and Gwaine are closer .” “Okay , I need you guys to chase the fucking tornado while we get to the hospital and help Merlin.” “You got it,” Leon said, “W e are a mile and a half away from it now and closing in.” Arthur nodded and hit the gas as soon as they mer ged onto the freeway . He turned on the emer gency flashers and laid on the horn and drivers moved over to the other lane letting them pass. He put his foot to the floor as soon as they were out of the worst of the traf fic. He spotted the exit and slowed down as he pulled of f the freeway , to avoid rolling the van. It was far dif ferent from driving the Gladiator . Especially with the crosswind. “I am sure missing Excalibur about now ,” he huf fed a laugh, shaking his head as they reached the light, which was thankfully green. He drove through it and turned onto the two-lane highway heading north. “How much farther?” he asked Gwaine. “Three miles you’ll see it on the left. This road will bring us right up to the front driveway and patient drop-of f and pickup area.” “Where’ s the tornado?” “Three miles away and closing fast.” “Fuck!” Arthur hit the steering wheel with both hands, “W e have to make it, Gwaine.” “We will, Arthur .” Merlin clutched his ribs, fighting the pain while trying to focus on the tornado. In his mind, he could see it scouring the land. The winds were pushing two-hundred-fifty miles per hour and steadily increasing. Any doubt that it would hit the hospital was completely gone. He knew . This was going to be catastrophic. “Okay , Merlin, what are you going to do?” He stepped out into the middle of the patient drop-of f zone and held his arms outward. The tornado seemed to be taunting him, daring him to challenge it. Merlin smiled, “Challenge accepted.” The rain changed to hail and Merlin calmly put up a shield to protect himself. He knew he wouldn’ t be able to keep it in place. He needed all his magic to try and hold of f the tornado as long as he could. Even if he had the power to knock it of f course, lives were going to be lost. The hospital was surrounded by residential homes and businesses. Nothing he did would save every life, but he had to at least give them time to get to shelter . “All right,” Merlin nodded, sensing the tornado closing in on him. The wind was ripping around his shield, hail the size of golf balls. Thunder rumbled and flashes of lightning snaked across the sky . He could feel everything. “It’ s now or never , Merlin,” he said then pushed his magic outward shouting the familiar spell, his voice deep and resonating. Dropping the shield his body was pummeled with hailstones, but he couldn’ t protect himself and fight at the same time. The massive golden vortex rose up from the ground growing, swirling, and sur ging toward the twister colliding with it. Merlin reached for all the magic in the earth and sky drawing from the wellspring before his own reserves. This was one fight he had to win…no matter the cost. He heard the sound of an engine revving and the thump of tires over a concrete curb as a vehicle came to a stop to his right and doors opened. “Merlin!” Arthur shouted running across the asphalt toward him. “Arthur , you have to run. Get back in the car and go!” “Fuck that,” Arthur ran to his side and covered Merlin’ s head with a heavy blanket in an attempt to protect him from the hail. “Can you really hold this thing of f?” Gwaine approached Merlin from the opposite side with another blanket. “Aren’ t you supposed to be in bed?” “Couldn’ t sleep,” Merlin shrugged, “Gwaine, go inside and help the staf f get the patients to the basement. I’ve got this.” “I know you do,” Gwaine nodded then ran into the building. “We’ve got this, Merlin,” Arthur said as he linked their fingers together and gave him a nod. “I love you…we do this together .” Merlin nodded then pushed his magic out sur ging from his connection to Arthur . He tilted his head back and shouted the spell again, his voice clear and deep sending shivers through Arthur ’s body . He felt the magic drawing from his core, and he let it happen, focusing on Merlin’ s hand in his. The heat radiating from Merlin was intense and he slid his other arm around his waist helping to give him something stable to lean against as the wind pummeled them both. The tornado collided with the second wave of magic and suddenly everything seemed to slow down. Arthur looked up into the dark sky to see the blacker -than-black writhing mass bearing down on them. He knew then that there was no stopping it. Merlin’ s magic was not going to be enough, yet the man would stop at nothing to hold it back even draining himself the way he did before, after the twin tornados, when Arthur nearly lost him the first time. “Merlin, you’ve done all you can, come on,” Arthur said then wrapped the blanket around Merlin and pushed him back toward the building. “Arthur , you have to let me!” Merlin cried out, struggling against his chest as Arthur practically carried him through the doors. “Just save yourself!” “No!” Arthur gripped his chin, “I will not let you die! Y ou mean too much to me.” “Arthur ,” Merlin choked, tears sliding down his face. “Come on,” Arthur said, and they headed for the middle of the building descending down into the stairwell. “The stairwells are reinforced,” he said, “It’ s our best chance to survive this.” Merlin nodded and followed him. They reached the bottom landing where there was a recess. Arthur pushed Merlin into the small space, up against the wall, and pinned him with his body , pulling the blanket over their heads just as all hell broke loose. The tornado hit the building with the force of a powerful bomb, tearing the roof of f. The walls were vibrating and the floor beneath their feet rolled as if it were an earthquake instead of a probable EF5 tornado. “Fuck!” Arthur yelled as the blanket was ripped away and he was hit with debris. Merlin clung to him as the suction threatened to pull Arthur away . Drawing from his own magic he shouted a spell. Golden tendrils bound him and Arthur together before anchoring them to the strongest points of the reinforced structure surrounding them. He had no idea if it would be enough, but it was the best he could do. “God, please,” Merlin cried out, wrapping his arms around Arthur ’s chest and his long leg around his lower body . “I’ve got you,” he said into his ear . “I’m so sorry…I love you.” “I love you,” Arthur said then looked into Merlin’ s eyes, realizing Merlin was looking back at him. He smiled, cupping his cheek. “Y ou can see me.” “Hi,” he grinned. “Hi,” Arthur laughed and kissed him while the world came crashing down around them. “Merlin…Arthur!” Gwaine’ s voice came through the static in Arthur ’s ear. “Gwaine…” Arthur muttered as he forced his eyes open. It was dark, the air was filled with dust and debris was still falling down around them. “Merlin?” “I’m okay , Arthur…you’re bleeding.” Arthur put a hand to the side of his head, his hair was caked with blood and pulverized drywall. “It’ s nothing…just a little cut.” “God, Arthur ,” Merlin said, tears pooling in his eyes, “The people…” “You did all you could, Merlin. Y ou did your best.” “Arthur?” Gwaine came through again. “Yeah, Gwaine, can you hear me?” “Thank God,” Gwaine let out a relieved breath. “Please, tell me Merlin is with you.” “Yes, we are in a recess in the wall at the bottom of the stairwell of f the lobby . We are buried under a shit ton of debris.” “Bad news, the whole lobby collapsed in on itself. It’ s going to be a while before we can get to you. Are either of you injured?” “Not seriously ,” Arthur said, looking up as Merlin cast a spell creating an orb of light to see by. “I think we are safe for now . It’s dark and hard to breathe with all the dust particles in the air , but we are okay .” The earpiece crackled and Arthur tapped it, turning it of f and back on again. “Did you get that, Gwaine?” “Got it, stairwell of f the lobby , first landing, recess, no serious injuries. Elyan is looking at the blueprints. W e know where you are. It’ s going to be a while before crews can get down to you.” “We’re not going anywhere,” Merlin said with a humorless chuckle. “Merlin,” Gwaine said, relief in his voice, “The patients are safe. Y ou did it, buddy .” Merlin’ s eyes welled with tears, and he nodded with relief. Arthur pulled him into his arms. “You’re incredible,” he smiled and kissed him. “You came for me.” “Yeah, I did.” “Kind of reckless,” Merlin grinned. Arthur chuckled, “Y eah, it was. But what do you expect, when I’m married to a certifiable lunatic with a selfless heart and the courage of a whole damn pride of lions.” “Thank you…” “You’re welcome. Are you sure you are okay? Y our ribs?” Merlin winced as he shifted his position slightly . “Still there,” he breathed out slowly , “Head still attached.” A lar ge piece of drywall fell from above, landing on the steps. Arthur carefully maneuvered around and sat with his back to the wall then drew Merlin down between his legs and held him there, carefully checking him for new injuries. Pulling up his T -shirt he checked the wrap over his ribs. There was a small cut on his neck and a myriad of new bruises from the hailstones. “Arthur ,” Merlin said softly , the adrenaline was beginning to wear of f. He could barely keep his eyes open. “Shh, it’ s all right, Merlin…I’ve got you.” “Do you get the feeling we have become the chasees rather than the chasers?” “Yeah, a bit,” Arthur said, kissing Merlin’ s shoulder . “Kind of pisses me of f,” Merlin huf fed. “Me too,” Arthur nodded, “Rest now . They will get us out of here soon.” Merlin relaxed against him and closed his eyes. “I want to go sailing again…with you.” “Anywhere you want, anytime you want,” Arthur smiled reaching around to splay his hand over Merlin’ s chest, holding him in place. “I won’ t stop chasing,” Merlin shook his head slightly . “I know ,” Arthur said, pressing his forehead to the back of Merlin’ s head, “And I’m going to be there beside you where I belong. Where I should have stayed instead of running away .” “Sometimes I would think about running away too, but I just…” his voice trailed of f and Arthur shook him gently . “Merlin…you still with me?” “Yeah, why did you come back?” “I never should have left you.” “But why come back now?” “You have to ask?” Arthur shook his head, “God, Merlin, when Mor gana called…all I could think about is you dying and our last words to each other being in anger . To have to bury you and never be able to fix the damage, the hurt we caused each other . I was so scared that I would never again have the chance to tell you that I love you. T o hold you in my arms and kiss you. A part of my soul would have died with you, Merlin. I would have died with you. Do you understand?” Merlin turned around in Arthur ’s arms and kissed him, tears sliding down his face. He couldn’ t speak, the words wouldn’ t come so he poured everything, all his love and strength and passion into that one kiss. When he drew back he rested his forehead against Arthur ’s looking into his eyes and reveling in the purity of the love emanating from them. Arthur smiled, bringing a hand up, using his thumb to wipe away the tears which mixed with the fine dust on his skin. “Y ou’re a beautiful mess, Merlin,” he chuckled. Merlin laughed and lowered his gaze for a moment before looking at him again. “So are you. I guess we can be beautiful messes together .” “I want nothing more. Except maybe to see you in a mud hole. I am truly sorry I missed that.” “I’m sure Percival would be more than happy to oblige you with a repeat performance.” Arthur kissed Merlin again, “W e are going to be okay .” “Yeah,” Merlin nodded then melted into Arthur ’s embrace. “I could sure use some bacon right now ,” he grinned. “Me too,” Arthur laughed heartily . Aftermath Five hours and thirty-two minutes…that’ s how long it took for the rescue crews to get to them. They were pulled out of the rubble and were now sitting in the van Arthur and Gwaine had arrived in. Which, by some miracle, the tornado had spared, left on all four wheels. It just shoved it up against the retaining wall, denting the side and front fender , and added some nice hail damage. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Lance asked as he cleaned the wound on Arthur ’s head. “You should really go with the paramedics.” “No, I’m fine.” “Merlin?” “I can see again so I am good,” Merlin grinned. “Was it your magic that gave you back your sight?” Lance asked. “I don’ t know , maybe. One second I couldn’ t see anything, then Arthur was pushing me inside, then suddenly I could see him…I could see everything as we were running down into the stairwell.” “Merlin!” a familiar voice cried out and he looked up to see Xena and Nicole running across the parking lot toward them. “Oh, thank God,” Xena said, framing his face with her hands. “I thought…Merlin, thank you. If not for you…” she choked back a sob, and he embraced her, reaching for Nicole’ s hand. “Everyone survived?” he asked. “Yes,” Nicole nodded, “Thanks to you we got everyone into the basement. Merlin, you saved two hundred and fifteen people…both patients and staf f. You’re a hero.” Merlin shook his head meeting her gaze, “Just doing my job.” “Merlin, your eyesight has returned?” Xena smiled. “Yeah,” he grinned, “Y ou’re missing your leather and your armor .” “Left them in my locker ,” she laughed then kissed his forehead, “Y ou are something else, Merlin.” “That he is,” Arthur said, placing a hand on the back of Merlin’ s neck. Merlin looked toward what was left of the hospital. The tornado had taken of f the roof and the top two floors. The first floor was still intact, with the exception of the lobby and offices. The south wing of the building was still standing, but every window was blown out and the roof was gone. “The basement held up?” he asked. “Yes,” Nicole nodded, “No damage below ground level.” “Merlin, the paramedics are waiting to transport you to another hospital with the other patients,” Xena said, and he shook his head. “I’m good. I am going home with my husband,” he said looking at Arthur . “Anything to get out of another MRI, huh?” she laughed, “W ell, I can’ t force you to go. Dr . Carlson will want to see you as soon as possible.” “Tell her I’ll give her a call in a couple of days. Right now , I just want to be with Arthur and my team. This is Lance, he is a trained medic…he’ll take good care of me.” “Which is a full-time job with this one,” Lance jerked a thumb toward Merlin. “I don’ t doubt it,” Xena smiled, “Y ou will go to a hospital if you have any complications. Blurred vision, increased pain.” “I will, I promise, but I feel pretty good actually .” “I’ll make sure,” Arthur said, “Thank you, Xena…Nicole, for everything.” “You’re welcome,” Nicole beamed and quickly kissed Merlin’ s cheek, “Y ou’re a guardian angel.” “I’m just me,” Merlin shook his head. “We have to go now . Take care of yourself, Merlin, see you soon,” Xena hugged him and kissed his cheek then with a nod she and Nicole headed for the waiting van that would take them to the new location where they would meet up with their patients. “I need to get going. I will call later to check on you,” Lance said to Merlin embracing him and Arthur . “I’m really glad you two are better ,” he smiled then headed for his vehicle, while Gwaine got behind the wheel of the van and started the engine. “Where to now?” he asked. “Back to your place,” Arthur said as he pulled the door shut, “W e are in desperate need of a shower .” Gwaine nodded then pulled out of the parking lot, turning for home. “I want to analyze the data on that storm,” Merlin said, “There was something of f about it and I can’ t quite figure it out.” “Merlin, there will be time for that. Y ou’re going to rest. The last thing you need is to be straining your eyes when you just got your vision back,” Arthur said. “Fine, twenty-four hours,” Merlin said, “Deal?” “You’re negotiating?” Arthur chuckled. “Yeah,” he nodded. “Seventy-two hours.” “Forty-eight,” Merlin smirked. “Seventy-two, no less…and you will refrain from using any device with a screen, except the tv,” Arthur said, narrowing his eyes at him. “Now who’ s the control freak?” Merlin asked and Gwaine laughed. Arthur leaned close and kissed him, wagging his eyebrows. “Y our acquiescence will be rewarded handsomely .” “Mmm, really?” Merlin asked, kissing him back. “Oh, yes,” Arthur said. “In that case, I shall comply fully and willingly with your demands.” “Promise?” “Absolutely ,” Merlin grinned his eyes glinting with mirth and desire, “God, I missed you.” “I missed you too.” Gwaine pulled into the driveway of the house and Mor gana came running outside, yanking the door open. Merlin stepped out and into her waiting embrace. “God, Merlin, I was so scared. I saw…I saw you and everyone die,” she choked back a sob, clinging to him. “I’m all right,” he said kissing her tenderly , “Arthur pulled me back from the edge just in time.” “The people?” “All of them made it to the basement in time. No casualties in the hospital, wish I could say the same for the surrounding area. I couldn’ t stop it,” Merlin said, then shook his head, tears shining in his eyes as he looked at her . “You’re beautiful.” “You can see?” Mor gana asked then squealed and hugged his neck. Arthur got out of the van and kissed his sister ’s cheek, “Let’ s go inside. Merlin has a seventy-two-hour date with a bed and all the crap tv he can handle.” “Don’ t forget about the reward part,” Merlin said, “And bacon…lots of bacon.” “Of course, bacon,” Arthur chuckled taking his hand, leading him into the house, up the stairs, and into the room where he had been sleeping when the alert went of f on his phone. Arthur pulled of f his shirt and kicked of f his shoes then helped Merlin undress and remove the wrapping around his ribs. “How do they feel? I can get Mor gana to re-wrap them for you after you’ve had a shower . I don’ t know about you, but I feel like I’ve been rolling in a sandbox for days.” “A shower would be most welcome,” Merlin smiled running his hands over Arthur ’s bare chest. He looked into his eyes and smiled. “Y ou’re really back.” “Yes, Merlin, I am really back, and I am never leaving you again.” “I’m sorry for everything…for what I said, for hitting you. I can’ t…” Arthur silenced him by pressing a finger to his lips and shook his head. “Let it go, Merlin.” “I don’ t know if I can.” “Well, I am asking you to…for me. Please. A fresh start.” “Yeah?” Merlin asked. “Yeah.” “Okay .” “Now , come on let’ s get in the shower . We are not getting into the bed covered in all this grit.” He led Merlin into the bathroom and turned on the shower drawing him into it with him. Merlin let out a deep moan of pleasure as the hot water washed over his battered body . “God, that feels so good even with the dull throbbing.” “Did Lance give you something to help with the pain?” Arthur asked as he picked up a washcloth and soap and then started to wash Merlin thoroughly but gently . “Yeah, he did, but it’ s not the good stuf f the hospital was giving me.” “We will call Dr . Carlson tomorrow and get you something.” Merlin turned in Arthur ’s embrace and kissed him. “All I need is you, Arthur .” “You have me.” “No, I mean I really need you,” he said huskily as his lips brushed against Arthur ’s, “Please.” “You’re hurt,” Arthur whispered against his mouth. “This is an ache that can’ t be fixed with pain meds,” Merlin shook his head slightly . Arthur let out a low moan as Merlin’ s hand wrapped around his rapidly hardening cock. “God, it has been so long. Merlin…” “We can be careful…but I need this.” Arthur looked into Merlin’ s eyes so filled with desperate longing and raw emotion. He was genuinely scared that Arthur would reject him. It was that look that convinced him. “God, Merlin,” Arthur said then sur ged forward kissing him with an ur gency that consumed them both quickly . “Arthur ,” Merlin whispered, his hands sliding over Arthur ’s wet, slick skin his lips and tongue kissing, tasting, sucking… “Fuck, Merlin, that is…” Merlin looked into his eyes as he went down on his knees pressing his lips to Arthur ’s hard stomach and his hip. He looked up at him as his tongue encircled the head of his cock and smiled when he was rewarded with a stuttered moan of pleasure. “Merlin, we shouldn’ t…” “There’ s nothing wrong with my knees or my mouth.” “No, definitely not,” Arthur huf fed a breathy laugh as Merlin sucked and licked him then swallowed him down to the base. “Holy hell, I missed that incredible mouth.” Merlin slid his hands up Arthur ’s legs to his thighs and hips before moving to grasp his arse pressing his fingers into the soft flesh as he worked his throat muscles, tongue, lips, and teeth around the girth, dragging sounds from his husband that he’d feared he would never hear again. Arthur tangled his fingers in Merlin’ s dark wet curls fighting the ur ge to thrust, scared he would hurt him. “Merlin…please,” Arthur said, his body shaking with the rush of pure pleasure sur ging through him. Merlin sucked him harder , then his eyes flashed gold and he pushed his middle finger into Arthur hitting his prostate. “Holy fuck,” he nearly shouted as he came, bracing himself against the tile wall. “Mmm, I missed that,” Merlin said then licked his length flicking his tongue over the slit, “Watching you come for me.” “Stand up,” Arthur said breathlessly , and Merlin complied. “See, I’m okay ,” he smiled. Arthur laughed, “Y ou are amazing.” Merlin trapped Arthur ’s leg between his thighs, his own cock hard and aching for attention. He moaned as he thrust against him, and Arthur kissed him filthily . His hands slid down Merlin’ s sides, mindful of his ribs, and cupped his perfect arse. “Arthur , fuck, I am so close already ,” Merlin said against his lips. “Come for me, Merlin…you’re so beautiful, so good,” Arthur nudged his long slender neck kissing the spot behind his ear . “That’ s it, I can feel you trembling,” he whispered in his ear as he reached down to press his thumb against the head of his cock. “God, you are hard for me.” “Fuck,” Merlin cried out as Arthur ’s voice sent him careening toward the edge, “God, Arthur!” “Look at you,” Arthur let out a low growl slowly increasing the pressure on the slit until Merlin’ s cock jerked and he spilled his seed against Arthur ’s thigh. “Y ou’re beautiful, Merlin,” he smiled kissing him as he held him up on shaky legs. “God, I needed that,” Merlin laughed breathlessly . “All right?” Arthur asked and he nodded. “I wish we could do more,” he smiled. “Not until you are recovered.” “That was really fucking hot though,” Merlin chuckled. Arthur kissed him and they finished washing each other . Just being together , touching, exploring, and getting to know each other again after so long apart. By the time they made their way to the bedroom, Merlin was barely awake and completely sated. “You need food, remember?” Arthur asked. “Food?” “Yes, remember bacon?” “Oh, yes, bacon!” Merlin sat up and pulled on the clean pair of jeans Gwaine left for him and the gray hoodie. “Need bacon…then sleep…” “Do you need your ribs wrapped again?” “No, I think they are okay for now .” Arthur pulled him to his feet and kissed him tenderly , “It’s good to be home.” “Except it isn’ t our home,” Merlin said. Arthur shook his head, “No, Merlin…it’ s you…you are my home, and you always will be.” “Are you trying to make me cry?” “Is it working?” “No, not at all,” Merlin said as a tear slid down his cheek and Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go find you some food.” Merlin stretched out on the bed with pillows behind him and a soft warm blanket while flipping through channels and eyeing Arthur who was at the desk working on the laptop. “You know , that is just cruel and inhumane,” he muttered. “What is?” “I am not allowed to use my laptop and you are sitting there dangling it right in front of me.” “First of all, this is my laptop, not yours and you promised,” Arthur grinned at him. “I’m bored to tears, there is nothing worth watching except Twister which I have already watched twice in less than two days. It’ s completely inaccurate and unrealistic. Though the special ef fects aren’ t bad. That Melissa woman is so annoying. At least come over here and entertain me.” “Are you whining, Merlin?” “No,” he scrunched up his face and stuck out his tongue like a three-year -old, “Y ou’re mean.” Arthur closed the laptop and got up, walking over to the bed. He took the remote away from Merlin then bent over to kiss him. “I’m mean?” he asked with a smirk. “Yes,” Merlin said fighting a grin as Arthur climbed onto the bed and straddled his hips. “What would you like me to do then?” he asked his blue eyes glinting with mirth. “I have some ideas.” “I’m sure you do, and I bet they all involve physical activity of a sexual nature.” “Possibly .” “Dr. Carlson said you are not to engage in such carnal acts until your ribs are healed completely .” “She doesn’ t have to know ,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows as he gripped Arthur ’s shirt and pulled him down for an absolutely filthy kiss that had him moaning against his lips. “No…nope,” Arthur said putting up very little true resistance. He turned his head. Merlin laughed and released him. “I’m going mad,” he grumbled laying back on the pillows. “Well, that shouldn’ t take long,” Arthur chuckled, and Merlin threw a pillow at him. “Prat!” “Okay , okay , compromise.” “I’m listening.” “How about we call your mom and my father and invite them and the team over here for a barbecue? They are flying back to London in a couple of days, it would be good for you to spend some time with her ,” Arthur said as he got up of f the bed. “That sounds good,” Merlin nodded. “Great, I will go talk to Mor gana and make sure it is all right with her and Gwaine first.” Arthur started to leave the room when he caught Merlin looking longingly at the laptop. “Nuh-uh,” he grinned then picked it up and took it with him closing the door . “Ass,” Merlin yelled out and huf fed. Then his lips parted in a slow smile. As much as he was complaining, he was happy . He had Arthur back and things were good between them again…well, getting there at least. He knew they still had a lot to work through, but their love was as strong as ever . Arthur was doing his best to take care of him even though he wasn’ t making it easy . Closing his eyes, he yawned and then rolled onto his side. “Maybe just a little nap before the party…” he said then drifted of f to sleep. Coming Together Again Morgana and Gwaine’ s backyard was a beautiful oasis, lush, and green with tall trees for shade. There was a lar ge redwood deck of f the back of the house with a built-in hot tub. T o the right of the deck was a stone patio with comfortable outdoor furniture and to the left was a large pool which was currently occupied by Gwen and Lance and their daughter Annabella who was now three and their eighteen-month-old boy , Zachary . Hunith and Uther were sitting together on the patio talking to Xena and Dr . Carlson. Merlin sat on the lounge chair eating his bur ger and watching everyone. He smiled as he saw Nicole and Percival huddled together on a redwood bench beneath the trees talking and holding hands. Elyan and Leon couldn’ t make it as they were manning home base, keeping a watch on the weather , and going through the data that Merlin was itching to get his hands on. “Merlin!” “Yeah,” he said turning toward the gate as Lily came running toward him. “Lily!” he grinned as the now eight-year -old girl threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly . Merlin laughed and drew back. “Look at you, all grown up.” “Mommy and Daddy are here and my baby sister Meghan,” Lily said excitedly . “I brought you something,” she handed Merlin a pencil drawing of him and Arthur with a tornado in the background. It was stunning. “You drew this?” he asked, “It’ s incredible.” Lily nodded, “Mommy helped with the shading. I’m not very good at that.” “I love it, thank you. I will treasure it always.” “I heard what happened to you. Y ou must have been so scared.” “I was, but seeing you reminds me that it is all worth the risk.” Lily hugged him again, “Just promise you won’ t die.” Merlin closed his eyes, fighting tears. “I’ll try not to, darlin’.” “Good, because I would be very sad. Y ou’re my friend.” “Yes, I am,” Merlin nodded then kissed the top of her head. Arthur came down the steps from the deck and approached Merlin. “Is that Miss Lily?” he asked with a wide grin. “Arthur!” Lily squealed and jumped up to hug him, “I brought you and Merlin a present.” Merlin held up the framed drawing and Arthur shook his head, “That is amazing, sweetheart. You are very talented. It is so good to see you. Where are your parents?” “They are over there talking to Mor gana. She invited us.” “Well, I am glad she did. Why don’ t you go ask them if you can join the other kids in the pool?” “Okay ,” she said then skipped across the lawn toward her folks. Arthur sat down on the edge of the lounge and put a hand between Merlin’ s knees. “Y ou look happy . Feeling better?” “Yes,” Merlin grinned, “Thank you. This was a great idea.” “I have another surprise for you.” “What?” he asked. “Well, I got to thinking instead of finding us a new apartment and putting down roots in one spot, I decided to look into buying us a home on wheels…an R V. That way when we need to move we can go where we need to.” Merlin’ s eyes lit up as he chuckled, “Arthur Pendragon living in an R V?” “Yes, a nice one,” he grinned. “How nice?” “It’s parked out front. W ant to go take a look?” “It’s here?” Merlin asked raising an eyebrow , “Um, yes!” He got up and took Arthur ’s hand. They walked out through the gate and around the side of the house. His jaw dropped as he saw the incredible R V parked in the driveway . It was a sleek, beautiful motorhome with a custom blue and silver paint job featuring tornado graphics and the Excalibur logo within a black stripe. There were two slide-outs on each side. “Arthur…” he shook his head. “Do you like it? Y ou better , we can’ t take it back because it’ s already customized for our needs,” Arthur grinned. “Like it? God, Arthur it is brilliant. I want to see the inside,” Merlin said as he climbed the metal steps and opened the door . The inside was slightly lar ger than the small apartment they had rented for a short time. W ith all four of the slide-outs open it would be a lot bigger . Arthur had only extended two of them. “Do you even know how to drive this thing?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “I got it here didn’ t I?” Arthur shrugged. Merlin walked to the front to check out the cockpit area. He opened a door to a small bathroom with just a sink and a toilet. The kitchen and living area were in the middle. There was a bar to eat at and where the table would normally be, in the slide-out, was a computer work area with its own W i-Fi hotspot and wall-mounted monitors. “Arthur , it is so cool,” Merlin grinned, “I can’ t believe you did all this. How did you find the time to put this together?” “Actually , I’d already had the model chosen and the design in the works before our separation. I put the build on hold, then while you were in the hospital I made a call and here we are.” Merlin looked intently at Arthur . His eyes were filled with emotion. “Y ou were planning this even back then?” “Yes,” Arthur nodded, running a hand through his hair , “I wanted to find a way for us to live, work and travel together . I had hoped it would help us find some sort of balance.” “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said. “I told you, fresh start. This is what we need. Our new Excalibur will be ready in another week. It will have the same custom paint job and graphics and a custom-built trailer to haul it behind the motorhome when we need to. W e will have our home and our chase vehicle.” “Really?” Merlin grinned. “Yes. So, what do you think?” Merlin stepped forward and kissed Arthur , “I’ll let you know after I see the bedroom.” Arthur laughed, “Through that door .” “This one?” Merlin asked, opening it to find a surprisingly big sleeping area and another bathroom with a lar ge shower , a sink, and toilet. There was a king bed with a closet and a dresser . “W ow, this is luxury .” He sat down on the bed, bouncing a bit, running his hand over the dark blue bedding. “Come here,” he smiled, and Arthur moved onto the bed easing Merlin down onto the pillows, and kissed him. “Then you approve,” Arthur said nuzzling his throat, teeth, and lips grazing Merlin’ s collarbone. “Absolutely , can we stay in here tonight?” “Actually , I was thinking we could drive to the auto shop after the party , and park in the meadow next to the river . I found the perfect spot where we can watch the sunset.” “Mmm romantic.” Arthur looked at Merlin cupping his cheek, “W e are going to be okay , right?” “I think so. I hope so.” “I don’ t want to lose us.” “Neither do I,” Merlin shook his head and kissed Arthur , “Let’ s go back to the party for a bit longer and then say our goodbyes. Pack up our stuf f and go.” Arthur got of f the bed and stood up, helping Merlin to his feet. “Y ou’re really okay with this? I don’ t want to make you feel like I’m pushing you to do anything.” “Arthur , this is ideal for us. I am more than okay with it. Actually , just a second,” Merlin said then walked over to the sofa and picked up Lily’ s drawing of them, going back to the bedroom area, he hung it on the wall using a little magic to anchor it so it wouldn’ t move. He stood back and looked at it as Arthur wrapped his arms around him from behind. “Now , it’s perfect.” They stepped down to the ground and Arthur locked the motorhome then they walked through the gate and into the backyard. Lily was in the pool with Zachary and Anabella. Gwen was sitting on the edge of the pool watching them. Lance was dressed and helping Gwaine with the grill.” Morgana walked over and hugged Merlin, “What did you think?” “You knew about it?” “Of course, I did. Who do you think came up with the interior design? I wasn’ t going to leave that to Arthur .” “Thank you,” Merlin kissed her . “It was my pleasure. Anything to help you and my brother get your lives and your relationship back on track. I love you both so much.” “Love you too.” “Would it be rude for us to take of f?” Arthur asked her , “I want to get the motorhome to the meadow before dark.” “Not at all, go, everyone will understand,” she smiled. “Let’ s go say goodbye to my mother and Uther . Should also talk to Dr . Carlson and Xena before we go as well,” Merlin said. Arthur nodded and they made the rounds. An hour later , they had packed up their stuf f and climbed into the motorhome. Arthur brought the slide-outs in then got behind the wheel and Merlin settled in the copilot seat his long legs stretched out. “You look good at the helm,” Merlin said wagging his eyebrows. Arthur laughed and started the engine. He drove the R V around the circular drive and pulled out onto the street. He took the back roads to the highway that would take them to the auto shop and down to the river . “It’s surprisingly not that hard to drive,” Arthur said as Merlin was checking out the dashboard, the sound system, navigation system, buttons, switches, and cameras. “This is so cool.” “I stocked the fridge and the pantry with food. W e are set. I figure we can drive your old RAV4 until the new Excalibur is delivered.” “Arthur , between this and the new Jeep Gladiator , it’s a lot of money .” “Insurance is covering most of the replacement cost of Excalibur . As for this, it’ s more cost- effective than paying for motel rooms or an apartment we will rarely see.” “True,” Merlin nodded. “And if we want to go on a storm-chasing road trip we are set. There’ s room to store our equipment and we can cook meals instead of eating out.” “There’ s even an outdoor kitchen and grill underneath.” “You are a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Oh, and I had them put in the strongest glass available, all the windows and the skylights.” “Good thinking.” They pulled of f the highway and followed the road to the auto shop. They stopped when Leon and Elyan came out and waved. “Holy shit, that is incredible,” Leon said when they lowered the windows. “Talk about roughing it,” Elyan chuckled. “Sorry , boys,” Arthur said, “Need to go, want to get this baby parked in the meadow and leveled before dark. Follow us down there if you want.” “No, we will leave you two to get settled. W e need to get back inside anyway . There’ s a storm front brewing in Kansas and another in Nebraska.” “They are weak ones,” Merlin said, “Thunderstorms…they are unlikely to form tornados.” “Good to have you back, Merlin,” Leon smiled, “W e missed you.” “Thank you,” he nodded then Arthur drove the R V down the narrow gravel road toward the river. He lined it up with the stakes tied with red flags that he had placed. It didn’ t take long for them to have the motorhome leveled and all four slide-outs extended. Arthur connected to the power box he’d had put in for just this purpose.” “You thought of everything didn’ t you,” Merlin smiled, “The property owner approved this?” “Yeah, I did,” Arthur said with a shrug. “What?” “I, well we, own the property now . The land, the auto shop, the outbuildings…all of it.” “Arthur!” Merlin gasped. “When I contacted them to ask for permission, they told me they were thinking of selling it all to a developer for homes and a strip mall. The team would be uprooted, and I couldn’ t let that happen. Besides, I love it here and one day , when we retire from chasing, I want to build us a house here by the river .” “When did this all take place?” Merlin asked. “It was in the works before I went back to London. Just finalized the deal the day we…when we had our fight. I was planning to tell you, but then everything went to shit, and you were pissed of f. I decided to keep quiet about it.” Merlin sat down on the grass, drawing his knees up. He plucked a yellow wildflower rolling it between his fingers. He was silent as Arthur sat down next to him, unsure of what was going on in his head. “Merlin…” “Arthur , I really fucked things up between us…you were trying so hard to create a life for us and I was so caught up in my own bullshit…” Merlin huf fed a breath, letting out a bitter laugh, “I’m sorry I was so selfish. I didn’ t stop once to see things from your side. I never even asked what you wanted.” “All I wanted…all I want is to be with you. T o live, work, play , chase tornados, and love you until we are old, gray , toothless, and popping V iagra by the handful just to get it up. Merlin, I love you. I nearly lost you and I don’ t want to go through that again.” “I don’ t deserve you,” Merlin said, his voice breaking as he shook his head, fighting tears. “We are going to figure all this out. I promise.” They sat quietly together watching the sun go down. Arthur put an arm around Merlin, and he melted into his embrace. “Fuck, why do you put up with me?” “Because you’re Merlin…you’re stupidly brave, insanely intelligent, loyal to a fault and not to mention hot as hell. Then there’ s the whole magic thing and your very talented mouth.” “That’ s all?” Merlin chuckled. “You’re everything to me and I should have stayed and fought for us instead of running away .” “I pushed you away .” “I let you.” “This fresh start thing is not so easy .” “We will get there,” Arthur kissed him, “It will take time, but we will.” “It’s a warm night,” Merlin said with a flicker of mischief in his eyes as he got up and started stripping down and running toward the river . Buck naked he ran into the water up to his stomach. “Skinny dipping?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah, come on, join me.” “You’re supposed to be taking it easy .” “I am,” Merlin winked then laid back in the water kicking his long legs and moving his arms. Arthur got up and stripped of f his clothes. “Y ou’re certifiable, Merlin,” he said as he walked into the water and wrapped his arms around him. They kissed passionately , clinging to each other as the current moved lazily around them. “God, you are beautiful.” Merlin looked into his eyes, “I love you.” “I love you.” They swam until it got a little chilly then got out of the water gathering up their discarded clothing. Merlin playfully smacked Arthur on the arse when he bent over to pick up his boots. They laughed and ran into the motorhome and closed the door . “I hope the shower is big enough for both of us?” Merlin asked as Arthur headed into the bathroom. “Of course,” Arthur looked back at him, “That was my number one priority .” “Really?” “Come here.” Merlin stepped into the bathroom and Arthur opened the glass door and then drew him inside the shower which was nearly the full width of the R V minus the storage cabinet on one side. There were two shower heads, one a handheld and the other a rainfall shower . “Oh, this is nice,” he grinned as Arthur pulled him close. “How are your ribs feeling?” “Still a little sore, but I think my magic is speeding up the healing process. W on’t Doc Annis be surprised when I see her for my appointment.” “How are you going to explain that away?” “I guess I will just tell her the truth.” Arthur kissed Merlin tenderly , “I want so badly to make love to you right now , I just don’ t want to do anything that will cause a setback or aggravate your injuries.” “I know , I don’ t want that either .” “Merlin…” “Yeah?” “One thing keeps bothering me…I can’ t shake it.” “What is it?” Merlin asked. “What you said about the book…do you really feel like I pressured you into writing it? Do you really regret publishing it?” Merlin lowered his gaze and shook his head. “No, Arthur , I was a stupid ass…I am glad you encouraged me to write it and to publish it. I know I lashed out, but I didn’ t mean it. I’m sorry . I am grateful to you for helping me to step out of my comfort zone and to put myself out there more. Y ou were right about everything. And people love the cover photo you took of me. I get so many compliments on it.” “I am very proud of that photo.” Arthur pressed his forehead to Merlin’ s, “I never wanted to hurt you or make you feel overwhelmed or that you weren’ t in control of your own destiny . I should have listened to you.” “I was never really angry at you, Arthur . I was angry at myself. Y ou were just a convenient target, and I will never for give myself for what I did. It wasn’ t your fault, it was mine, and mine alone.” “I promise I will not pressure you into writing another book or anything you don’ t want to do.” “Funny you should mention that, because, well,” Merlin gave him a soft smile, “I already started writing a second book.” “You have?” “Yes, a few months ago. I’m not sure I will ever finish it.” “I’m proud of you, Merlin.” “Are you?” he smiled, kissing Arthur . “I am,” Arthur grinned as Merlin ran his hands down his back to his arse. “I do believe we’re getting the hang of this whole open communication thing.” “Better late than never ,” Arthur huf fed a laugh and moaned as Merlin’ s fingertips pressed into soft flesh drawing them closer , their hardening cocks responding with enthusiasm. “God, Merlin, we should…ah fuck yes.” Merlin’ s teeth grazed his shoulder then his throat and collarbone. “Y ou were saying?” he asked huskily . “Slipped my mind,” Arthur growled then devoured his mouth. “Mmm, that’ s good.” “Merlin, you’re making it very hard to resist.” “Very hard,” Merlin grinned looking down at their fully hard cocks, “Let me fuck you, please. I’ll be careful, go slow .” Arthur kissed him, looking into his heated gaze. He nodded and Merlin immediately turned off the water and they got out of the shower . He positioned Arthur by the sink in front of the mirror and dragged his fingers lightly down his sides to his hips their eyes meeting in the reflection. “God, I have missed you,” Merlin said. Arthur's breath caught when he saw the tell-tale golden glow in his lover ’s eyes and felt his body tremble and relax as magic coursed through him, conver ging in the one spot that Merlin focused on. He kissed the back of Arthur ’s shoulder , his fingers delving into his entrance working him open at a slow , languorous pace. “Merlin…God, I for got how good you are at this.” “Then let me refresh your memory ,” Merlin grinned running his tongue along Arthur ’s spine and down the cleft of his arse before pushing it into him and Arthur moaned filthily . “Holy fuck,” Arthur gasped struggling to keep from pushing back, “Merlin…” “I’ve got you. Just let go.” “Need more…fuck…now , Merlin.” He growled low in his throat when Merlin’ s teeth grazed the flesh of his arse cheeks and fingers pushed inside him finding that spot sending Arthur into breathless moans and ragged panting. “You’re so good for me, Arthur ,” Merlin said huskily . “Look at you.” He pressed his lips to the middle of Arthur ’s lower back working a third finger into him. “Merlin!” “You’re ready for me?” “God, yes…fuck me, please.” Merlin looked into his eyes in the mirror and slid his thick cock along the cleft of his arse. “Slow and easy ,” he said as he pressed the head of his cock into Arthur . “Fuck, you’re hot.” “Merlin,” Arthur whispered splaying his hands out on the granite countertop, his arms spread apart to brace himself. He felt the magic skimming over his flesh and teasing his nipples while leaving his cock untouched. “God, Arthur ,” Merlin’ s breath stuttered as he pushed into him, struggling against the ur ge to just pound into him hard and fast. “So good, love…I’ve missed you, Arthur .” He let out a cry of utter bliss when he was fully buried inside his husband. “So tight…” Arthur let out a breathy laugh, “I think you got bigger .” Merlin grinned pulling out to the head then eased into him again. Repeating the movement several times until he found a perfect rhythm, closing his eyes as he lost himself in the pure ecstasy of their bodies coming together over and over , slow , and languid. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned as they moved together , finding that connection, that abiding bond that had been there since the beginning. The rift between them was healing. They were going to be okay . “I love you, God, I’m so sorry ,” he choked, suddenly breaking down, tears pooled in his eyes as he spilled inside Arthur . He withdrew and Arthur turned around catching him in his arms holding him against his chest, his hard shaft trapped between them. “Are you okay , are you hurting?” Arthur asked. “I’m fine, sorry , it just hit me.” “Come on let’ s go to bed.” Arthur led him into the bedroom and turned down the bedding. “Are you sure you’re all right?” Merlin nodded, “I love you.” “I love you too.” “You didn’ t come,” Merlin said reaching a hand out to stroke Arthur slowly . “I’m so close,” Arthur said closing his eyes. Merlin swallowed him down sucking and licking until finally he shuddered and spilled in his mouth and hand. Then they curled up together and just held each other kissing and touching. “Merlin…” “Yeah?” Merlin asked, his head resting on Arthur ’s chest, fingertips making figure eights on his hard stomach. “This feels good… “But?” Merlin asked, looking up into Arthur ’s eyes and hearing the hesitation in those words. Arthur smiled running a hand through his dark hair . “But I can’ t help but feel like there is still something…I don’ t know , maybe it is just me. I want so badly to feel secure in us again. T o know that we are okay…truly okay .” “It’s going to take time,” Merlin smiled and kissed his chest, “It’ s my fault and I am sorry that I did this to us. I wish I could magic away all our problems.” “Could you, please?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “I could, but then it wouldn’ t be real. W e need to find our balance.” “You’re very wise.” “Am I?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Mmhmm, extremely wise, unbelievably beautiful, intoxicating,” Arthur said his thumb pressing down on Merlin’ s bottom lip. “I am the luckiest man in all of this insane world to have you in my life and I am never running away again. If I lose you it will kill me.” Merlin moved on top of Arthur kissing him deeply , his hands on either side of his neck. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m like a cat…nine lives you know ,” he grinned. “Nine lives, huh? And how many of those have you used up,” Arthur smiled. “At least two so that leaves me with seven and I plan on spending every single one of those with you, Arthur . I love you.” “I love you too. Y ou should get of f me though because something is getting hard again.” Merlin sat upright, straddling Arthur ’s hips. His eyes flashed gold and Arthur moaned as he felt him slowly impaling himself on his shaft. He gripped Merlin’ s thighs. “Merlin…no… you’re hurt.” “Mmm, I’m okay…just going to…oh fuck that feels good,” he huf fed a laugh. “Merlin,” Arthur chuckled closing his eyes as he was fully sheathed inside his tight, wet, heat. “Y ou’re going to…oh God, yes…” he gasped. “I missed this…oh, Arthur…” “Go really slow ,” Arthur said. “I’m okay , more than okay ,” Merlin grinned slowly lifting up and lowering himself down again. “Merlin…fuck…please,” Arthur panted. Merlin let his head drift back, his mouth open in a breathy cry of bliss. “Oh, yes, that feels too good…Arthur…need to move more.” “Easy , Merlin…” Moving one hand back behind him, Merlin braced himself on Arthur ’s muscular thigh, the other hand splayed over his stomach. He closed his eyes rocking slowly then moved up and down on his shaft. “Oh, God, Arthur…touch me…touch me, please.” Arthur wrapped a hand around Merlin’ s cock stroking him slowly , swiping his thumb over the head and pressing against the slit. He smiled at the look of sheer pleasure on his face. “Fuck, yes, Arthur…” “Come for me, Merlin…I want to feel your body trembling around my cock. That’ s it, baby , come for me…you’re so close. I’m so close!” Arthur brought his knees up bracing his feet and thrust up into Merlin. He lowered his hips back down and moaned deeply his whole body shaking with the intensity of his rapidly building release. “God…Merlin, I’m coming,” he cried out feeling his seed spilling inside him. “Arthur!” Merlin shouted, his fingertips gripping Arthur ’s thigh as he impaled himself fully and shuddered with a powerful release that made his ribs ache, but he didn’ t care. It felt too good to be joined with Arthur so completely again. His seed pulsed from the head of his cock coating Arthur ’s hand and stomach. “Fuck, that was a good one!” he huf fed a breathless laugh. “You are going to be in so much trouble with Doc Annis,” Arthur grinned. “I won’ t tell if you won’ t…” Merlin said then leaned forward kissing him. “God, it was so worth it though.” “We might still have things to work out, but this part we are so good at.” “Yes, we are,” Arthur smiled, kissing him. “How about cleaning us up so we can get some sleep?” Merlin nodded, his eyes turning gold and he uttered a word. All the mess was gone, and the covers were pulled over them as he snuggled up against Arthur ’s side. “Baby?” he asked. Arthur looked at him, “What?” “You called me baby ,” Merlin chuckled, and Arthur smiled. “I guess I did. What about it?” Merlin shook his head slightly , “Nothing…I rather liked it.” “I shall keep that in mind. Go to sleep now , baby ,” Arthur kissed him. “Good night,” Merlin smiled against his lips then rolled over onto his side snuggling down into the pillows. “This bed is really comfy ,” he muttered then drifted of f to sleep. Arthur lay next to him, listening to the steady rise and fall of his breathing until he too fell asleep. Keep it Between the Lines Arthur woke up to an empty bed and sat up, scrubbing a hand across his face. “Merlin?” he asked then reached for his phone. It was after ten. How did he sleep so long? “Merlin!” “I’m here,” Merlin said as he came into the bedroom. “I made breakfast. Do you want it in bed or at the bar?” Arthur reached for him, “Come here.” “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am now . Bad dream.” “I’m sorry .” “Nothing I can’ t handle. Just need to feel you.” “I’m here,” Merlin smiled kissing him tenderly , “Last night was amazing.” “That it was,” Arthur nuzzled his neck. “Are you sore this morning?” “A little, but nothing I can’ t handle,” he grinned. “You said something about breakfast,” Arthur said as his stomach growled. “Mmm, yes, come on, french toast and bacon.” “You and your bacon.” “Food of the gods,” Merlin said then took Arthur ’s hand. “Up and at ‘em, food is getting cold.” Arthur slid his legs over the side of the bed and reached for a clean pair of sweatpants and a tank top putting them on. He then followed Merlin into the kitchen area and sat down at the bar . “Smells delicious,” Arthur said as he picked up his fork and took a sip of hot cof fee. “Gwaine texted me a bit ago, he and Mor gana are on their way here. Mother and Uther are with them. Y ou get the feeling our parents are closer than they seem?” “Yeah,” Arthur smiled, “They say they are just friends, but I am not so sure.” “Not sure I want to know ,” Merlin laughed. “Maybe that’ s why they are keeping it on the down low .” “I guess it wouldn’ t be so bad. If they make each other happy ,” Merlin said, moving around the kitchen cleaning and putting things away between bites of his breakfast. “No, I suppose not.” Arthur watched him for a moment. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am fine, I promise. Just a little antsy , wanting to get back out there and I know I am not ready ,” Merlin smiled, his eyes filled with emotion as he took a drink of his orange juice. Arthur finished his breakfast just as their family arrived. He rinsed of f his plate and carried his cof fee with him as Merlin opened the door to let them inside. “Welcome to Camelot,” Merlin smiled waving a hand as they entered. “Camelot?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, we have Excalibur , need a name for our home so Camelot,” Merlin shrugged. “Makes perfect sense to me,” Uther chuckled. “This is beautiful,” he said, “V ery comfortable.” “It’s bigger than your old apartment,” Mor gana said as she hugged her brother and then Merlin. “Arthur is a genius,” Merlin smiled looking at his husband. “You two seem better ,” Gwaine said placing a hand on both their shoulders. “Happy even.” “We are,” Arthur nodded. “Have a seat…can I get anyone a drink?” “No, thank you, Arthur ,” Hunith beamed as she looked around. “I wouldn’ t mind living like this. T o be able to pick up and go whenever I want and see the whole country .” Arthur and Merlin did not miss the fond smile between their parents then looked at each other with a shrug. “That could be arranged,” Uther winked at her and Hunith blushed and shook her head smiling. “Do you two have something to tell us?” Arthur asked and Hunith giggled like a teenage girl. “Mother?” Merlin asked. Uther cleared his throat and then sat down in one of the reclining chairs. “Arthur…Merlin, I have asked Hunith to marry me. W e have been keeping our relationship a secret so as not to make things awkward with you two, but now we feel it is time for you to know . The wedding will be in the fall, a simple af fair. That way we won’ t interfere with what’ s left of the storm chase season.” Arthur and Merlin looked at each other and smiled. Their parents watched and waited nervously for their reaction. Hunith reached for her son’ s hand. “Merlin?” she asked, “Are you all right with this?” Merlin ran a hand through his messy hair and nodded, “Of course, this is good. I want you to be happy . I can’ t say it is completely unexpected. Arthur and I have suspected that you two were closer than you let on.” Hunith reached for Arthur , “Arthur , darling, are you okay with this?” “Yes, Hunith,” he grinned and hugged her , “I love you. I want you and my father to be happy .” Uther stood up and approached. Arthur shook his hand. He pulled him into a surprising hug. “I am so glad you and Merlin are working things out. I love you both so much.” “Love you too, father ,” Arthur said as Uther released him and hugged Merlin. “Thank you, Merlin. I promise I will take care of your mother .” “I know you will,” Merlin nodded. Hunith was beaming with happiness, tears shining in her eyes. She put an arm around Morgana kissing her cheek. Mor gana hugged her tightly . “You’ll be my mother ,” she said with a huge smile. “And it will be an honor . You and Arthur are already so special to me.” “Me too?” Gwaine asked with a pout. “Oh, Gwaine, you know you will always be my favorite,” Hunith hugged him, and he grinned sticking his tongue out at the others. “Love you, Mama H,” he said kissing her cheek. “Well, now that you all know . I should also tell you that I will be selling the deli and moving here to the US with Uther so we can be closer to all of you. W e haven’ t quite decided where we will put down roots yet, but we both want to be near our families especially since we have a little one on the way ,” she winked at Mor gana who blushed. “What,” Arthur exclaimed. “Oh, yes,” Mor gana said, “Gwaine and I are expecting.” Merlin hugged her tightly , “I love you.” “I’m going to be an uncle,” Arthur grinned, and she nodded then he pulled her into his arms. “I am so happy for you guys. So, is there going to be another wedding?” “Actually , we already got married a few months ago in Las V egas, we didn’ t want to say anything with you and Merlin…well, you’re both here now .” “You should have told me,” Arthur shook his head kissing her forehead. “How did I not know about this?” Merlin asked eyeing Gwaine intently . “We did it while you were at that storm chaser conference in Nashville,” Gwaine said looking sheepish. “Gwen and Lance went with us.” Uther nodded, “When we get married we will celebrate your marriage as well.” “You’re going to get married here?” Mor gana asked. “Yes, it will be much easier for us to come here than for all of you to travel to London, and since we will be living here afterward anyway ,” Hunith said. “It will be wonderful to have all of you here. W ill, Kylie, and Nicholas are moving back here as well. He got a job with the NWS he starts in August.” Two hours later , their family left to drive back to town and Merlin shook his head feeling a bit overwhelmed. Arthur put his arms around him. “You all right?” he asked. “Yeah, I’m fine, just a lot to take in.” “I know ,” Arthur said then kissed him. “It is a bit weird,” he chuckled, “My father and your mother…” Merlin scrunched up his nose, “That means you will be my stepbrother and my husband.” Arthur thought about it and then shook his head. “No, definitely not going there.” Merlin laughed and kissed him, “I love you.” “Love you too. What do you want to do today?” “Hmm, I think I would like to go back to bed with my hot husband slash stepbrother -to-be.” “You’re not going to let that go are you,” Arthur huf fed a laugh rolling his eyes. “What would you like to do today?” “I thought we could go take a look at the data on your storm you were itching to get your hands on. Y our seventy-two hours is up…more or less.” Merlin shook his head, “Later .” Arthur raised an eyebrow , “Later? Really? After you whined for three days?” “Let’ s just say I have other priorities at the moment,” Merlin said then kissed Arthur . “Merlin…I don’ t want you to…” Merlin silenced him with a kiss and smiled, “If we are going to strengthen this marriage and heal, I need to shift my focus and compromise. T o show you that I can be both a husband and a storm chaser . I can’ t keep making the same mistakes over and over again.” “I just don’ t want you to come to resent me.” “We can do this,” Merlin said kissing him again, “I can find a balance.” “All right,” Arthur smiled. “Come on, let’ s go to bed.” The new Excalibur was delivered on Friday just in time for a massive weather front moving into the Midwest. Merlin was chomping at the bit watching the monitors in the auto shop. He was anxious to get out there and chase while a part of him was still a bit afraid. Not of the storms, but that going back to chasing would cause more strain on him and Arthur and their relationship. “Merlin,” Arthur said as he walked into the room, “Excalibur T wo is fueled up and ready to go. Are you sure you are ready to get back to it?” Merlin nodded, “Doc Annis cleared me. I’m good to go.” “She actually believed you about your magic?” “Yeah, well, after seeing me on the security camera footage from outside the hospital that night, it wasn’ t that dif ficult to convince her . So much for keeping my magic a secret,” he huffed a laugh, “At least I managed to convince them not to release it to the media.” “The footage was pretty impressive,” Arthur said as he put his arms around Merlin and kissed his neck. “I was there, and it was still stunning to see.” “I barely remember a lot of it,” Merlin said, “I was so focused on stopping the tornado that I didn’ t think about the cameras.” “So, which way are we headed?” Merlin shook his head, his lips pressed tightly together as he looked at his laptop screen. “Arthur , I’m second-guessing myself and that isn’ t good.” Arthur put his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders and turned him around. “Just focus. Y ou can do this. It’ s a part of you.” “I know , it’s not that…it’ s us. I’m…” he frowned, and Arthur moved his hands to his face and kissed him. “Talk to me, what is it?” “I can’ t focus if I am worried about us,” Merlin said. “I’m worried too, but we both need to chase. W e both need to get back out there and do what we do best.” Arthur hugged him, cupping the back of his neck, “Come on, let’ s do this. I love you.” Merlin kissed him then smiled, “T ogether .” “Together ,” Arthur nodded. “We’re going southwest,” Merlin said. “Southwest it is.” Arthur put in his earpiece and turned it on. “Load up, we’re rolling southwest, boys and girls.” He headed outside and Merlin chuckled shaking his head. Maybe they would be okay after all. “I’m driving,” Merlin said as he headed for the driver ’s side of their beautiful new Excalibur with the blue, gray , and black paint job and tornado graphics. Like the motorhome, it had their team logo within a black stripe. Arthur had added many upgrades including a stronger winch and tow package and more lighting. The glass had a special coating that would help prevent hail damage and the seats included custom seatbelts with an extra harness that could be put on in a hurry if there was immediate danger of impact with a tornado. Something Merlin really appreciated after what he had gone through. “Yes, boss,” Arthur grinned as he locked down the bed covers and got into the passenger side. Gwaine was behind the wheel of their only van. The other one was still in the body shop being repaired. Mor gana, refusing to remain behind, was in the passenger seat. Leon and Elyan were in the back manning the equipment. “Gwaine, if we get into it, keep our precious car go safe,” Merlin said as he started the engine. “You better not be referring to me,” Mor gana huf fed. “What? No, of course not,” Merlin chuckled. “Good,” Mor gana smiled at Gwaine, and he leaned over to kiss her , caressing her still flat stomach. “I will always keep them safe, boys.” “Ready ,” Arthur said as he fastened his seatbelt glancing at Merlin with a nod and a wide grin. He reached over to pat him on the thigh. “Let’ s go find us a storm to chase.” Merlin nodded, “Okay , we have a storm brewing on the border to the southwest. I’m not sensing anything too powerful on the ground yet, but there is strong potential. Eyes and ears, boys and girls.” He pulled up onto the road and headed for the highway . “God, this feels good,” he grinned running his hands over the steering wheel of Excalibur T wo. “I’ll always miss the original, but it’ s amazing.” “Are you going to drive it or make love to it?” Arthur asked, echoing his words from the test drive of the first Gladiator and they both laughed. They hit the highway and headed southwest. Merlin felt the welcome hum of his magic just beneath his skin. It was happy to be back on the road too. He smiled, his heart beating with the familiar rush of excitement and the welcome sense of relief that he was alive and back to doing what he does best. The reason he was put on this earth. And having Arthur sitting beside him again was more than he ever could have hoped for…more than he deserved. “Merlin, we have reports of a funnel cloud,” Elyan said. “Where?” Arthur asked, checking the screen. “Ah, there, I see it.” “It’s dropping in the middle of farmland,” Merlin said, “But there’ s a town just east of it… Dayville. Mor gana, speak to me, what are you feeling?” “I think it’ s going to hit the town. W e need to go,” she said, “But then you know that.” “I will always value your input,” Merlin said, “Let’ s do it. How far?” “Take the next exit and follow the two-lane highway to the west,” Arthur said, “W e should intercept it before it gets to Dayville. Merlin…” “I know , don’ t be reckless,” he grinned. Arthur shook his head, “I was going to say , keep it between the lines.” He smiled and then grabbed his cameras. Merlin laughed and then pulled of f the exit with the van right behind them. It took them only fifteen minutes to spot the twister on the ground. It was just getting started, quickly gaining strength, and growing in size. Merlin glanced back at the van. “Gwaine stick to the highway , do not follow us,” he said. “Merlin, it’ s going to shift east,” Mor gana said. “Yes, it is,” Merlin said then turned of f the highway onto a gravel road and drove straight for the tornado. His magic was pulsing, begging to be set free, but he held it back. “Not yet,” he muttered under his breath as Arthur took photos and video. The tornado turned to the east and he realized it had already doubled in size. “Dayville is going to take a direct hit, call it in, Leon. I’m going to skirt the edge and try to get ahead of it.” “Be careful, boys,” Gwaine said looking up at the rotation, “There’ s something not right with this one. The sky is a wicked shade of green and there’ s wild rotation behind it.” Morgana closed her eyes and nodded, “Merlin, Gwaine’ s right. Be careful.” “Arthur , are you ready?” Merlin asked. “Go for it,” Arthur nodded, and Merlin hit the accelerator . The gravel road turned to dirt then to mud as they ran into heavy rain and hail mixed. “Holy shit,” Arthur said as he held the camera on the dark grayish-green writhing twister that was picking up dirt and debris tossing it in every direction. “W atch the edge, there’ s a shallow ditch running along the road on this side.” “Hold on,” Merlin said as memories of his last chase, and the mistakes he’d made, pushed into his mind demanding attention. He shoved them all back behind a mental barrier and focused on the moment. “It’ s going to hit that house,” he said and put his foot to the floor . He drove across a field heading toward the home just as they spotted a second tornado reach the ground. It tore through a barn and tossed a tractor end over end right toward them. It flipped over and landed in the ditch narrowly missing them. “Fuck, that was close,” Arthur said. “Here we go,” Merlin said then punched through the space between the two separate twisters. He drove right up onto the lawn in front of the house, laying on the horn. No one came to the door , but Arthur spotted movement in the yard just beyond the house. Merlin ran to the house pounding on the door . “Tornado, get under cover!” he shouted as someone finally opened the door . The woman froze in fear as she saw the twister bearing down on them. Merlin grabbed her by the hands. “Are you alone? Is there anyone else here?” he shouted squeezing her hands and trying to get her to focus. She shook her head, and he dragged her out of the house and put her into the back seat. It was then that he saw Arthur running across the yard, the second twister was heading right for him. “Arthur!” he yelled his voice filled with panic. He got behind the wheel and hit the gas busting through the fence that Arthur had hopped over . Arthur looked back over his shoulder for just a second, but it was long enough to realize he was in trouble. He finally spotted the little boy huddled in the corner of the yard behind a stone building, clinging to his puppy . “Come on,” he shouted over the roar and grabbed him and the dog up in his arms looking around for an escape. He saw Excalibur barreling toward them across the pasture, but there was no way Merlin could reach them before the twister . He realized that the stone building was a pump house for a well and yanked the door open. “Hold on to me,” Arthur said to the boy, and he nodded, eyes wide and terror -filled. “W e’re going to be okay . Just hold on. I’ve got you.” Climbing down into the tight space between the pump and the wall, he curled his body over the child and covered his head with his jacket, closed his eyes, and braced for the impact. He heard the roar and the ground trembled beneath them. W ater sprayed from a burst pipe soaking them, but he held on tightly to the crying boy and the whimpering puppy . Everything around them exploded, the roof was ripped of f and Arthur prayed. It was then that he felt the warmth of Merlin’ s magic envelope them, shielding and protecting them. The tornado passed over them and Arthur heard Merlin yelling. He climbed out of the hole and ran toward his voice. There was nothing left of the building but crumbled stones. They reached him and Excalibur just as the original tornado was ripping the house apart. Merlin grabbed the puppy and Arthur jumped into the passenger seat with the boy clinging to him. “Merlin…Arthur!” Mor gana was crying as she saw them caught somewhere between the two tornados. “Mor gana, we need a way out. Can’ t see a damn thing,” Merlin said as he hit the gas continuing across the pasture and through a fence putting some distance between them and the tornado. “Cross the stream, then turn north, Merlin,” Mor gan said, “There’ s a bridge. Cross it, then turn left there is some sort of concrete dam. It may give you some cover .” “Got it,” Merlin nodded as they crossed the shallow stream. “Is he okay?” Merlin asked, glancing at the boy . “Yeah,” Arthur nodded, “I think so.” Crossing the bridge Merlin turned left and spotted the dam. There was no water in it, so he drove right down the steep embankment and in between the high concrete walls. “Hold on,” Merlin yelled as the tornado passed over the dam. They could feel the wheels of Excalibur lift of f the ground, but the twister couldn’ t quite get a grip on them. “Shit!” Merlin said as everything came rushing back. “Not this time.” He closed his eyes, pushing his magic outward and it wrapped around the Gladiator anchoring it to the concrete and rebar within. He felt Arthur ’s hand grasp his, locking their fingers together . “Merlin!” Gwaine shouted. The tornado mer ged with the other one forming one massive monster of a storm that miraculously shifted its direction again, heading away from Dayville into open farmland. Merlin drove them out the other end of the dam and up onto another gravel road just as the van came toward them from the opposite direction. Morgana got out of the van, running toward them. “Thank God,” she said as she reached Arthur , and he passed the little boy to her . “Hello, little one,” she hugged him close. “Got him?” Arthur asked, and she nodded carrying him back to the van. Merlin helped the woman out of the backseat, and she hugged him tightly . “Bless you,” she cried. He handed her over to Leon along with the puppy . “That was a bit too close for comfort,” Arthur said, and Merlin spun around and punched him in the shoulder . “Ow , what was that for?” “You tell me not to do anything reckless then you go and pull that shit,” Merlin yelled at him. “Sorry , I saw the boy and just reacted,” Arthur said. “You are an idiot,” Merlin said, shaking his head. “Like you wouldn’ t have done the same thing?” Arthur asked with a raised eyebrow . “Yeah, but I…” Merlin dropped his gaze and huf fed a laugh, “Fuck…” Arthur pulled him close and smiled, “I knew you would save us.” “Dammit, Arthur…” he said his eyes brimming with tears. “Hey , I’m okay . We saved three lives. That is our job, right?” “Yeah,” Merlin nodded, “It is.” Arthur grinned and kissed him, “W e are back, and I missed this so damn much. I missed you.” “Don’ t do anything like that again,” Merlin huf fed. “I won’ t if you won’ t.” Merlin chuckled and nodded, “All right, let’ s get them to a hospital.” “Where’ s Merlin?” Mor gana asked glancing around the waiting room of the hospital. The woman, Martha, and the boy , Keenan, were in the ER being examined. Martha was sixty years old and lived alone since her husband passed two years prior . She had been taking a nap when Merlin pounded on her door . She had no idea there was a tornado coming right for her . Keenan was six years old, he lived in a house up the hill from Martha. He had been playing in the pasture with his puppy Samson when lightning and thunder frightened the dog and it had run of f. He’d chased after it and that was when Arthur happened to spot him. His parents had arrived at the hospital shortly after they got there. His aunt was a nurse and called them as soon as the team came in with him. “I’ll find him,” Arthur said then headed out the doors walking toward their vehicles. He spotted Merlin perched on the bed of Excalibur his head tilted back looking up at the sky . It was raining lightly . “Merlin?” “How are they?” he asked without looking at him. “They are both going to be fine. Martha has a bad heart though, so they are going to monitor her overnight.” “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said. Arthur climbed up next to him and sat down. “For what?” “I am such a hypocrite,” he huf fed a laugh. “I wouldn’ t say that.” “What would you call it? I got mad at you for being reckless.” “To be fair , it was very reckless, and I knew I was in trouble. But I also knew that you would do the same thing, so it was either me or you. Besides, I trusted that you would save us.” “And what if I couldn’ t? Arthur , I couldn’ t even save myself that day .” “Merlin, I saw Excalibur…Gwaine took me to the wrecking yard to see what was left of it. Anyone else…” Arthur let out a breath, his voice breaking, “Merlin, no one else could have survived that. Y our magic protected you. W ithout it I would have lost you. W ithout it, a whole lot of people would not be alive today . I trust you. I believe in you, and I always will.” Merlin gave him a sideways glance, “Y ou did a good job today .” “Thank you,” Arthur leaned over and kissed him, “It seems that we are both a bit reckless.” “Maybe we should just embrace it, be reckless together ,” Merlin grinned. “I’d like that a lot.” “Me too.” It was late by the time they returned to home base. Arthur drove while Merlin dozed in the passenger seat. He parked next to the motorhome and nudged him awake. “W e’re home.” Merlin sat up and smiled sleepily , “It’s nice to not have to sleep in a motel room after a hard day of chasing.” “Yes, it is,” Arthur said as he got out and Merlin opened his door . He unlocked the motorhome and stepped inside to turn on the lights inside and out. He also turned on music that came through the exterior speakers. He moved back toward Excalibur where Merlin was still sitting in his seat. “Come here,” he said and pulled Merlin into his arms. “It’s a beautiful night,” Merlin smiled, slipping his arms around Arthur ’s waist, “Hi…” “Hi,” Arthur said then kissed him, “May I have this dance?” “You want to dance with me?” “Mmhmm,” Arthur kissed him again then led him into the light. “And they say romance is dead,” Merlin chuckled as they moved together to the music. Arthur laughed and spun Merlin around, “Just call me Prince Charming.” “Prince Arthur ,” Merlin grinned. “I like the sound of that.” “Thank you, for this.” “Anything for you, Merlin. I love you.” “Love you too.” “We should probably get some sleep. W e have a lot of data to go through tomorrow .” “Not yet,” Merlin shook his head, “Just hold me, please.” “With pleasure,” Arthur smiled. They moved together and Merlin tucked his face into the crook of Arthur ’s neck, tightening his embrace. Arthur felt the day’ s tension flow of f of Merlin and he relaxed against his chest. “Y ou okay?” “Better now ,” Merlin sighed. “I think getting back out there today did us both some good, despite the close call.” “It did, and Excalibur T wo is brilliant. Thank you.” “No need to thank me, Merlin.” “Arthur ,” Merlin said, drawing back slightly , “What happened today , I lost focus for a moment. Memories of what happened to me came rushing back and I put us both at risk.” “Merlin, I would be more worried if you didn’ t have residual memories and fears after what you went through.” “I can’ t let myself be distracted. Not just for our safety but the people we are trying to save.” “There is no one I trust more than you, distracted or not. Y ou will always get the job done.” “You have so much faith in me,” Merlin gave him a nod and a soft smile. “And I always will,” Arthur cupped the back of his head and brushed their lips together . “Shall we go inside and get some sleep?” he asked tilting his head toward the motorhome. “Yeah,” Merlin said then they walked inside together . Nathan Merlin’ s phone rang just after dawn. He grumbled then reached out to grab it of f the small shelf next to the bed and swiped the screen. “Y eah, yeah, I’m awake…what?” “Good morning to you too,” Gwaine chuckled. “Sorry , good morning, Gwaine…what’ s up?” “Thought you might want to know you have visitors here at the auto shop.” “Visitors…who?” Merlin asked as silence followed and then the muf fled sound of movement as the phone was passed to someone else. “Merlin…” “Freya? What the fuck?” he asked running a hand through his hair . “I know , I’m the last person you expected to see or hear from again,” she said softly , “But I need your help.” “It has been four years, and you just show up here wanting my help?” “Merlin, it’ s not for me, it’ s for Nathan,” she said her voice breaking. “What’ s wrong? Is he hurt?” Merlin asked, his chest tightening. “No, he’ s fine. Merlin, I need to talk to you face to face.” Merlin glanced at Arthur who was looking at him intently . “I’ll be there in a few minutes, Freya.” “Thank you, Merlin,” she said then ended the call leaving Merlin staring at the screen on his phone. “Freya?” Arthur asked, his eyes going wide. Merlin got out of bed and got dressed quickly , slipping on his boots. “What the bloody hell…” he muttered shaking his head. Arthur got dressed and put his shoes on. There was no way he was letting Merlin face his ex on his own. “What did she say?” “She needs my help, something to do with Nathan.” “Probably wanting money ,” Arthur said, and Merlin shrugged and nodded. “Most likely , but I need to find out what she wants. Nathan may not be mine, but I still love him.” “I know you do.” They left the motorhome and got into Excalibur , Arthur drove them up to the auto shop and they got out and went inside. Merlin walked through the open garage bay and into the work room. Freya was sitting at the table. Merlin stopped as he saw Nathan with Gwaine looking at the weather monitors and grinning from ear to ear . The boy turned and met Merlin’ s stunned gaze. He raised his hand in an awkward gesture. “Merlin,” he smiled then crossed the floor throwing his arms around him. Merlin hugged him tightly cupping the back of his head as tears pooled in his eyes. Nathan was nearly as tall as he was. He was fourteen and still had the curious gleam in his brown eyes. “God, Nathan,” Merlin said, “Look at you.” “I missed you,” Nathan grinned. “I missed you too.” Arthur walked in behind Merlin, and he glanced back. “Um, this is my husband, Arthur Pendragon. Arthur this is my son, Nathan.” “Pleased to meet you, Nathan,” Arthur said shaking his hand. Freya stood up and slowly approached Merlin. She looked tiny and frail, beaten down, she had dark circles under her eyes and her dark hair was cropped very short. She was ghostly pale. “Hello, Merlin,” she said with a tight smile and watery brown eyes. “Freya,” Merlin said, “What…” She turned to Gwaine, “Gwaine, could you…” Gwaine nodded and took Nathan by the shoulder and steered him outside. Arthur remained with Merlin, not wanting to leave him. “What’ s going on, Freya?” Merlin asked, helping her to sit down at the table again as he took a seat next to her . Arthur remained standing but moved over near the window .” “Merlin, I’m so sorry for coming here, but you are the only person I can count on. I’m dying. Stage four pancreatic cancer . I have maybe weeks to live. Kevin left us after I was diagnosed. He couldn’ t handle it. Merlin, Nathan has no one else. I know it is a lot to ask of you, especially after what I put you through. But I am here to ask you, to beg you to take him. I know I have no right…” she said, her voice breaking of f for a moment as she took a breath. “Nathan needs you. He loves you. I never should have pushed you out of his life. You are the only person he ever wanted to be his father and I kept him from you. I am sorry…deeply sorry .” Merlin sat there his hands holding hers. “Freya…you were right about me. I couldn’ t be the father Nathan needed.” “But you are the father he wanted. God, Merlin, he never stops talking about you. He follows you online, he has your book, and he worships the ground you walk on. T o him, you are his father .” Merlin smiled, “Really?” “I would not ask this of you, but I have no family . You are the only person I can count on to take care of him after…after I’m gone.” “Freya, there’ s still hope, I will help you find treatment. Y ou can’ t die, Nathan needs you.” Freya shook her head and smiled through her tears. “No, Merlin, I have exhausted all avenues of treatment. There is nothing more anyone can do for me. I am dying and I need to know that my son will be cared for when I die.” Merlin embraced her , “God, Freya, I’m so sorry .” Freya pulled back and patted his chest, she looked from him to Arthur . “You’re married,” she said, “I am so happy for you.” “Yes,” Merlin nodded, “Um, sorry…this is Arthur Pendragon…Arthur this is Freya.” “It’s nice to meet you, Arthur . You’re very handsome,” she winked, “I’m glad Merlin found someone.” “Freya,” Merlin said, “About Nathan…” “I know , it will be dif ficult with your work, but Merlin, he wants to work with you. It is all he has talked about for years. He will be fifteen soon and he wants to learn all there is to storm chasing. He knows what you do is important and that it will not be easy . Please, Merlin, you are all he has.” Freya stood up then, “I need to use the restroom. I will give you and Arthur time to talk.” Merlin got to his feet. Mor gana came out of the back room and nodded taking Freya’ s arm and helping her to the restroom. He turned to Arthur his eyes wide and desperate. “What am I going to do?” he asked. Arthur hugged him close, “Y ou’re going to say yes. W e are going to do whatever it takes to get Nathan through this. Merlin, you love that boy . In his eyes, you are his father . We can’ t turn our backs on him. No matter what Freya has done.” “You’re sure about this?” Merlin asked. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “W e will make it work. Whatever it takes. Nathan needs you.” “I know . I’m just scared.” “Of course, you are,” Arthur said placing his hands on Merlin’ s shoulders, “I would be too.” Merlin smiled his blue eyes shining with tears, “I’ll have my son back.” “Yes, you will.” Morgana returned with Freya helping her to sit down again. She looked up at Merlin with such hope in her eyes and he sat down taking her hands in his again and nodded. “Freya, you don’ t have to worry . Nathan can stay here with me…with us.” “Oh, thank God,” she said, hugging him as tears slid down her face. “Thank you, Merlin… Arthur , you have no idea what this means to me.” “Nathan will have a home here with us. It may not be the most conventional family , but we will love him and take care of him. He will want for nothing,” Arthur said as he bent over to embrace her . Mor gana looked at her brother with tears in her eyes. “Freya,” she said, “I can assure you that I will be here for Nathan as well. The whole team will be. Y ou won’ t have to worry about him.” Gwaine came back inside with Nathan then and the boy looked at Merlin. “Merlin?” Merlin got up and hugged him, “Nathan, you want to come live with me?” Nathan gave him a tearful nod and threw his arms around Merlin’ s neck. “I wasn’ t sure you would want me.” “God, Nathan, I never stopped loving you, son, not once,” Merlin said in a choked whisper . “Blood or not, you were always my boy .” “I love you too,” Nathan laughed, and Merlin drew back to look into his eyes. “You really want to be a storm chaser?” “Yes, more than anything. Just like you.” Merlin turned to Freya, “Where are you staying?” “We have a motel room in town. I wanted to bring Nathan here myself. T o speak to you in person.” Arthur met Merlin’ s gaze then looked at Freya, “Let us make some calls and get you a bed in a care facility where you will have nurses to assist you for however much time you have left.” “I cannot af ford that, but thank you, Arthur .” “I insist, Freya. I will cover all the costs. Y ou need to be cared for ,” Arthur said then looked at Mor gana and she nodded taking a seat next to Freya. “I will take care of it.” “You don’ t owe me anything, Arthur . You don’ t even know me.” “I want to help, Freya. Please accept, if only for the fact that it will help Nathan to know his mother is cared for .” “Mom, please, they are right. Y ou need to be in a place where you will be taken care of,” Nathan said. “I am your son, but I can only do so much.” “Let us help,” Merlin crouched down in front of her and smiled, “Everything is going to be okay . I promise.” “Merlin, you are such a good man. I am so sorry I hurt you.” “It’s forgotten.” “You do look happy ,” Freya said, “So, I suppose it was for the best because you wouldn’ t have Arthur .” Merlin nodded, “I did love you, Freya.” “I know you did, but we were not meant to be. I was happy with Kevin until this happened. I suppose I can’ t blame him for leaving. I’ve been going through treatments for over a year . The stress, the money , the pressures of having to take care of me while raising Nathan. It was too much for him.” “He’ s a fucking bastard,” Arthur said. “Why didn’ t you tell me sooner?” Merlin asked, “I could have helped you.” “I didn’ t want to bother you. If not for Nathan, I wouldn’ t have come to you now . If I had any other option…” “No, Freya, I am glad you came to me. I love Nathan, I wouldn’ t want anyone else to have him. He’ s my son.” Freya’ s eyes filled with tears and Merlin hugged her . “We will need to meet with a lawyer before…before I go,” she said. “I’ll call my attorney ,” Arthur said, “I will set up a meeting as soon as possible.” “I don’ t know what to say , you are all so kind,” Freya smiled as she caressed Merlin’ s cheek, “Thank you…all of you.” Two days after , Mor gana had arranged for Freya to move into a hospice care facility just twenty minutes away . Arthur ’s lawyer had taken care of all the paperwork putting a rush on everything to make sure by the time Freya passed Nathan would be legally adopted by Merlin and Arthur both. It had only taken sixteen days for her condition to deteriorate. Merlin was so grateful to Arthur , accepting Nathan without hesitation or question. Not only as Merlin’ s son, but to adopt him as his own. He smiled sadly , tears in his eyes, as he stood on the small, covered patio outside Freya’ s room watching the rain fall. Behind him, the sliding glass door was open, and he could hear Freya’ s ragged gur gling breathing that his mother always referred to as the death rattle. He had heard it before when his grandfather was dying. The end was not far of f. It was only a matter of hours. Nathan was struggling to remain strong for his mother . He was far too young to have to deal with the loss of his mother . “Dad…” Merlin turned around to see Nathan standing in the doorway , his eyes red from crying. He stepped inside and hugged him. They walked over to Freya’ s bedside together . Her eyes were open, but she wasn’ t seeing them anymore. Her hands were trembling where they lay across her breasts. “Nathan,” Merlin said, “She’ s holding on for you, son. T ell her it’ s okay .” Nathan nodded then stepped closer to the bed. He leaned over and brushed his mother ’s hair back from her face and kissed her forehead. “Mom, I’m gonna be okay . You can go now . I love you,” he said, his mouth next to her ear . He held her hand in his kissing her fingertips which were blue. “You don’ t have to worry , Freya,” Merlin said softly , placing a hand on the back of Nathan’ s neck, “I’m going to take care of our boy .” Three minutes later she fell silent and still and the alarm sounded. Nathan turned and buried his face against Merlin’ s chest sobbing quietly . “Shh, I’ve got you,” Merlin whispered, kissing the side of his head. Freya had insisted on not having any kind of funeral service. She just wanted to be cremated and her ashes scattered somewhere pretty . So, a week later , Merlin, Arthur , and Nathan stood on the edge of a beautiful lake in the woods and released her ashes into the wind with a little help from Merlin’ s magic to carry them far and wide. Gwaine and Mor gana stood nearby watching. “On the wings of a butterfly , Mom,” Nathan said with a soft smile. Merlin whispered a word of magic and suddenly the air was filled with tiny blue butterflies. Nathan let out a delighted laugh and grabbed Merlin’ s hand. “Thank you, Dad.” “I remember how much she loved butterflies,” Merlin smiled and nodded. “We can go now ,” Nathan said. Arthur hugged them both then they walked back to Excalibur . “Let’ s go to Grubbs and get some lunch,” he said. “Go ahead without us,” Mor gana said, “I have a doctor ’s appointment in an hour . We will see you later . Nathan, if you need anything just ask. I love you.” “Thank you, Mor gana, love you too,” he smiled and got into the backseat. “See you boys later ,” Gwaine nodded then helped Mor gana into his truck. “Later , Gwaine,” Merlin said then got behind the wheel while Arthur got into the passenger seat. “Dad, can we have a bonfire tonight?” “Sure, I don’ t see why not,” Merlin smiled then started the engine and turned the truck around to head back up the dirt road. “Thank you.” Arthur turned around in his seat and reached back to ruf fle Nathan’ s dark blonde hair . “Like Morgana said, anything you want or need just ask, okay .” “Okay ,” he nodded, “Arthur , since you have adopted me too…what should I call you?” “You can call me whatever you want. Merlin is Dad so that’ s taken,” he smiled. “I’ve always called my father ‘father ’ but whatever you feel comfortable with. I am fine with just calling me by my name too.” Nathan smiled, “Father sounds too formal.” “Just call us both Dad and use our name to dif ferentiate when necessary ,” Merlin chuckled. “That works,” Nathan nodded. “Are you doing okay?” Merlin asked. “I’m good, Mom’ s no longer in pain. She is free.” “My mother died giving birth to me, I never had the chance to know her ,” Arthur shook his head, “I know it isn’ t the same, but if you need to talk to me about anything I am here for you.” “I know , thank you, Dad,” Nathan smiled at Arthur . They pulled up in front of Grubb’ s and parked, Merlin shut of f the engine and they got out walking into the restaurant with Nathan between them. Arthur put his hands on the boy’ s shoulders and guided him through the door . Merlin smiled and then followed. Into the Fold That evening they had the bonfire that Nathan asked for , and everyone showed up to help him say goodbye to his mother . He was immediately adopted by the whole team. Merlin watched him throughout the evening surrounded by acceptance and love, and it made him happy . He lifted his head as a butterfly fluttered through the sky above him. He smiled and nodded. “He’ s going to be okay , Freya,” Merlin whispered. The butterfly fluttered around his head and then flew toward Nathan. He looked up and saw it and mouthed ‘ I love you, Mom’. Then with a wide grin, he held his hand up in the air . The butterfly landed on his fingertip for just a moment then flew away . He glanced over to meet Merlin’ s gaze with tears in his eyes. Morgana saw the whole thing and she came up behind Merlin resting her arm on his shoulder . “Did you do that?” she asked, and he responded with a slight shake of his head. “That was incredible.” “I’m a dad,” Merlin said his voice catching in his throat. “And you are a wonderful one. Y ou and Arthur both, I am so proud of you two. I am scared shitless as it is to be a mother . I cannot imagine what you are going through.” “I have always felt that he was mine, I never should have let Freya push me out of his life… keep me away . I should have fought to stay in the picture.” “What matters is you are here now . When he needs you most. Nathan is welcome to come stay with us if Camelot ever gets too cramped for the three of you.” Merlin smiled, “W e are good. He has taken over the fold-down bunk over the cab. He loves it. Calls it his tower room. Even has a small TV up there and storage. It will suit him for a while until we get the house built.” “How are you and Arthur going to balance fatherhood and the job while still keeping your relationship on track?” “I have no clue,” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “But Arthur has been amazing with Nathan.” “Probably because he reminds him of himself at that age.” “You think so?” Merlin asked as he watched Arthur put his arm around Nathan giving him a plate of food, encouraging him to eat. “They are very similar ,” Mor gana smiled then nudged Merlin’ s shoulder . “Percival and Nicole, they are getting quite close.” “He’ s always had a thing for nurses,” Merlin chuckled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I am good,” he looked up at her and nodded. “I love you,” Mor gana kissed his cheek. “Love you too.” “You should eat something, Merlin, I’ll go fix you a plate,” she said then headed for the long tables that were lined with food before Merlin had a chance to refuse. Arthur looked at her , smiling as she approached and said something to him. He looked over at Merlin and nodded then quickly dished up food. He passed the sacred tools of the grill master and the apron over to Gwaine then headed toward Merlin, pausing just long enough to grab two bottles of beer from the cooler . “Hey good lookin’…whatcha got cookin’?” Merlin grinned. “My lovely sister just scolded me for neglecting my beautiful husband,” Arthur handed him the plate and one of the beers then kissed him. “For give me.” “You’re for given. Thank you.” “Are you okay?” he asked as he sat down in the chair next to Merlin’ s. “Yeah, I am.” Arthur followed Merlin’ s gaze toward Nathan and nodded. “Y ou’re worried about him… scared. I know I am. But he’ s a great kid, smart as hell. It’ s almost scary how much he knows about weather and storm chasing.” “Yeah, and I can’ t very well tell him he can’ t do it, because in truth I was a bit younger than him when I started getting into storm chasing. What if something happens to him?” “Merlin, we will protect him, keep him grounded and focused. He’ s a Pendragon now , my father has already set up a trust for him and an account for his education,” Arthur smiled, as Merlin jerked his head around to look at him. “You’re serious?” “He insisted. Nathan will have the best education and a job waiting for him when he graduates if he wants it. Though I have a feeling we’re looking at the next generation of Excalibur Storm Chasers.” Merlin took a bite of the grilled chicken. “If only I could make the job of the storm chaser unnecessary .” “Would you stop if someone invented the perfect solution to predicting and warning people that made your job obsolete?” Arthur asked. Huffing a laugh, Merlin shook his head, “No, I wouldn’ t.” “Yeah, I didn’ t think so.” “Arthur , I need to say something…” “You really don’ t.” “Prat, shut up, and let me say this. Y ou have been incredible through all this with Nathan and Freya and helping me take care of things. All you did for Freya. Y ou didn’ t hesitate, accepting Nathan, adopting him. It means more to me than I can ever express. And now to know that your father is doing so much for him as well. Thank you is not enough.” “Merlin, it wasn’ t even a question…Nathan is your son. I will do whatever it takes to make sure he is taken care of and has support and love. I know what it’ s like to miss your mother . He has you and he has me and he has all of them,” Arthur nodded pointedly . “That he does,” Merlin smiled taking a bite of the baked beans and Dutch Oven potatoes. “What would you think about taking a week or so of f before school starts and we take Nathan sailing?” Arthur asked, “I know it will cut into storm season, but I think it would do us all some good.” Merlin nodded, “Y es, yes, I think that would be good. The team can handle things while we are gone.” “I will make plans then, if you are in.” “I’m in…let’ s do it.” Arthur smiled and kissed him then stole a deviled egg of f his plate popping it into his mouth. Merlin glared at him. “You stole my egg.” “Mmm, and it was delicious. Gwen makes the best deviled eggs.” “I wouldn’ t know since you just stole mine, you ass,” Merlin said though his eyes were glinting with mirth. “Y ou owe me.” “Ah, I am quite certain I will find a way to make amends,” Arthur said kissing him again. “Promise?” “Oh, yes.” “I can see I am going to need my earplugs tonight,” Nathan chuckled as he walked over and flopped down on the ground in front of them. “And maybe a blindfold too,” Arthur smirked. “Nathan, um, I guess we never really talked about this,” Merlin said blushing. “Please, Dad, I am almost fifteen. I don’ t need the talk ,” he smiled. “I have been around plenty of kids my age and adults who have same-sex relationships. Anyone can see that you two belong together . I would much rather live with two people who love each other and respect each other than what I lived with before. Kevin treated Mom horribly and I kept trying to get her to leave him, but she wouldn’ t. He had her self-esteem so beaten down that she wouldn’ t stand up for herself. I think she believed she deserved his treatment.” “He beat her?” Merlin asked, his voice cold. “No, never , he wouldn’ t dare lay a hand on her . He used words instead and sometimes words cut deeper and leave more scars.” “Did he ever hurt you?” Merlin asked ready to launch a full-on manhunt for the bastard and flay him alive if he did. “No, he pretty much left me alone. Ignored me like I wasn’ t even there. Unless I did something that reminded him…like set the shed on fire,” Nathan grinned. “You did?” Arthur asked. “Oh, I did. Should have seen him. He was so red in the face I thought his head would explode.” Both Merlin and Arthur struggled to contain their laughter . Nathan smirked, “He was pissed that I refused to accept him as my father figure. I told him he didn’ t deserve it. I told him that you were my dad,” he said, looking at Merlin, “No one else ever mattered to me.” “Merlin told me about you,” Arthur said, “Not long after we started working together .” “You did?” Nathan asked and Merlin nodded. “Nathan, we were just discussing maybe taking a week or so of f before school starts and going sailing. W ould you like to go?” “Sailing?” Nathan asked a huge grin on his face, “Y es, I would love that.” “Good,” Arthur nudged the boy’ s leg with his foot, “As long as you promise not to set anything on fire.” “I promise no fires,” he laughed. “Also, I got a call from my father…now your grandfather . He is setting up a trust for you and you will have an account to use for your education. Wherever you want to go, whatever you want to study , and a job waiting for you when you graduate if you want it.” Nathan’ s eyes were shining with tears as he shook his head. “Really?” he asked. “Yes,” Arthur nodded, “My boy , you are a Pendragon now .” “I never even thought about that. God, I don’ t even know what it’ s like to have a father , much less two fathers and a grandfather . But to have an actual education, a future…” Merlin nodded, “I know it’ s a lot. I had trouble with it myself in the beginning. I was using a duct-taped duf fel bag when Arthur showed up. Next thing I know I not only had a new bag but all the funding I needed and Excalibur to chase storms in.” Nathan nodded his eyes growing serious, “Gwaine told me what happened, Dad, that you nearly died. Y ou can’ t die on me.” “Gwaine shouldn’ t have told you,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes a bit. “Merlin knows he can’ t take stupid risks anymore,” Arthur said, looking pointedly at his husband. “So does Arthur ,” Merlin huf fed, staring back at him. “Risks are a part of the job,” Nathan said, “I know that. Just don’ t die on me, either of you. I can’t lose anyone else.” “All right,” Merlin nodded. “No dying,” Arthur said. “What’ s for dessert?” Nathan asked, then jumped up to go find out leaving his fathers grinning from ear to ear . “We’re going to have our hands full with that one,” Arthur grinned. “Yeah, and I have no fucking clue how to be a father .” “You’re doing fine so far .” “I am not exactly the best role model for a teenage boy .” “That’ s not true, Merlin. When are you going to stop doubting yourself?” “Probably never ,” Merlin gave him a sheepish grin. Arthur kissed him, “Y ou are the best man I know or will ever know . There is not a single person here who would disagree with me. Y ou for get that you built this…all of it. W ithout you, none of this would be possible.” “I had help.” “And those people who helped did so because they respect, admire, and care about you. They wouldn’ t be here if they didn’ t.” Merlin looked at Arthur , his eyes wide and filled with intense emotion, “Y ou wouldn’ t be here. Though I sometimes find myself wondering if you’d have come back to me if I hadn’ t been on death’ s door .” Arthur stared at him in silence for what seemed like an eternity then shook his head. “T o be completely honest, I don’ t know what I would have done. But I can tell you that leaving you was the worst thing I ever did in my life and my deepest regret. And I understand that we may never be able to get past it, but I love you, Merlin. I am here now , and I am not going anywhere.” “No, I know ,” Merlin shook his head, “I’m sorry . I shouldn’ t have said that.” “If it’ s what you feel then yes, you should. W e can’ t deal with these lurking shadows in our relationship until we shine the light on them. I need you to be open with me, Merlin. No matter how much it hurts to hear .” “I don’ t want to hurt you, Arthur . It’s not your fault what happened. I don’ t blame you for leaving, not really . And I am so fucking glad that you came back to me. I’m sorry .” Arthur took Merlin’ s nearly empty plate and placed it on a chair pulling him into his arms. “What do you say we take a walk, just you and me?” “I’d like that.” “Great, come on,” Arthur motioned to Mor gana, and she nodded understanding his nonverbal communication. He took Merlin’ s hand, and they walked around the front end of the motorhome and headed down a trail that followed the river into the wooded area beyond the meadow . The sun was just dipping toward the horizon. “I want to show you the spot where I would like to build our house.” “Okay ,” Merlin grinned, letting go of Arthur ’s hand as they climbed the trail to a rise that overlooked the whole property . “It’ s gor geous up here.” Arthur ran across the grass to a stand of trees. He looked back at Merlin with a grin on his face. “Over here,” he called out and Merlin ran after him into the shade of the trees. Arthur stopped and moved aside to reveal a hammock stretched between the two lar gest trees and Merlin laughed. “A hammock?” “Yeah, why not?” he smirked then laid down in the extra wide canvas hammock and reached for Merlin. “Get in here, it will hold both of us. I had Percival bounce around in it to make sure it would.” “Percival?” Merlin laughed heartily , “That would have been a sight to behold.” “Mer—lin,” Arthur said dragging out his name and beckoning him with his fingers. “You’re absolutely crazy ,” Merlin shook his head then eased himself into the hammock and Arthur ’s waiting arms. “There, see, perfect,” Arthur said kissing him. “Mmm, this is quite comfortable. V ery bouncy ,” he grinned then rolled over on top of Arthur demonstrating said bounciness by rocking his hips into him. “Oh, this could be interesting indeed.” “Indeed,” Arthur said pulling him down for a kiss that sent a shiver of arousal all through his body . “Fuck, this is an even better idea than I thought,” he moaned as Merlin proceeded to wiggle and writhe on top of him. “There’ s no one else around,” Merlin said huskily , biting at Arthur ’s bottom lip, “Shall we experiment?” “God, yes,” Arthur panted already fully hard in anticipation. “Mmm, I think this will require a bit of assistance,” Merlin smirked then his eyes flashed gold and their clothes and shoes vanished. Arthur looked around to find them draped neatly over a low tree branch. “Magic makes you entirely too lazy , Merlin,” he chuckled. “No, I just figured it was faster , seeing as we would have to get out of the hammock to undress.” “You are very wise,” Arthur kissed him filthily as his hands slid down his back to cup his perfect arse. Merlin moaned closing his eyes as he felt their cocks align together his magic creating a little slickness. “Fuck, Merlin…that’ s…oh yes.” “You in me or me in you,” Merlin asked, his mouth devouring Arthur ’s collarbone and his shoulders. “Whatever you want, baby ,” Arthur chuckled, “Whatever you want.” “Mmm, yep, I really like you calling me that,” Merlin grinned then he raised up on his knees and leaned back gripping the hammock with both hands as he stretched his legs out spreading them apart so he could position himself on top of Arthur and align them perfectly . His eyes flashed gold and he shivered as the magic flowed between them opening him up. “Oh, this is…” he moaned as he reached between his legs to finger himself while Arthur watched. “God, you are stunning,” he said, and Merlin threw his head back, his mouth open in a cry of bliss as he worked his fingers in and out faster and deeper until he was ready for Arthur . “Come on, baby , I need you…I need to be inside you.” Merlin shifted carefully , trying to keep from dumping them out of the hammock onto the ground while getting into position. Arthur gripped his cock holding it in position while Merlin fully impaled himself on it with one thrust punching the air from his lungs in the process and his eye went wide and dark with arousal. “Oh fuck, that is good,” he panted the angle putting direct pressure on his prostate causing a rush of heat and sparks behind his closed eyelids. “Arthur…” “Merlin, fuck, are you all right?” he asked with a breathless laugh. “Mmhmm…brilliant…you’re a genius, Arthur Pendragon.” “Here’ s where the bounce comes in handy ,” Arthur said as he gripped Merlin’ s thighs and thrust upward into him. “Holy fuck,” he growled, and Merlin rocked into him. They found the perfect rhythm, using their body movements in conjunction with the hammock’ s flexibility . “God, Merlin…so good, baby…you feel so good.” Gripping the hammock tightly Merlin spread his legs apart more until his bare feet reached the very edges of it. He let out a stuttered groan just as Arthur thrust upward hitting his prostate dead on again and again. “Arthur…Arthur…fuck, I am so close. Need to switch.” “You’re in control,” Arthur said his chest heaving. Merlin moved, letting Arthur slip out of him then he turned over onto his stomach and gripped the ends of the hammock finding balance on his knees as Arthur shifted a bit forward fingering him as he kissed the curve of his arse and flicked his tongue against his entrance pushing it inside. “Arthur…” Merlin moaned. “Hold on,” Arthur said as he moved into position behind him. The awkward angle was like nothing they ever tried before so he eased into him carefully and Merlin chanted his name. “Okay?” “Yes, yes, fuck me, Arthur .” It took a moment for Arthur to get in sync with the hammock’ s movements but finally , it all aligned, and he was pounding into Merlin hard, deep, and fast. “Oh, that is good, so good,” Arthur grunted. He didn’ t let up until Merlin was trembling and whimpering with every thrust. He stopped to catch his breath. Merlin let go of the end of the hammock and Arthur laid back bringing Merlin back with him so that he was lying on his chest still impaled on his cock. “Hold on, Merlin,” Arthur growled and pushed his feet against the ropes on the edges utilizing the full bounce of the hammock driving upward into Merlin while wrapping a hand around his cock. “That’ s it, baby , I want you to come for me,” he whispered in his ear , biting his earlobe. “Fuck, fuck, Arthur ,” Merlin shuddered violently . He came hard, his seed shooting into the air and Arthur followed spilling inside him. “Holy…” Merlin said his chest heaving. They were both shaking with the aftershocks of their releases. “Definitely one of my better ideas,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “God, yes,” Merlin grinned. “We are definitely keeping this,” he said. They lay together until the sun had gone down then managed to drag themselves out of the hammock and got dressed before walking back down to the party which was still in full swing. Percival gave them a knowing wag of his eyebrows and Merlin blushed profusely . “I assume it passed the test,” Percival said keeping his voice low as he winked. “With flying colors,” Arthur grinned. “You don’ t mind if I try it out myself sometime, you know?” “Not at all,” Merlin laughed. Someone had brought a couple of acoustic guitars which Merlin was immediately drawn to. He picked up one and Nathan grabbed the other . They sat down by the fire and started to play together like they used to. Singing songs while everyone watched. “I didn’ t know Merlin could sing,” Mor gana said, and Arthur smiled. He loved seeing the spark of joy and mischief in his husband’ s eyes again. “He is a man of many talents,” Arthur said. “I’m sure he is,” Mor gana giggled nudging her brother , “Getting it on in the woods, Arthur . I am impressed.” “Shut up,” he laughed and kissed her cheek then went to sit between Merlin and Nathan who passed the guitar to Arthur . He took it and started to play along with Merlin. Mor gana was beaming at them as Gwaine wrapped his arms around her , placing a hand on her belly . “I think they are going to be okay ,” he said. “Yes, they will be,” Mor gana said leaning back against his chest, “I love you.” “Love you too, baby ,” Gwaine smiled, kissing her tenderly . “I’m going to help Gwen and Nicole with the clean up then we can head home.” “Okay ,” he said, “Just let me know when you’re ready to go.” Morgana walked behind Arthur and Merlin then stopped to kiss the top of Nathan’ s head. He looked up at her with a wide grin. “Quite a group we have,” Percival said to Gwaine as he placed a hand on his friend’ s shoulder . “Yeah,” Gwaine said with a nod, his eyes shining with tears, “And I would die to protect each and every one of them.” “Me too,” Percival patted his shoulder then went to help Nicole. After finishing another song, Arthur leaned over to kiss Merlin, and everyone applauded, cheered, and whistled. Merlin laughed at something he whispered in his ear then shoved him playfully while Nathan rolled his eyes and reached over to grab a Pepsi from the cooler . Gwaine smiled. It was so good to see Merlin finally allowing himself to be happy . He had Arthur back and he had Nathan now . Perhaps he would start to realize that there was too much to live for to keep putting himself in harm’ s way . “Penny for your thoughts,” Leon said nudging Gwaine’ s arm. “They’re worth at least a nickel, if not a dime,” Gwaine huf fed. “How about I give you a quarter and you tell me what’ s got you looking so pensive?” “Just a feeling. Maybe Mor gana is rubbing of f on me,” he chuckled. “Well, if I were you, I would trust that feeling,” Leon nodded. “What’ s going on?” “Just can’ t help but feel like this is the calm before the storm. Which in our line of work is literal.” “You think something big is coming?” Gwaine shook his head, “Y eah, maybe.” “We’ll just have to keep alert and watch out for them,” Leon said nodding pointedly at the group. “If it will make you feel any better , I will go on up to the auto shop and check on things.” “Thanks, man.” “No, problem,” Leon said then headed up the hill on foot. “Where’ s Leon going?” Arthur asked as he stood up and walked over next to Gwaine. “To the shop.” “Anything wrong?” Arthur asked. “Not yet,” Gwaine shook his head. “What did the doctor say?” “Everything is looking good. W e are ten and a half weeks along.” “You’ll be a great father , my friend.” “You’re doing pretty well in that department I see,” Gwaine smiled. “Making it up as I go along,” Arthur huf fed. “Arthur , it’s no secret that I was pissed as hell at you for leaving Merlin the way you did. He explained to me what happened, but it was all I could do not to jump on a plane and fly to London to drag your arse back here.” Arthur nodded, “I know . I will regret what I did for the rest of my life.” “No, you’re going to fucking let it go,” Gwaine said, turning to face Arthur . “You’re going to focus on the here and now and for get the past because if you don’ t it will eat away at you until nothing is left and Merlin needs you. Nathan needs you. Let it go…” “I will try ,” Arthur said. “Next time I will kick your fucking arse,” Gwaine gave him a tight-lipped grin. “There won’ t be a next time, I can assure you of that.” “Good to know . Don’ t get me wrong. I know Merlin played his part. He has been my best friend…my brother for a long time and I know how he can be. I know he shut you out and pushed you away . But, man, after you left he went down a bad road. I think he was intent on taking himself out one way or another . That day…” Gwaine shook his head fighting tears, “God, that day when I crawled into Excalibur . I blamed myself because I should have seen it coming. I should have seen how bad it truly was, but I didn’ t…I messed up and nearly lost him.” “You couldn’ t have stopped Merlin anymore than I could if I had been here, Gwaine. Even before I left, he wouldn’ t listen to me.” “Look, I don’ t want to keep hounding you. God, Arthur , you are a good man, and you don’ t deserve to have the blame laid at your feet. W e all were hesitant to even tell you how bad it got. But you need to know .” “Thank you, Gwaine. Y ou’re right, I need to know . Merlin is not going to tell me and hell, I doubt he even realizes how bad it was.” “I’m sorry to drop this on you now . I have been trying to find the right time…” Arthur nodded, “There is no right time.” “I love you, man, I do. Just be careful,” Gwaine embraced him, and Merlin glanced up at them with a look of concern in his eyes as if he knew what they were talking about. “I will. It’ s not just me and Merlin I have to think about now…we have a teenage boy .” Gwaine looked over at Mor gana who was waving at him. “Looks like that’ s my cue to head out. I will see you later , my friend.” “Thank you, Gwaine,” Arthur nodded, “Y ou’re a good man too and I know you’ll always take good care of my sister .” “Until my last breath,” Gwaine smiled then headed toward her as Merlin got up and walked over to Arthur . “Dare I ask what you two were talking about? W as it about me?” Arthur hugged him and kissed his lips, “It was, but nothing I didn’ t need to hear .” “Shit, I should have known he would eventually get around to it.” “Merlin, he was right to tell me.” “I guess,” Merlin shook his head and lowered his gaze, “I’m just ashamed…” “He said I need to let it go and focus on the here and now , and he’ s right. What happened is out of our control now . All we can do is focus on us…you, me, and Nathan have a whole new family dynamic to sort out. That is what is important now .” “I know . How much did Gwaine tell you?” “It’s done, Merlin. I love you and it is time to let it go. Gwaine and Mor gana headed home. Looks like the others are getting close. Let’ s get stuf f put away and go to bed.” Merlin nodded and Arthur kissed him again then they walked over to where the tables were. The food had already been cleared away , so they flipped the tables over and folded the legs then slid them into their custom storage bay beneath the motorhome. Nathan folded up the chairs that weren’ t being utilized and put them away as well. “Arthur ,” Lance said, shaking his hand, “Gwen and I are taking of f. Our babysitter is on the phone. She said Zachary is running a slight fever .” “Get going then, we’ve got this. Give him a hug for us.” “Will do,” Lance nodded then turned and headed toward their car where Gwen was already sitting in the passenger seat talking on the phone. She waved to Arthur and smiled apologetically . He waved goodbye and threw her a kiss. “What’ s wrong?” Merlin asked as he approached. “Zachary is running a fever they had to go.” “I hope it’ s nothing serious.” “Hope not. Where’ s Nathan?” “He’ s arm wrestling Percival,” Merlin chuckled. “This I gotta see,” Arthur laughed then they walked over to the pair . Percival was putting on a show pretending he was losing. Then he grunted and let Nathan win. “Ah, man, so much for being undefeated,” Percival smirked. “Right,” Nathan laughed, “Y ou let me win.” “Nope, you won fair and square, Nate, my boy .” “I’ll take my twenty bucks then,” Nathan gave him a wide grin and held out his hand. Percival put the money in his palm and then mussed his hair . “That’ s it for me, time to go home,” he winked. Nicole hooked her arm through his, “Good night boys.” “Night you two,” Merlin said. Merlin extinguished the bonfire with a word and a flicker of gold in his eyes. Nathan was already climbing into the motorhome. Arthur put his arms around Merlin then they followed. They sat on the sofa and drank a couple of beers while Nathan took a shower . He came out wearing Merlin’ s old pajama pants and Arthur ’s T-shirt which was too big for him. “Didn’ t we just buy you new clothes?” Arthur asked with a chuckle. “Yeah,” Nathan grinned and shrugged, “I like to be comfortable.” “Love you, kiddo,” Merlin stood up and hugged him, “Y ou okay?” “Trying to be,” he nodded. “Good night, love you guys.” “Night,” Arthur smiled, “Love you too, buddy .” Merlin helped Arthur up of f the sofa and they made their way to the back shutting of f the lights while Nathan climbed into his bunk. They walked into their bedroom and closed the door. Merlin stripped and headed into the shower while Arthur undressed and laid back on the bed closing his eyes. He dozed of f and was treated to a dripping-wet Merlin crawling on top of him kissing his chest. “Hi,” Merlin said huskily as his teeth grazed Arthur ’s nipples and collarbone. “Hi,” Arthur moaned, “Thought you would be tired from our earlier workout.” “Nope, are you?” Arthur flipped Merlin onto his back and kissed him deep and hard. “Never ,” he said then kissed his way down Merlin’ s body taking his hard cock into his mouth. “Ah, that’ s good.” “The hammock was fun, but there’ s something to be said for a nice soft bed too,” Arthur said as he pushed Merlin’ s legs apart and up hooking his strong arms around them holding him still as his lips, tongue, and teeth teased his arse avoiding the actual goal driving him mad with need. “Fuck, Arthur…” Arthur grinned and pushed his tongue inside him drawing a desperate and guttural moan from his throat. He held nothing back fucking into him with his tongue then a finger joined in. Merlin was writhing on the bed his hands tangled in the bedding, head thrown back, mouth open wide. Arthur loved seeing him in such a state. He was beautiful. “I’m going to make you come just like this, baby .” “Arthur…please…” “Let go, Merlin…just let go,” Arthur kissed the cheek of his arse then his mouth traveled upward over his balls to the base of his cock, his tongue trailing upward along his length to tease the slit before swallowing him down at the same moment his fingers hit his prostate and Merlin bit his bottom lip to keep from crying out in pleasure. “God, Arthur that feels good…too good.” Arthur bobbed his head up and down hollowing out his cheeks and pushed in a third finger sending Merlin over the edge. His seed hit the back of Arthur ’s throat and he swallowed greedily before letting him slip from his mouth and immediately moved up between his legs and thrust into his spasming hole. “Oh, fuck, that feels incredible,” Arthur groaned snapping and rolling his hips. “Merlin…” “Arthur , harder ,” Merlin gasped his body shaking with the aftershocks of his release. “Ah, baby , you are amazing, I love you.” Merlin raised his legs up over Arthur ’s shoulders changing the angle of penetration. “Fuck, yes, that’ s…just like that…God, Arthur…” Reaching back, Arthur cupped Merlin’ s arse pounding into him at a furious pace until finally he reached the precipice. T urning his head, he kissed and licked Merlin’ s leg as he filled him with his seed. His hips moving with short hard thrusts. “Holy hell,” Merlin gasped, and Arthur laughed breathlessly . “Every time I think it can’ t possibly get any better ,” Arthur smiled, kissing him as he lowered his legs. “Yes, I don’ t think married sex is supposed to be this good.” “It will always be with us.” “I love you,” Merlin said kissing him. “Now I need a shower ,” Arthur grinned, “Care to join me?” “Can’ t move, think I’ll just use magic.” “Lazy arse,” Arthur chuckled playfully smacking his arse as he rolled onto his side. He got off the bed and went into the bathroom. When he came out Merlin was curled up under the covers sound asleep. Arthur smiled and turned out the lights then got into bed with him. He kissed him tenderly . “Good night, Merlin.” “Mmm, night,” Merlin smiled in his sleep. Arthur was wide awake for some reason, so he reached for his phone. There was a text message from Leon with screenshots of possible severe weather activity for their area in the next couple of days. Looks like it was back to work for them. He glanced at Merlin deciding not to wake him. It would wait until morning, there was nothing indicating immediate danger . Just in case, he pulled up the live feed. Getting out of bed he slipped on his jeans and went quietly into the work area in the middle of the R V and booted up the computer and lar ge monitors. “What’ s going on, Dad?” Nathan asked as he climbed down from his bunk and came to stand beside Arthur . “Leon sent me some data, just checking it out. Nothing to worry about yet.” “That looks ugly ,” Nathan said pointing to a spot near the Nebraska-Colorado border . “The Jetstream is shifting, that’ s going to stir up some storms. There’ s a pronounced hook echo right there. Barely noticeable, but it’ s there.” “I see it,” Arthur nodded. “The dryline is setting up along here. Definite supercell development all along there.” “Impressive,” Arthur looked at him, “Y ou really taught yourself all this stuf f?” Nathan shrugged, “It was a way for me to feel connected to Dad. I ate up everything I could find online. Every photo and glimpse of him on some video no matter how blurry it was.” Arthur chuckled, “I know the feeling. Before I ever met Merlin I followed him online. Devouring every bit of information. Back then it was much harder because your dad was elusive and hated publicity…avoided it at all cost. It was only after he wrote and published Beauty and Chaos that he started to embrace it a bit, but it still makes him uncomfortable.” “That was such a great book,” Nathan said pride in his eyes, “I’ve read it probably ten times through.” “He told me he started a second book. Maybe you can encourage him to finish it.” “I’ll definitely work on him,” Nathan smiled. “We should go to bed,” Arthur said, “Looks like the next few days are going to be interesting.” Nathan stood up as he got to his feet then he hugged him. “Thank you…for everything.” “You’re welcome,” Arthur kissed the side of his head and released him. “You didn’ t have to accept me so readily , I know that. It means a lot to me.” “Nathan, you’re a part of Merlin, that makes you a part of me. I love you.” “Love you too,” he grinned. “Get to bed now ,” Arthur nudged him toward his bunk, “See you in the morning.” “Night, Dad,” Nathan said then scrambled up the ladder . “Night, Son,” Arthur smiled then turned of f the lights going back into their bedroom. “Everything okay?” Merlin asked groggily . “Yes, all good, go back to sleep,” Arthur kissed him then got into bed. “Nathan…” “He’ s fine. That kid is brilliant,” he said as he laid back on the pillows. “Are you sure he isn’t really yours?” “Positive, I didn’ t even know his mother when he was born. W ish it were so.” Arthur wrapped Merlin in his arms, drawing him against his chest. “Go back to sleep.” “Okay ,” Merlin nuzzled into the crook of his neck and closed his eyes. “God, I love you so much,” Arthur whispered. He smiled as Merlin snored softly , his warm breath against his skin. “Sleep, my love, sleep.” Conscious Destruction Merlin woke up to the sound of knocking on the door of their bedroom. “Nathan?” “Yeah, Dad, you need to see this,” Nathan said, “Hurry .” “Coming,” Merlin said, reaching over to shake Arthur awake. “Nathan needs us for something.” “Yeah, yeah, I’m up,” Arthur said pushing himself upright, throwing his legs over the side of the bed to grab his jeans while rubbing his eyes. Merlin had his jeans on and pulled a hoodie over his head then opened the door . Nathan was in the work area with a blanket and a bottle of apple juice. Merlin kissed the top of his head and looked at the screens. “What’ s going on?” “Check this out,” Nathan’ s fingers flew over the keyboard. When he hit enter all three screens switched to dif ferent areas where supercell thunderstorms were popping up all along the dryline. “Holy shit,” Merlin said. “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked as he came out of the bedroom running a hand through his messy hair . He looked at the screens and he was suddenly wide awake. “Fuck…” Nathan turned to look at them, “I couldn’ t sleep so I upgraded your system with all the new tracking tools and graphics programs. The tiny hook echo we saw last night in northwestern Nebraska turned into a tornado, touched down three hours ago, with winds over two hundred miles per hour . Damage information is incoming, but it looks like a possible EF4-EF5. T wo towns took a direct hit. This is going to get ugly .” Merlin leaned over the keyboard hitting keys checking out what Nathan had done to the system and smiled. “Impressive, you’re a genius,” he nodded mussing his son’ s hair . “Thanks,” Nathan grinned. Arthur pulled his phone out of his pocket and sent out a text alert to all the team’ s phones. “Calling in the calvary ,” he said. “What’ s the plan?” “Good, we are going to need to mobilize quickly . Glad we have both vans back. Let’ s do Gwaine, Mor gana, and Nathan in van one and Leon, Elyan, and Percival in two.” “You’re actually letting me go along?” Nathan asked, his eyes lighting up. Merlin nodded, “As long as you promise to stay in the van. Gwaine will keep you safe. I need you to man the equipment and be our eyes. Do you think you can handle that?” “Yes, absolutely ,” Nathan said then jumped up and hugged Merlin tightly , “Thank you!” “Yeah, yeah, go get dressed,” Merlin laughed, and the boy headed for his bunk to get ready while Merlin took his place at the workstation typing in a password to log in to the team database. “You sure?” Arthur asked, keeping his voice down. “We need another pair of eyes. And, as I said, I was younger than him when I started, and he is far more technologically savvy than anyone I could hire. Besides, he will be in the van with Gwaine who is already focused on keeping Mor gana and the baby safe. Nathan couldn’ t be in better hands.” “True,” Arthur nodded, “Which way are we headed? What’ s your magic telling you?” “Everything in me is saying to stay close to home. The dryline is there, the jet stream is running along here, that’ s going to steer the lar gest of the supercells this way . My magic is telling me to position us somewhere in this area,” he pointed toward the screen indicating an area about fifteen to twenty miles northwest of homebase. “V an one should stick closer to us. V an two will run up this highway to watch our flank and alert us to any oddities.” Arthur ’s phone chimed with incoming texts. “They’re all on their way . Lance said he and Gwen have been up all night with Zachary , but if we need him to call. He really misses chasing.” “He needs to be with his family ,” Merlin said. “Okay , I am going to finish getting dressed,” Arthur kissed Merlin’ s head and then went back into the bedroom. “Is this suitable storm chaser attire?” Nathan asked as he turned around in a circle. He was wearing jeans, boots, and a tattered T wister movie T -shirt that looked oddly familiar and Merlin chuckled. “Where did you find my old shirt?” he asked. “Mom had a box with all your stuf f in it. I might have raided it and pulled out some things. I also have your old notebooks and a shoebox of photos,” Nathan grinned, “Oh, and I have your old watch. I had it repaired so it works again.” He held up his wrist and Merlin reached out to run his fingers over the old watch and the leather band and smiled. “It was my father ’s,” he nodded, “It’ s the only thing I have of his.” Nathan’ s smile faltered, “Y ou should have it back then.” He started to take it of f, but Merlin shook his head and gripped his hand. “It’s where it should be. Y ou wear it, son.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” Merlin said, “Y ou’re my boy . He would be proud of you…as I am.” Nathan hugged him. When he drew back, he quickly swiped away a tear . “Thank you. And thank you for letting me go along on the chase with you.” “Yes, well, it would be rather hypocritical for me to tell you that you’re too young to go. I was younger than you when I started chasing storms. As soon as I learned to drive I started taking my Dad’ s old truck out, against my mother ’s wishes, following storms. Then I totaled it and had to save up money to buy another old clunker to use.” “I bet Grandma Hunith was pissed,” Nathan grinned. “Just a bit,” Merlin laughed. “I love you, Dad.” “Love you too, Nathan. Thank you for what you did here. This is great.” “It was nothing. There are some other upgrades that are rather expensive, but they would speed everything up and give us more tools to utilize.” Merlin smiled and then got up from the chair . “Make us a list of what you think we need, and I will discuss it with Arthur . Right now , I need to get myself ready to go.” He headed toward the bedroom as Arthur was coming back out. He kissed him then winked and went into their bedroom to grab his boots and into the bathroom to try and tame his wild hair . “Twister , huh?” Arthur asked tugging at the ratty old T -shirt. “It was Dad’ s,” Nathan grinned. “Might have known. Ah, you’re missing something,” Arthur said then went to a row of drawers. He pulled one open and took out one of the of ficial Excalibur team jackets. “Here you go, now you’re of ficial.” “Cool, thanks!” Nathan said then slipped it on, it fit him perfectly . It was black with blue and gray bands and the team logo on the back with a tornado graphic above it. “Looks good on you,” Arthur mussed his dark blonde hair . “I can’ t believe I am going chasing with you all.” “You wanted to be a storm chaser . Your Dad is the best there is. Y ou should learn all you can from him.” “And you too,” Nathan smiled then he looked at Arthur hesitant to say anything, but he needed to know . “Um, how bad was it…what happened to Dad? I overheard the others talking about it.” Arthur shook his head, “I was in London when it happened. I flew back here as soon as I got the call. Y our Dad and I had separated for a while…six months to be exact. He would have died had it not been for his magic protecting him.” “You two are good now , right?” “We’re working on it,” Arthur nodded, “W e love each other that has never changed. It’ s just that your Dad tends to put up walls and push people away when he is hurt or angry or feeling overwhelmed. I missed the signs and took it as him shutting me out…which I guess in a way he was. But I never stopped loving him and I never will. He is my heart and soul. W e have a unique bond that nothing will ever break.” “Yes, I heard the evidence of said bond,” Nathan said cheekily , and Arthur laughed. “Earplugs,” Arthur said, sticking his fingers in his ears. “I left them in my bag in Excalibur .” “Speaking of which…” Arthur said as he pulled open a drawer in the desk and took out a case. He opened it and handed Nathan his own earpiece which was fully char ged up and ready to go. He put his own in his ear and as Merlin returned he handed his to him. “Let’ s roll,” he said and opened the door stepping down to the ground. Nathan followed while Merlin locked up the R V and looked up at the sky . “I better put a little spell on Camelot to protect her in case a storm hits,” he said pressing a hand against the side as his eyes turned gold. A shimmering golden bubble grew around the motorhome sealing it inside the protective barrier .” “Handy ,” Nathan grinned as he watched. “Get in,” Merlin said steering him to the backseat. They drove up to the auto shop parking inside the empty garage bay . Arthur booted up the computers and the equipment getting it ready while Merlin made a pot of cof fee and went to the storeroom to grab the case with their drones. “What’ s in there?” Nathan asked nodding pointedly toward the case. “Drones,” Merlin grinned, “Y ou know how to fly them?” “Sweet, yes!” “Good, we will take them along in case we need to get a bird’ s eye view .” The rest of the team arrived within half an hour and twenty minutes later , they were ready to go. Merlin put his hands on Nathan’ s shoulders. “You’ll do what Gwaine tells you. Stay in the van and help him protect Mor gana and the baby .” “You got it,” he smiled. “Good boy ,” Merlin patted his cheek then headed for Excalibur , climbing behind the wheel, and starting the engine. “All aboard,” Gwaine said, tugging on the sleeve of his jacket, “That looks good on you.” “Thanks,” Nathan said then climbed into the van shutting the door . He took up his position in the back at the laptop and fastened his seatbelt. “T esting, testing, can you all hear me?” he asked. “Welcome to Excalibur , Nate,” Percival chuckled, “Y ou owe me a rematch.” “You got it, big guy ,” Nathan grinned. “Everybody ready ,” Merlin asked, looking at Arthur who was laughing. “Ready ,” Leon said. “Give me just a bit,” Mor gana said as she took a seat next to Nathan. “Let’ s get you set up back here,” she smiled, showing him what he needed to do. The kid took to it like a duck to water . “Okay , we are ready , let’s roll, boys,” she smiled as she returned to the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. Gwaine started the engine and then pulled out, following Excalibur along the road to the highway . Leon and the others were right behind them. “Okay , boys and girls,” Merlin said, “As you are all now aware, we have a new team member . I know you will all watch out for Nathan. He may be young, but he is a genius and the boss’ s son.” Nathan laughed heartily , “I don’ t expect any special treatment.” “Good, because you won’ t get any ,” Gwaine said. “Okay , Nathan,” Arthur said, “Show the team what you can do.” “All right, we are heading northwest, we have supercells popping up all along the dryline. Gonna be a wild ride. W eather peeps are predicting multiple tornados possible. Already looking at a hook echo just this side of the Nebraska border . Dad’ s magic is pointing us in that direction and as you all know we always trust the magic,” Nathan said with a nod. “How’d I do, my two dads?” Merlin grinned, “Y ou’re going to fit right in, my boy .” “Good job,” Arthur smiled. “We’re going to stick fairly close to home,” Merlin said, “Everything is telling me the action is coming at us. Seems the chasers are becoming the chasees these days. Leon stick to the main highway and Gwaine you’ll watch our six but keep a safe distance. Maintain situational awareness…keep your heads on a swivel.” “You got it,” Gwaine responded knowing what his unspoken duty was…protect Mor gana and Nathan at any cost.” “Mor gana, how’ s your magic, sweetheart?” Merlin asked. “It’s buzzing beneath my skin at the moment. Never imagined that pregnancy hormones could af fect my magic. I’m good though.” “Okay , I will need your instincts. If this gets hairy . What’ s it telling you?” “That we are heading in the right direction and there are multiple rotations in the sky just itching to drop a twister . Merlin…” she added somberly . “Yeah, I know…lives are going to be lost today , I’m afraid. But we are going to do whatever it takes to lessen the impact. Nathan, give me the names of the towns that are in the most danger .” “Give me just a sec,” Nathan said then quickly finished tweaking the software and refreshed the screen. “All right…we have Marysville, Stonebridge, and Brookline…then just across the border we have Dry Creek.” “Marysville,” Merlin said, his magic spiking, “Marysville and Dry Creek are most at risk.” “The hook echo is nearly on top of Marysville,” Percival said. “Dad, there’ s another hook echo growing just west of Dry Creek,” Nathan said. “Reflectivity is showing possible lar ge hail and heavy rains.” “Which one?” Arthur asked. Merlin fell silent and intensely focused for several minutes as he drove. Then he nodded sharply . “W e’re heading to Dry Creek,” he said, “Keep watch on Marysville and the other towns let me know what pops up.” Arthur leaned forward and refreshed the feed on his laptop then pulled out his cameras to get them ready . He gave Merlin a sidelong glance. He looked tense all of a sudden, his eyes were dark with worry . It was obvious that he was torn between the two towns and hoped he was making the right decision. “Merlin…” “I’m all right.” “Trust yourself…no second-guessing.” Merlin nodded and smiled, “Right.” “Dry Creek?” Arthur asked. “Yes, Dry Creek it is.” “Leon, break of f at the next crossroad and take the highway , that will keep you on our right flank,” Arthur said. “Gwaine, hang back, watch your backs too.” “Got it,” Leon said. “Boys,” Gwaine said leaning forward to look up, “Y ou have a funnel cloud forming right above you. It’ s a tiny little rope but watch yourselves.” “See it,” Arthur said, and Merlin looked up. “It’s weak, we are good. Thanks for the heads up, Gwaine.” “No problem,” he responded. Merlin drove down the practically single-lane road that was riddled with potholes. “I need a better road, Arthur , this is not going to work.” “Next intersection…take a right.” “Got it,” Merlin said slowing to make the turn. “Dad,” Nathan said, “The hook is growing, you’re heading right for it.” “Yeah, seeing the rotation now , buddy ,” Arthur said pointing up as he snapped photos and took video. “There it goes.” “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Be careful.” “Hang back, Gwaine,” Merlin said, “This is the one.” He hit the gas and Excalibur ate up the gravel road heading right into the rapidly rotating and lowering wall cloud. The tornado touched down just to their left and headed right toward Dry Creek. “Fuck, I hate being right sometimes,” he muttered under his breath then pressed the brake, slowing to get a good look at the wicked twister and a feel for what it wanted to do. “Dad, this thing is not stable. Be careful. Y ou’re going to run into hail any second.” Merlin smiled as a hailstone hit the hood of Excalibur , “That’ s my boy .” Arthur grinned and snapped photos. “Look at that inflow ,” he said. “Nathan is right, this thing is not stable,” Merlin said, “It’ s all over the place. I’m going to try and cut through and make it to Dry Creek before it gets there. Percival, call in the alerts.” “Already on it,” Percival said. “Let’ s do this then,” Merlin said then put his foot down to the floor . Excalibur shot across the field heading for the main road into Dry Creek. They hit a shallow ditch and went a bit airborne before reaching the asphalt and Merlin turned the wheel a hard right and hit the gas again. They were doing nearly ninety miles an hour , and the tornado was keeping up with them easily . “Merlin, it’ s picking up speed you need to move,” Gwaine shouted as he saw the tornado ripping up and tossing a whole fence line. He swore under his breath and slowed down as posts were tossed at them like missiles. “Fuck! Hold on,” he said and turned of f the asphalt and onto a dirt road then followed a canal taking them away from the writhing base of the storm. “Boys, we are of f course. Evading incoming fenceposts.” “Get clear ,” Merlin said, “Head for Marysville and warn the people. This thing is unpredictable right now .” “Dad, we have another one, rotation just to the west between here and Marysville,” Nathan said his voice calm but tinged with fear . The real world of storm chasing was both exhilarating and freaking scary . “Be careful, you both promised, no dying.” “No dying,” Arthur nodded. Merlin looked back then shook his head, “Fuck this.” He turned the wheel to the right driving down into a shallow , dry riverbed and up the other bank. He turned left again and hit the gas as the wheels dug into the gravel spitting it out the back and they tore down the road and over the railroad tracks tearing into town with the horn blaring. Arthur flipped on the loudspeaker . People were casually walking on the street oblivious to the danger . “Fucking people do they ever heed the warnings?” Arthur muttered then held the mic up to his mouth. “Get of f the streets! Seek shelter now!” he said his tone commanding. “T ornado heading for Dry Creek, get of f the streets! Move!” People looked at their vehicle suddenly realizing who they were then scattered, running for cover . Arthur turned up the volume. “Seek shelter now! Dangerous tornado, move!” “Fuck,” Merlin said, “Hold on.” The tornado hit the railroad tracks tossing train cars and sending them rolling into homes and buildings. He hit the accelerator and turned down the main street which was nearly clear . There was a sherif f’s vehicle parked in the intersection. He saluted them as they passed then took of f toward the center of the town with lights flashing and sirens blaring. “Merlin,” Mor gana said, “Where are you?” “In town, the tornado is on our ass.” “You need to get to the river ,” she said, “Run!” Merlin nodded and looked up as the tornado slammed down on the buildings to their right. “Shit,” he yelled, “The fuck…this thing is erratic.” “The river , Merlin!” Mor gana cried. Merlin hit the gas and headed down the main street crossing back over the railroad tracks before turning down River Road. The water level was low enough, so he drove across, water spraying up around them obscuring the storm until they reached the other side and headed down the highway that followed the river on one side and a concrete train bridge on the other . Spotting an unused train tunnel, Merlin drove of f the road, turned the Gladiator around positioning it to straddle the rail, then backed into the tunnel. Arthur flipped on all their exterior lights as he backed as far away from the entrance as possible. Not even a minute later the tornado passed over them. The roar was deafening, and they could feel the suction pulling at Excalibur trying to drag them out of the tunnel. “Fuck, that was close,” Arthur said. “Dad!” Nathan’ s voice crackled in their ears. “We’re okay , Nathan,” Merlin said letting out a deep breath as he laid his head back against the seat. “Where are you?” “We are in Marysville. People are cleared out. W e are heading toward the school. There’ s a storm shelter there.” “Good, get to the shelter . We will catch up as soon as we get out of this train tunnel.” “You’re in a train tunnel,” Nathan huf fed. “Mor gana, thank you for the guidance,” Arthur said. “You’re welcome,” she said her voice a little shaky . “Leon, where are you?” “We are in Marysville.” “Wait,” Nathan said, hitting the keys on the computer and then refreshing the feed. “Stop, Gwaine!” “What?” “Trust me, stop!” Nathan shouted and as soon as Gwaine pulled over , Mor gana moved to the back with him. “What do you see?” she asked. “That,” he said pointing at a dark spot right ahead of their current position, “Nearly right over the school.” “Oh, no,” she gasped, “Merlin, there’ s something unnatural happening here.” “What is it?” Merlin asked as they drove out of the tunnel. He had to gun the engine to get them over broken trees and other debris and back onto the highway then turned toward Marysville. “This storm has changed direction. It’ s no longer heading toward you.” “Doesn’ t matter ,” Nathan said, “This storm is already here. Sitting right over the town like a giant pissed-of f cat waiting for the right moment to pounce.” “Gwaine, get them out of there,” Merlin said. “No,” Nathan shook his head, we need to stay put. Right here.” “Nathan is right,” Mor gana said, feeling it in her gut, “This freaking thing is rotating in place just ahead of our position.” Leon pulled up right next to them and stopped the van, getting out to look up at the sky . It was a dark, swirling mass resembling a whirlpool in water . The others got out as well and Nathan walked into the middle of the street with camera in hand. The air was eerily still, no sound, no birds, complete silence but for the distant rumble of thunder . “What’ s happening?” Arthur asked. “This is really fucking creepy ,” Gwaine said. Nathan snapped photos and took videos as well. He couldn’ t help but be in awe of the beauty and the utter chaos. This was what his dad witnessed countless times. What he wrote about in his book. “This is so cool,” he smiled. A moment later a long twisted finger lowered from the center of the darkness and touched the ground the only sound coming from it was a low groaning whistle. Then the demons were released. The finger scoured the asphalt as it moved down the street heading right for the school. “Shit,” Gwaine said wrapping his arms around Mor gana. The air remained still around them as if they were in some sort of pocket. The tornado tossed cars and ripped a roof of f the gas station. Broken power lines writhed around like headless snakes before catching spilled fuel causing the whole place to erupt in a ball of fire and a deafening roar . Flames quickly spread through the neighboring buildings and homes. The school blew apart as the tornado slammed into it with vengeful force. The roof lifted of f, practically in one piece only to be carried into the air before breaking apart. “Holy hell,” Leon gasped. “Fuck,” Percival said. “We would have been right in the middle of that had we kept going,” Elyan said, “Nathan, you saved us.” “But the people,” Nathan said, his voice breaking as Percival wrapped him in his strong embrace. “Shh, it’ s all right. W e have to hope they all made it to the town shelter beneath the school.” Merlin spotted the vans. He drove across the railroad tracks pulling up next to them, then jumped out of the truck, heading straight for his son. Nathan moved away from Percival and walked into his embrace. “Are you okay?” Merlin asked holding him. “Yeah, I’m fine. Though I have a much deeper respect for what you do,” Nathan said. “Shit,” Arthur said as he took in the scene before them. It was apocalyptic. Devastation and raging fires. He put his arm around Nathan and gently squeezed his shoulder . They stood together in silence watching the storm, there was nothing they could do to help anyone in its path. V iolent and vicious, mindless destruction and death before their eyes. The sky opened up then, dumping rain on them as they all ran for the vehicles. Nathan got into the back seat of Excalibur and Merlin started the engine while Arthur was on the phone calling 91 1 to get help. “Need to find a way around the fires,” Merlin said. “Hand me your phone, Dad,” Nathan said, and Merlin passed it back to him. He quickly pulled up the GPS location and found the school. “Okay , turn left down that alleyway go two blocks we will come to a bike trail. T ake it until we reach the bridge then cross the river there.” “The fire is out of control,” Merlin shook his head, “I need to do something.” “The rain is helping,” Arthur said, “Y ou need to focus on getting to the school. W e may need your magic to get to the people buried in the storm shelter .” Merlin turned down the alley , the vans were right behind them. “Fuck, I hate feeling helpless. People are dying and I can’ t stop it.” Nathan put his hand on the back of his neck and squeezed gently , “You can only do so much, Dad. Y ou’re only human.” “I know , but what good are my abilities if I can’ t save them all?” “You’re not meant to save everyone,” Nathan said his voice filled with emotion, “Y our job is to be a beacon of hope. That’ s your purpose. Save those you can.” Arthur looked back at him and smiled. “Couldn’ t have said it better myself.” Merlin huf fed a soft laugh and turned onto the bike trail. He looked in the rearview mirror and Nathan gave him a slight nod. Arthur reached over to pat Merlin’ s thigh. “Smart kid. Y ou should listen to him.” “Maybe so,” Merlin nodded. The bridge was still intact, but it was littered with burning debris. The rain was still coming down as they got out and started trying to clear the bridge. Percival and Leon managed to heave part of a downed tree over the railing into the river and cleared a path for them. Getting back into the vehicles they drove across the narrow bridge which was just barely wide enough as it was part of the bike trail. “Go one block then turn back toward the school,” Nathan said. Merlin hit the gas busting through more debris. Downed trees, pieces of buildings, roofs, wrecked cars, and puddles of water burning because of spilled fuel and chemicals. It was like Armageddon hit Marysville. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, pointing ahead of them, “There are people trapped in those cars.” “Percival, we have people in vehicles. See what you guys can do while the rest of us continue on to the school,” Merlin said. “On it,” Percival said as Leon pulled the van over and he got out to assess the situation. “Elyan, call 91 1, Leon, with me.” They managed to quickly get the three people out of the cars and moved them to a covered structure in the nearby park. They had only minor injuries. “Paramedics are on the way ,” Percival told them as Elyan gave them blankets and water . “We need to get to the school to help out. Y ou’re safe here until help arrives.” “Let’ s go boys,” Leon said then got back in the van. “Merlin, are you feeling that?” Mor gana asked. “Yeah, yeah, I am,” he said, “W e need to hurry .” “What is it?” Arthur asked. “Another tornado developing, just west of us.” “Shit,” Nathan said, and Merlin gave him a look. “Sorry…crap.” “Over there,” Arthur pointed toward the school. “Where’ s the entrance to the shelter?” Merlin asked. “Somewhere under all that,” Nathan said as they took in the completely collapsed brick walls and burning wood. “Holy fuck,” Gwaine said as they got out of the vehicles. Arthur opened the covers on the bed of Excalibur and pulled out shovels and flashlights. “Nathan, you should stay here.” “No, I can help, please,” he said. Merlin looked at him. “Nathan, it’ s dangerous.” “Yeah, it is, and I am going with you,” Nathan looked at him intently . Merlin turned to look at Arthur questioningly and he nodded. “Fine, you can come with us, but I want you to stay close. Grab the medical kit from the back of the truck. Mor gana, you stay in the van. There could be all kinds of chemicals and such in there. Y ou need to stay put.” “Yes, Gwaine has already made that quite clear ,” she said. Gwaine came toward them with a heavy duf fle bag of equipment. “Let’ s do this.” They made their way through the rubble, stepping carefully to avoid exposed nails, rebar , broken glass, and sharp pieces of sheet metal. Arthur scanned the area trying to spot the entrance to the shelter . “Hello! Can anyone hear me?” he shouted getting no response. “Over here!” Gwaine called out as he put gloves on and started pulling pieces of sheet metal and broken beams of f the solid steel structure in the ground near the foundation of the school. “Hello! Can you hear me?” he shouted pounding on the door . It was secured from the inside which meant there were people in there. The outside latch had been mangled beyond repair so they couldn’ t open it. Arthur and Merlin put on gloves and then helped to clear away the bricks. Merlin knelt down, splaying his hands over the cold, wet steel. His eyes flashed gold as he uttered a spell, and they heard the metal groan as the interior latch securing the door released. “Gwaine, help me,” Arthur said. They pulled the heavy door up letting it fall to the side. Turning on flashlights, they made their way down into the structure that thankfully remained intact. “Hello? It’ s okay , the storm has passed.” They heard movement and the murmur of relieved voices. Gwaine approached a group of five people huddled around three small children and two dogs. Arthur walked around a concrete dividing wall and his heart shattered. Children, all sobbing silently holding each other…more than forty of them. Around the next corner he found more children and at least twenty adults all with varying injuries and burns. “Dear God in Heaven,” he whispered tears in his eyes. Merlin appeared at his side. “It’s okay he said. The storm is passed, help is coming,” he said as he knelt down to help a young woman with a bleeding gash in her neck. “Can you tell me your name, honey?” he asked with a reassuring smile. “Angel,” she whimpered. “Good, Angel, we are going to take care of you, all right. Paramedics will be here soon. Can you tell me if you have any other injuries?” “My ankle, I think it is broken,” she said, tears streaming down her face. Merlin looked back toward the entrance where Nathan was helping to get kids up the steps then Percival and Leon were carrying them to safety while Elyan was treating injuries. “Nathan, I need you,” Merlin said. Nathan ran toward him with the medical kit and dropped to his knees and opened it up immediately getting to work. “Y ou really know what you’re doing,” Merlin smiled. “Two years of first aid and survival training,” Nathan said, “The only nice thing Kevin ever did for me.” “Angel, this is my son, he is going to help clean your wound. Nathan, her ankle may be broken as well,” Merlin said, and he nodded. “Don’ t worry , Angel, we’ve got this, yeah,” Nathan smiled at her , and she nodded gratefully . Merlin made his way over to a man who was lying on his stomach. He checked him for injuries and felt for a pulse finding none. He was dead. Likely a heart attack from the sheer terror . “I’m sorry ,” Merlin said then reached for a blanket covering the body so the children wouldn’ t see. He got up and walked along the back wall where kids were lined up on their feet, their eyes wide with fear . “I’m Merlin,” he smiled, “Are any of you hurt?” They all shook their heads not taking their eyes of f him. “Okay , I’m going to get you all out of here. Hold hands and come with me.” He took the hand of a little blonde girl and waited until the others got in line holding each other ’s hands. He led them to the door then lifted two at a time up to Percival who put one on each hip and carried them through the rubble to the road where rescue vehicles were beginning to arrive. It took two hours to get everyone out and the injured stabilized and into ambulances to be transported to hospitals. It was getting close to sunset when the team climbed out of the shelter and made their way to their vehicles. Morgana hugged Gwaine and kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. The storm that was still churning to the west was losing strength, but no less a threat. Merlin could feel it pulsing, rumbling, flashes of lightning zipping horizontally across the evening sky . “What now?” Arthur asked. Merlin shook his head, focused, and clearly troubled. “This isn’ t over .” “I was afraid you would say that.” “Where’ s Nathan?” Merlin asked, looking around. “He’ s in the van checking the weather feed. That kid is something else.” “I’d say he’ s a chip of f the old block, but yeah,” Merlin chuckled. “He may not be yours by blood, but he is your son in every other way . He’ s brave as hell… cares for people and he is smart and strong. Completely calm under pressure. Y ou should be very proud of him, I know I am.” “I am proud of him. He is in his element out here and that scares the shit out of me.” Arthur grinned, “I guess now you know what you put your mother through all these years.” “God, Mom, I am so sorry…for give me,” Merlin said shaking his head. “Where to now?” Gwaine asked. “It will be dark soon,” Mor gana frowned. “Are you okay?” Arthur asked her , giving his sister a hug and a kiss on her forehead. “I’m good, just worried.” Leon approached them running a hand through his hair . “I was talking to the sherif f,” he said, “So far there are ninety-one dead, more than two hundred injured, and countless missing.” Merlin dropped his gaze to the ground pressing the heels of his hands to his forehead. “Fuck,” he swore under his breath. Arthur cupped the back of his neck and drew him into his arms. “You can’ t do this to yourself, Merlin,” he whispered against his ear . “I feel like I’m fighting a living, breathing, conscious entity ,” he growled, “There was something wrong with the tornado that hit the hospital, there was something wrong with this one. I’ve never felt anything like it before. I have no idea how to stop it.” “Guys, you need to see this,” Nathan hollered from the van. Merlin ran over and climbed in with him. “What is it?” “Look,” he said pointing toward another dark shape on the screen, even lar ger than the one before. “This is not normal,” Merlin shook his head and hit some keys on the laptop then refreshed the feed. “Dammit,” he exhaled sharply , his elbows on his knees, chin resting on his folded hands. “Okay ,” he turned to look at Mor gana and she nodded in understanding, “Leon, you guys load up and head west on Dworshak Road, Gwaine, you, Mor gana and Nathan take Juniper Road north. Arthur and I will take Excalibur and run the diagonal between these two points,” he tapped the map. “This thing will drop at any moment, and it is going to make this last tornado look like a dust devil with an attitude.” “What are you going to do?” Mor gana asked. “I have no fucking idea how , but I have to stop it.” “How are you going to do that without killing yourself?” Arthur asked, his eyes dark. “Better me than hundreds of unsuspecting souls,” Merlin said, getting out of the van and heading for Excalibur with Arthur on his heels. “Merlin, no,” he said, “I won’ t let you do this.” “You can’ t stop me, Arthur .” “Goddamn it, Merlin, I thought we were past this.” Merlin spun around to face him, “I have no choice, Arthur . I am the only one who can do this.” “And if you die…what about Nathan, what about me? Y ou promised…” “Fuck, Arthur , I don’ t have time for this right now . I have a job to do, and I am going to do it. If you don’ t want to come, fine. Stay with Nathan,” Merlin said, tears shining in his eyes. “He will need you if…” his voice trailed of f, “Just take care of him, please.” “If you think I am letting you go out there alone to face this thing…” Merlin let out a breath and looked up at the sky running a hand through his unruly hair . “I don’t know what else to do, Arthur ,” he choked on the words and Arthur embraced him. “We will go after it, you will do what you can, but I won’ t let you sacrifice yourself, Merlin. I will fight for you, for us, for Nathan. I won’ t run away…not again. So, give me the damn keys, and let’ s go.” Merlin handed him the keys and then got into the passenger seat rebooting the laptop. Arthur got in the driver ’s seat and a moment later Nathan got into the back seat. Merlin jerked his head around. “No, absolutely not!” he shouted, “Out, go back and get in the van with Gwaine and Morgana.” “Nope, the way I figure, if I am with you, you won’ t do anything stupid and get yourself dead,” Nathan said as he fastened his seatbelt and the extra harness as well. “Let’ s roll, Dad,” he smiled, and Arthur looked at Merlin. “He’ s got a point,” Arthur said. “God, fine…you two…” Merlin said then he and Arthur both fastened their seatbelts and harnesses. Arthur glanced in the rearview mirror meeting Nathan’ s gaze. They smiled at each other despite the situation and the fear in their eyes. They both knew that if they let Merlin go on his own that he would get himself killed. The sky had turned a deep turquoise color with tinges of gold from the setting sun. Merlin handed Nathan the camera. “If you’re going to ride with us you get to handle the camera since Arthur ’s driving.” “Deal,” Nathan grinned, “Love you, Dad.” “Yeah, yeah, love you too, brat,” Merlin said his lips quirking slightly as he fought a grin. “Merlin, how are you going to do this without draining your magic?” Arthur asked. “I have no idea, but I can’ t sit by and do nothing.” “What about a magical artifact…like that crystal your father gave you?” “If I had something like that it would help, but I don’ t. Gaius said he has searched for similar artifacts for years with no luck.” “Dad, what would one of these artifacts look like?” “Usually a crystal, or something made of natural minerals or wood that has been enchanted. A magical artifact will usually have special properties that the magic will naturally bond to.” Nathan grinned, “Oh, I have something.” Merlin turned to look at him, “What?” The boy dug into his bag and pulled out a leather pouch. He loosened the drawstrings and dumped the contents into his palm. “W ill this do?” he asked grinning from ear to ear .” “Where did you get that?” Merlin asked his eyes wide as he smiled. “Your ratty old T wister shirt and Grandpa’ s watch weren’ t the only things in that box. Mom said you gave this to her when you were dating. She said you told her that it would protect her.” Merlin reached out to grasp the amulet in his hand and shook his head, “I am surprised she kept it. I thought she tossed it after we broke up.” “Does it still hold magic?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, yeah, it does,” Merlin grinned, “I can feel it.” “Will it help you?” Nathan asked. “It certainly can’ t hurt. Thank you, son.” “You’re welcome. Now , aren’ t you glad I came,” he said smugly . Merlin laughed putting the amulet over his head positioning it in the center of his chest and closed his eyes. When he opened them, his irises were bright gold. Arthur focused on driving and the twisting storm directly overhead. “Arthur , pull over and stop just before the crossroads,” Merlin said, and Arthur did as he asked. “Stay in the truck,” Merlin told them in a tone that let them know it was an order , not a request. “Merlin!” Arthur said. Merlin walked around to the driver ’s side window and Arthur lowered it. “Stay! I love you both.” He then turned and walked into the crossroads and looked up at the sky and the swirling vortex that almost seemed to be directly tar geting him. “Holy fuck,” Arthur said. “We aren’ t really going to just sit here?” Nathan asked fretfully . “Give him a bit,” Arthur nodded, though he was itching to go out there and grab Merlin and yank him back into the truck. Merlin dropped his head and closed his eyes his hand clutching the amulet. It was made of a rare stone that could no longer be found in nature. Made in the time of dragons and sorcery , it was imbued with an ancient magic more powerful than anything except for the man wearing it. Merlin threw his head back and roared stealing Arthur ’s breath away . He gripped the steering wheel watching in awe as Merlin’ s eyes turned from gold to a bright white and his body contorted and transformed before their eyes. “What the hell?” Arthur gasped. “Holy shit!” Nathan cried out. There before them in the headlights of Excalibur stood a thirty-foot purple dragon with glowing eyes and wings that lifted it of f the ground. Merlin had changed himself into a fucking dragon. Arthur and Nathan got out of the truck and watched as the dragon flew directly into the center of the storm and let loose a barrage of flames and magic. “God in Heaven,” Arthur said, his eyes filling with tears as he pulled Nathan close to his chest holding him. “Okay , now that is the coolest thing I have ever seen!” Nathan exclaimed. The dragon flew circles around and around the vortex tightening the ring until the storm had stopped its forward momentum and seemingly balked at the attack. Merlin was right, the damn thing had a consciousness and intent. This was no normal tornado. “Merlin…” Arthur said completely awestruck at what they were watching. “Get it, Dad!” Nathan shouted at the top of his lungs. The storm twisted and writhed then turned and Arthur grabbed Nathan and shoved him back into the truck. “Buckle up!” He threw Excalibur into reverse and backed away from the crossroads until he felt they were clear for the moment. The dragon punched through the vortex, its powerful wings unphased by the winds, claws ripping and tearing at the dark roiling mass as magic explosions and golden tentacles of light wrapped around the body of the tornado squeezing it, tightening the vise. The dragon swooped down low and then shot straight up the bowels of the beast until the whole thing blew apart in a spectacular shower of golden sparks and white light. Bolts of lightning struck the ground. “What the fuck is that?” Gwaine asked in their ears. “Never seen a dragon before?” Nathan asked. “No, can’ t say that I have,” Gwaine chuckled, “Fuck, Merlin, you are just full of surprises.” “That dragon is Merlin?” Leon and Percival chimed in at the same time. “Yes,” Arthur said as he got out of the truck again and Nathan followed, “Y es, it is.” Both vans pulled up and parked behind Excalibur and the whole team stood around with their mouths open staring at the incredible scene before them. The dragon swooped down and came around before flying up into the last of the storm blasting it with magic and fire. “There will be no explaining this away if anyone else sees it,” Mor gana said her eye wide and bright as she smiled. The tornado tried to form again, the winds whipping around them. The dragon roared and with a crack of its wings and a blast of fire, the magic blew it apart destroying the entity at the heart of it. W ith a high-pitched wail it died and with it the wind. Suddenly there was only silence except for the sound of leathery wings cutting through the air . The dragon landed with a thud in the middle of the crossroads. Arthur and Nathan took of f running toward it as the dragon wrapped its wings around its body and vanished leaving behind its human form lying on the ground. “Merlin!” Arthur cried out as he dropped to his knees next to Merlin’ s limp body . “God, please, no…wake up. Merlin!” “Ow,” Merlin chuckled wrapping his hand around Arthur ’s wrist. “Dad!” Nathan hugged him hard, “That was incredible. How did you do that?” “The amulet, it was handed down to me from my father and his father before him. W e are descendants of the ancient Dragonlords.” “Are you all right?” Arthur asked kissing him. “Yeah, did you see it? There was some sort of entity within the tornado. It’ s dead now .” “Can you get up?” Arthur eased his arms around him, and Merlin pushed himself to his feet swaying a bit. “Easy ,” he whispered wrapping his arms around him. “Y ou’re amazing. I love you.” “Love you too,” Merlin said his hand gripping Arthur ’s shirt. “Dad,” Nathan said, “The amulet…” Merlin looked down and smiled. He reached up and took it of f, slipping it over Nathan’ s head. “Y ou hold onto it. It will protect you.” “Will it turn me into a dragon?” he grinned. “Afraid not,” Merlin laughed mussing his hair then he hugged him tightly , “I love you, son.” “Love you too, Dad.” Merlin glanced around at his team as they surrounded him. “I need food, let’ s go,” he smiled then headed for Excalibur . Arthur and Nathan followed while the team stared after them. “Did that really just happen?” Gwaine asked, huf fing a laugh. “I think so,” Mor gana smiled. “Unbelievable,” Percival shook his head. “It is Merlin,” Leon said with a shrug then they all walked back toward the vans. Portal to Hell “What the hell was that thing?” Arthur asked Merlin as the team sat in the back of an all- night cafe eating and drinking tons of black cof fee. Merlin shook his head, “I’m not exactly sure, but it was powerful and otherworldly…almost demonic. It was gaining strength with every storm. Something was fueling it. It was evil.” Nathan was quiet, typing away on the laptop while picking at his food. Merlin tapped on his shoulder then pointed at the computer , and he looked up. “What? Oh, yeah, sorry , just give me a sec. I have a theory .” “About?” Arthur asked, taking a bite of his bur ger. “That thing…the entity ,” Nathan said, “Following a gut feeling.” “Are you sure he isn’ t your kid?” Gwaine asked Merlin. “Okay…hear me out before you tell me I am crazy ,” Nathan grinned then turned the laptop around to face Merlin. “The idea came to me because I’m a big fan of the show Supernatural. The town of Lawrence, Kansas is the hometown of Sam and Dean W inchester . Real town and not far from a rather infamous cemetery…” “Stull Cemetery ,” Mor gana said, and Nathan nodded. “Stull Cemetery took a direct hit from an EF4 tornado two months ago. It destroyed many of the oldest graves including what was left of a church that dated from the late 1800s. A church rumored to have been built over the gate to hell…a portal. What if by destroying it, the doorway was opened, and this entity escaped, attaching itself to that tornado and others since then? It has been wreaking havoc and feeding of f the souls of the dead the tornados have claimed. It explains what you said about the storms being unnatural and you said yourself that it felt like you were the chasee rather than the chaser .” “It makes sense,” Merlin nodded, “The storm that hit the hospital felt the same…like it was a conscious entity bearing down on the one place where it would find the most souls.” “How far are we from Stull Cemetery?” Mor gana asked, “W e should go there and check it out.” “Less than two hours from here,” Nathan said then looked at Merlin questioningly . Merlin nodded, “Let’ s go. If this portal is open, I have to seal it somehow to keep other entities from coming through.” “How?” Arthur asked and Merlin raised an eyebrow giving him a tightlipped smile, “The same way I killed that thing…dragon magic.” “Dragonlord magic,” Nathan grinned. “I’m in,” Mor gana said. The whole team nodded in agreement. Only Arthur held back, clearly uncertain and worried. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, “It will be okay . If Nathan’ s theory is wrong, no harm no foul.” “And if he’ s not?” Arthur asked. “Then I have to seal the portal. It’ s the only way to keep this from happening again.” “And what if there are already more of these entities on this side of the veil? Y ou’ll be making yourself a tar get for them,” Arthur said sharply . “I’m already a tar get for them. W e all are,” Merlin said, “I have to do something. These storms today and the one that hit the hospital were nothing compared to what they could produce if I don’ t stop them. The storms themselves were very real and natural, but the entity’ s power made them even more dangerous and destructive. It gave them direction and intent, using them to feed on the victims’ souls. I can seal the portal, and hopefully , that will pull any other entities that may be out there, back into hell as it closes. If I do nothing these things will continue to wipe out towns and cities.” Arthur knew Merlin was right, he looked at Nathan and nodded, “All right. Let’ s go.” They all got up, quickly downing the last of their cof fee, then headed for the exit while Merlin paid the bill. He turned to find Arthur standing behind him. “It will be okay ,” Merlin said, “T rust me.” “I do trust you. I just…” “Love you.” “Love you too,” Arthur smiled, and they left the cafe. It was nearly one in the morning when they got into the vehicles and Merlin started the engine. “Stull Cemetery ,” Nathan grinned, “T wo-hour drive will put us there during the witching hour of three to four a.m.” “That’ s reassuring,” Arthur huf fed a laugh. “Sorry , but I can’ t wait, I have always been into the paranormal, Dad,” Nathan patted his shoulder . “Stull Cemetery is legendary in the ghost hunter world. So many stories of hauntings and Satanic rituals and mysterious sightings.” “I don’ t think you’re helping the situation, my boy ,” Merlin chuckled as he turned out of the parking lot and onto the highway heading south. “Are you scared of ghosts?” “No,” Arthur said, “Just prefer living breathing people.” “But you believe in them, right?” “I suppose, yeah…I mean magic is real so obviously there are things that exist that we cannot necessarily explain away .” Merlin nodded, “Everything has a spirit…an ener gy, including the earth. I have seen much in my life that people would never believe if I told them.” They arrived at Stull Cemetery at exactly three a.m. and Merlin used magic to open the locked gate. No one was around as they drove down the narrow road between rows of graves. They came to the area where the tornado damage was obvious. A lar ge stone church had been reduced to rubble and multiple other headstones were damaged or toppled. Getting out of the truck, Merlin walked toward the center . “Can you feel that?” Mor gana asked him. “Yes, there’ s definitely something here,” he nodded then crouched down placing a hand on the ground his eyes flashing gold. He could feel the power emanating from within and around the church. Lowering his head, Merlin uttered words of a spell, his voice starting out low and growing louder as he stood up and looked into the sky . He heard what could only be described as hushed voices coming from all around him. “Y ou must return to where you belong,” Merlin bellowed, his voice deep and rough. “Merlin,” Mor gana said, her voice calm despite the situation they found themselves in. “Are you sure you can do this?” “I have no choice,” he said then shouted the spell again and suddenly the sky was alive with sickly green streaks of light. Nathan stepped forward. “You’re gonna need this,” he smiled, and Merlin took the amulet from his outstretched hand putting it over his head then he climbed to a high spot away from the graves. The team moved back to stand near the vehicles as they watched Merlin’ s body contort and twist then transformed into the massive dragon again. “W icked,” Nathan grinned as the dragon launched into the air . “Get down,” Arthur shouted, and everyone ducked behind the vans as the dragon soared above them and was immediately attacked by the entities…what seemed like hundreds of them. “Fuck, Merlin!” The dragon screamed through the air letting out a powerful roar and a burst of flames. It flew up into the sky , higher and higher as the entities continued their relentless attack. Flipping and rolling, wings snapping and the massive tail swiping at them. Letting out another loud roar that made the ground vibrate, the dragon dipped and dodged flying in a tight circle over the crumbled church. A burst of golden mist flowed from its mouth the streaks of green light turned and ran but the light enveloped them. Thunder rumbled across the sky and suddenly the ground opened up and the entities were sucked into it as the dragon scorched the earth sealing the rupture for good. Arthur and Nathan stood up and ran to the area, hurrying to paint the symbols Merlin showed them on each of the four cornerstones of the Church while Mor gana uttered the spell casting a blanket of protection over the land and the graves. The dragon flipped over in the air , spinning around, its wings suddenly going limp, it dropped like a stone, spiraling toward the ground and landing with a sickening thud. It then vanished leaving a deathly still Merlin lying on his back in the grass, arms outstretched. “Merlin!” Arthur screamed, running up the hill, reaching his side. “God, Merlin,” Arthur said, his voice breaking. “Dad!” Nathan yelled, following Arthur . “Ow, fuck…” Merlin choked, struggling to breathe. There was no hiding the pain etched on his face, his lungs burning. “Dammit, Merlin! Mor gana, the medical kit,” Arthur shouted to her , and she ran back to the van, but Gwaine already had it in his hands. “Get in the van, stay there,” he said then headed for Arthur and Merlin. Percival was right behind him. “Merlin,” Gwaine said as he dropped to his knees next to them. “Hurts,” Merlin said in a strained whisper . “Where does it hurt?” Arthur asked, checking him over with the flashlight and finding no blood or open wounds. “Merlin, I need you to talk to me.” “Inside…everywhere…” Percival carefully picked him up carrying him back to Excalibur placing him on the ground in front of the floodlights so they could look him over . Mor gana had a blanket ready , but Arthur motioned for her to hold of f and they quickly stripped him down to his underwear . His skin was pale and riddled with red scratches and darkening bruises. “What the bloody hell?” Gwaine asked. “Dad,” Nathan said, taking hold of his wrist, eyes shining with tears. Merlin looked at him and smiled then his eyes closed, and he passed out. “Shit,” Arthur said, “We need to get him to a hospital.” He picked Merlin up and maneuvered him into the backseat getting in with him. Mor gana handed him the blanket then closed the door and ran to get into the van with Gwaine. Nathan jumped in the passenger seat while Percival slid behind the wheel and started the engine. “Closest hospital is in Lawrence,” Nathan said, checking Merlin’ s phone, “Like twelve minutes due east on Highway 40.” “Got it,” Percival said, glancing back at Merlin wrapped in the blanket and shivering in Arthur ’s embrace. “Hold on,” he said then hit the gas driving out through the open gate and onto the highway . The others followed in the vans. “Arthur ,” Merlin said, his eyes fluttering open. “You’re going to be okay . We’re heading for the hospital in Lawrence. Just hold on.” Merlin’ s hand went to the amulet on his neck and gripped it tightly . He smiled as he felt his father ’s ener gy, magic, and love emanating from within it. He looked up into Arthur ’s worried gaze. “He’ s with me,” he muttered softly . “Who?” Arthur asked. “My father…he protected me.” “I’m sure he did,” Arthur nodded, tears in his eyes. “It worked?” “Yes, you did it, you brave idiot.” “Then that is all that matters.” “No, Merlin, you matter , dammit. No more sacrificing yourself, please,” Arthur said, kissing his forehead. “Shit,” Merlin said with a low groan, “Pull over…need to pull over .” Percival heard him and drove into the wide driveway of a feedlot. As soon as they stopped moving, Merlin stumbled out of the truck, his legs barely cooperating. Bending over , he heaved up everything in his stomach. Arthur picked up the blanket he’d dropped on the ground. “Merlin…” “Stand back, Arthur…just give me a sec,” Merlin gasped. He gripped the amulet. His eyes turned gold and his skin began to glow . The cattle nearby balked, quickly moving away from the being. “Father ,” he whispered roughly as his whole body was enveloped in a bright light. “Dad!” Nathan shouted as he tried to reach for him, but the light was blinding and hot. When it finally faded away , Merlin stood up straight and let out a relieved breath. The scratches and bruises on his skin were gone and his color returned. He turned to Nathan, pulling him into his arms. “I’m all right, I’m good,” Merlin said, hugging him tightly then he reached for Arthur pulling him closer . Arthur wrapped the blanket around him, and they moved back toward Excalibur . Percival handed Merlin a bottle of water and a wet towel to clean himself up. Arthur took the towel gently wiping his neck and chest. He removed the amulet from his neck handing it back to Nathan. “Nathan, in the back of Excalibur , there’ s a gray bag, grab the black sweatpants and hoodie for your Dad to put on,” Arthur said, and the boy hurried to do as he was asked returning a moment later with the requested items. “Thank you, son.” Merlin put a hand on Nathan’ s shoulder while Arthur helped him step into the sweatpants. Then he put the hoodie over his head and arms before pulling it down. Merlin then sat down on the ground to put his boots back on. “Better?” Arthur asked, reaching down to of fer a hand up then pulled the hood over Merlin’ s head. “Much, thank you,” Merlin said. “What happened?” Nathan asked. “Those things were nasty . Even with my dragon magic, they were powerful…draining me… feeding of f my soul and my magic.” “Are they gone?” Arthur asked. “Yes,” Mor gana said, “They are gone.” Merlin huf fed a laugh, “I guess we’re back to regular old boring, generic tornados.” “I’ll take generic and boring,” Gwaine smiled, and the team nodded. “It’s too far to drive home,” Arthur said, “Let’ s go into Lawrence and find a motel. Merlin needs food and sleep.” “I can make it back to Camelot,” Merlin frowned. “No, not going to push it. W e get rooms and sleep then we will have a big breakfast and head home after . How’ s your stomach can you eat something?” “Yeah, it’ s good now . Just stop and grab me some food from a drive-thru.” “All right, load up,” Nathan said in a commanding tone. “Giving orders now?” Merlin asked with a chuckle. “Yeah,” he said, matter -of-factly , “Let’ s roll.” “Yes, boss,” Percival mussed Nathan’ s hair then put his arm around the boy’ s shoulders. Merlin turned to look into Arthur ’s gaze. “I’d kiss you, but I have vomit breath,” he grinned. “Don’ t care,” Arthur shook his head slightly before kissing Merlin, “I love you.” “Thank you for taking care of me.” “I will always look after you.” Merlin kissed him tenderly , “You’re not tired of me yet?” “God, no, never in a million lifetimes,” Arthur hugged his neck, “I thought I’d lost you again.” “I am tougher than I look.” “Yes, yes, you are.” They got into the truck holding each other in the back seat while Percival drove, and Nathan searched Merlin’ s phone for motels in Lawrence. He chose a place on the edge of town and called the number to see if they had room for a weary team of storm chasers. The owner was all too happy to accommodate them. Nathan hung up and looked back at his parents. “The Good Knight Inn,” Nathan said to Percival, “On the right as we drive into town. There’ s a truck stop just across the road with fast food. They have four rooms two with one bed and two with two beds. Mind having a roommate?” he asked. “Not at all,” Percival shook his head and smiled. “Are you okay?” “Yeah, I’m fine,” Nathan said looking down at the amulet in his hand, rubbing his fingers over the smooth surface.” “You don’ t look fine. What’ s bothering you?” “I guess I’m just wishing this was my rightful legacy , that I was really…it’ s stupid,” he huffed, shaking his head. “It’s not stupid. It’ s how you feel.” “Why can’ t Merlin be my real father?” “He is in every way that counts…Arthur too,” Percival smiled, “Believe me, I understand. My father was a piece of shit, a waste of oxygen. Drank himself to death. Many times, I longed to have a real father -son relationship, but it was never going to happen. Y ou might not be his blood, but you are Merlin’ s son.” “I know ,” Nathan nodded. “I just have no idea who I really am, and I never will because my Mom is dead, and she would never tell me who my real father was. She would get angry any time I asked. I want Merlin to be my real father more than anything. T o have descended from such strong, proud, and honorable men…the Dragonlords.” Merlin sat up and leaned forward putting his hand on Nathan’ s shoulder . “You’re mine… you’re my boy and I love you,” he said firmly . That’ s who you are and that is who you will always be.” Nathan looked back at him with tears in his eyes and gave him a sight nod. “Love you too.” “Hey , I’m not exactly chopped liver ,” Arthur huf fed with feigned of fense, and they all laughed. “Sorry ,” Merlin grinned, kissing him. “Love you too, Dad,” Nathan chuckled. Percival pulled into the parking lot of the motel and huf fed a laugh. “The Good Knight Motel” fitting,” he smiled, parking Excalibur . “You two stay here, Nate and I will go get us checked in.” “Yes, boss,” Merlin said with a sigh as he pulled the blanket around himself and laid back against Arthur . “Percival, use this card,” Arthur said handing him his credit card. “Great, be right back,” Percival nodded taking the card then got out. He and Nathan headed to the of fice while Arthur wrapped his arms around Merlin. “Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. “I’m just tired, that’ s all.” “Can you please not get yourself killed, or almost killed for at least a month?” “I’ll consider it,” Merlin looked up at him and smiled then touched his face, “Y ou’re my hero.” “I didn’ t do anything,” Arthur said. “You put up with me.” “Yes, well, it seems I am rather fond of you. So, there’ s that. Oh, and you are hot as hell and a very good kisser ,” Arthur smiled, and Merlin took that as his cue and kissed him. “It’s one of my many talents.” “Mmm, and I do appreciate each and every one of your talents, Merlin.” “Can’ t you two wait until you get to your room?” Mor gana giggled as she leaned in the open window . “Insatiable…both of you.” “I just realized that we haven’ t broken in this backseat yet,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows at her. “Please, don’ t,” she rolled her eyes. Percival and Nathan returned, passing out the room keys. Nathan handed one to Arthur . “King bed, room seven right there. Percival and I are in the adjoining room with two beds. Gwaine and Mor gana together and Leon and Elyan in the other two bedded room.” “Sounds good,” Mor gana smiled, “I am beat.” “I’m heading across the street to get some food,” Gwaine said, “T aking orders.” “I want a chili dog and a milkshake,” Mor gana said. “I’ll take a bur ger and fries and a Pepsi,” Nathan said. “Me too,” Merlin nodded. “Arthur?” Gwaine asked as he made a list. “Chicken sandwich, fries, and a Pepsi.” “Percival?” “Not sure what I want so I will just go with you. Y ou’ll need help carrying it all back.” “I’ll go too,” Elyan said. Leon shook his head, “I’m good, just going to shower and go to sleep.” “Need money , Gwaine?” Arthur asked reaching into the back pocket of his jeans for his wallet to both return the credit card and get some cash.” “No, I’ve got it, my treat,” Gwaine smiled, then the three men headed across the street to the truck stop. Merlin opened the door and got out of the truck. Mor gana wrapped her arms around him, kissing his lips, and smiled. “You’re okay?” she asked. “Yes, I promise, I am fine.” “I have asked him not to die, or almost die for at least a month,” Arthur smiled, “Think he will listen?” “Good luck with that,” Mor gana laughed. “I told you, I’m like a cat…nine lives,” Merlin shrugged. “And by my count, you have used up at least four already , Merlin,” she said raising an eyebrow . “That leaves me with five to go, no problem.” “Not funny , Dad,” Nathan said poking him in the ribs from behind. “Sorry , I know ,” Merlin nodded reaching back to wrap an arm around his son. “Come on let’s all go into our room, open up the connecting doors and wait for food.” Gwaine and the others returned with the food, and they all sat around Merlin and Arthur ’s room eating and talking. T rying to wind down after what they had just gone through. Nathan ended up falling asleep on the floor with his head on Arthur ’s bag right between the beds and the bathroom door . “Aww, he is adorable,” Gwaine chuckled. “He’ s had quite the initiation into storm chasing,” Arthur said. “Maybe it will change his mind about being one.” “Fat chance,” Merlin shook his head, “When I was his age the danger and excitement only fueled my thirst for more. As much as I would like him to do something dif ferent, he has what it takes. He is as born to this as I was…minus the magic, of course.” “Doesn’ t it scare you?” Mor gana asked, “I would be petrified if our baby decided to chase storms when they grow up.” “God, yes, it fucking terrifies me, but I know if I tell him no, it will only make him even more determined. At least this way I know that I can teach him the right way and hone his skills until the time comes to hand over the reins to him and retire.” “You, retire from storm chasing?” Percival huf fed, “Hell will freeze over first.” Merlin looked at Arthur and nodded, “I used to think so too, but now…” Arthur ’s eyes widened hopefully , “Merlin?” “It won’ t be for a while, but I think once we have the next generation of Excalibur , I will probably step back and take a more behind-the-scenes approach and focus on a certain someone that I never want to lose again.” “I don’ t want you to give up storm chasing for me. Y ou would only come to resent me if you did.” “I wouldn’ t be giving it up for you, Arthur . I would be giving it up for us. I love you and can’t be without you. I don’ t like the person I become when you aren’ t around.” Arthur hugged him, “Whatever you want, I will never leave you again. I swear on my life, I will always be by your side. I love you.” Morgana blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Dammit, you two…as if pregnancy hormones aren’ t bad enough you just had to make me cry .” Gwaine embraced her and then handed her another box of tissues. “W e should get to bed. It’ s nearly five in the morning.” “We have the rooms for a full twenty-four hours, there’ s no rush we can sleep till noon or after. The owner knew who we were as soon as he saw us pull in. Apparently , he is Johnny’ s uncle,” Percival said. “Lily’ s dad?” Merlin asked and Percival nodded. “Yes, he is only char ging us for one night, but we have the rooms until tomorrow morning if we want them.” “That’ s nice of him,” Arthur said yawning and stretching, “I am beat.” “We can’ t leave Nathan there you two will trip over him,” Mor gana said. “I got him,” Percival said then scooped Nathan up and carried him through the connecting door. Mor gana followed, turning down the covers before he laid him on the bed and took of f his jacket and shoes. “Thanks,” Nathan muttered with a crooked grin then rolled onto his stomach wrapping his arms around the pillow before going right back to sleep. Mor gana covered him with the blanket and smiled. She and Percival turned to see Merlin standing behind them. “Do you think I am making a mistake encouraging him to pursue this line of work?” “No, you’re right,” Percival said, “That boy may not be yours by blood, but he worships the ground you walk on. He wants this so badly that if you tried to stop him, he would only rebel and do it against your wishes, which would put him in more danger . It’s better that he has you to teach and guide him.” “Thank you, Percy .” “You’re welcome,” he embraced Merlin, “Love you, man. Y ou’re a great father . Nathan is damn lucky to have you and Arthur .” “I agree,” Mor gana hugged and kissed him, “Bedtime for me. Come along, Gwaine.” “Yes, ma’am,” Gwaine nodded, “Good night all.” “Night,” Percival grinned. “Night, guys,” Merlin said. He leaned over to kiss the back of Nathan’ s head. “Night, my son.” He smiled and then walked back into the other room as Percival closed the connecting door. He looked toward the bathroom door , which was partially closed, and he could hear the shower running. Undressing quickly , Merlin slipped into the walk-in shower behind Arthur . “Am I intruding?” “Not at all,” Arthur turned around pulling him into his arms for a tender kiss. “I think we are both far too tired for much more than this though.” “Mmm, I am good with this,” Merlin smiled kissing him back. “Though I think we would both sleep better…” he moaned against Arthur ’s lips as his hands trailed down his sides. “Can I, please?” he asked. “Yes, you know I can never say no to you, baby ,” Arthur whispered kissing him with increasing ur gency . Merlin grinned then grabbed the bottle of body wash pouring it over his hand and Arthur ’s extremely interested cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making him gasp then gripped both their shafts in his hands pulling, stroking, and running his thumbs over the heads as they both panted and kissed passionately . “Fuck, Merlin,” Arthur groaned his gaze locked on Merlin’ s. “Good?” “Yes, damn…more.” Merlin increased the speed of his hand movements until they were both breathless and trembling. “God, now ,” he moaned and came hard. Arthur leaned into him, pressing him back against the wall, thrusting into his hand hard and fast until he finally crashed over the edge his seed spilling against Merlin’ s stomach. He laughed against his lips. “That was a really good idea.” “I’ve been known to have a few now and then,” Merlin raised an eyebrow , kissing Arthur again. They washed each other then got out of the shower and dried of f. Putting on their underwear they got into bed and held each other close. They fell asleep quickly . Finding Balance They got back to home base late in the evening. Everyone headed to their homes. Nathan unlocked the motorhome door and went inside. Arthur and Merlin took a walk down to the river. “They are predicting tornados over the next few days,” Arthur said. “Yep,” Merlin nodded. Arthur looked at him intently , “What’ s bothering you?” “Just thinking.” “That’ s never good.” Merlin grinned, “Nothing bad.” “Then why do you have that look…like you’re about to have a root canal?” “Arthur , we have been through a lot.” “Yeah, we have, and we have made it through. W e are stronger for it.” “We are and I am so damn grateful.” “Merlin, what is it?” Arthur asked looking worried. Merlin let out a breath and nodded before slowly turning to look at him. “I love you, Arthur . I want to show you just how much and what it means to me to have you back.” “I already know , Merlin…” “Arthur , will you marry me again? I want to renew our vows.” “Merlin, I would love to marry you again.” “Really?” Merlin asked with a wide grin on his face. “If that is what you want, then yes,” Arthur pulled him into his arms. “Maybe we can actually have a honeymoon this time around.” “Anything you want, baby .” “Anything, huh?” “Mmm, yes,” Arthur kissed him. “Let’ s go make some dinner , I’m starving,” Merlin grinned. “Should I fire up the grill?” “No, I have something in mind already . I am in the mood to cook.” “Then by all means,” Arthur grinned opening the door for him. Nathan was just coming out of the bathroom wet from a shower . “W as about to send a search party out for you two,” he grinned. “We had some things to discuss,” Merlin said. “Now I am going to make dinner if you want to help me.” “Sure, just let me throw something on.” “I am going to take a shower if there is any hot water left,” Arthur said. “Plenty , I was quick.” “Good boy ,” Arthur mussed his wet hair then headed to the bedroom. “Anything I should know about?” Nathan asked with a raised eyebrow . “What?” Merlin asked then smiled, “Oh, yeah, I have asked Arthur to marry me again…or renew our vows actually .” “That’ s so sappy , Dad.” “Sappy?” “No, really , it’s romantic and sweet. I’m happy for you both.” “I want to include you in the ceremony . It’s important to me that you feel a part of this.” “I’d be honored, but you’re totally on your own for the honeymoon, I will stay with Mor gana and Gwaine,” Nathan grinned, and Merlin laughed. “Get dressed, you can grate the cheese for me.” “Yes sir ,” he smiled then headed for his bunk. Merlin made tacos with black beans and rice. After dinner , Nathan went for a walk while Arthur cleaned up the kitchen and Merlin was at the desk checking the weather feeds. “No more anomalous dark shapes on the feed,” Merlin said as Arthur put his hands on his shoulders massaging them. “Thank God for that.” “I told Nathan we are going to renew our vows. He’ s happy for us.” “Good,” Arthur leaned down to kiss Merlin’ s neck, “Our anniversary is coming up in two weeks, we could do it then.” “That’ s what I was thinking,” Merlin said, “It’ s your birthday too. W e could invite the team and families. My mom and your dad probably won’ t be able to come anyway . We could take the week of f and go on a real honeymoon, somewhere far away from tornado alley .” Arthur smiled, “Leave the honeymoon to me.” “Okay ,” Merlin grinned. “Nathan said he will stay with Gwaine and Mor gana.” Arthur rotated the chair bringing Merlin around to face him then crouched down taking hold of his hands and pressing his lips to each palm and his fingertips. “I love you,” he said softly . “Love you too,” Merlin leaned forward and kissed his lips. Arthur and Merlin stood together on the stone patio in Gwaine and Mor gana’ s backyard surrounded by the team and their families. Nathan stood beside them. Gaius and Hunith had flown in together for the ceremony , Uther had not been able to get away on such short notice. Gaius looked from one to the other and smiled. “W e are all here this evening to love and support Merlin and Arthur . It is not often that people find the strength to keep fighting for each other , for their love. T o overcome so much, to come out the other side stronger and closer than ever before. Anyone who knows you knows that the two of you are of one heart, one soul, and meant to be together . I am so proud of you both and love you dearly . You requested that this be an intimate and informal ceremony surrounded by family and friends, so here we are.” Merlin and Arthur nodded and smiled. Arthur winked at him. “A new beginning,” he said softly . “Arthur , would you like to go first?” Gaius asked and he nodded. “Merlin, on this day four years ago I said I do, and I have never regretted it, not for one moment. God knows we have had our struggles, and while I am quite certain there will be many more in the future, I am here tonight to promise to you that I am in this with you, come hell or high water . This is where I belong, you are my beacon in the darkness, my fortress in the storm, my refuge. I vow to you, Merlin, I will love you and protect you until the last breath leaves my body . My soul and yours will always be bound in this world and the next. My heart is yours,” Arthur smiled, his eyes shimmering with tears. “I love you, Merlin.” Merlin nodded, leaning forward to kiss him tenderly , placing a hand on his chest. “Arthur , I know I am not the easiest person to be with,” he smiled shaking his head slightly , “But I promise you, that this bond we share will only get stronger . You are the love of my life. You’ve been my knight in shining armor even when I didn’ t think I needed one. Y ou showed me that life is precious and that some risks are just not worth taking. I vow to you now , tonight, that I will be by your side always. I will love you until my soul departs from this earth and even after because this love we have is eternal. Y ou accepted me for who I am from the very beginning, and you welcomed Nathan into our lives without even a moment’ s hesitation. Thank you for putting up with me and for loving me despite my recklessness,” Merlin grinned. “Arthur , I love you.” “We stand as witnesses to this renewal of your vows,” Gaius smiled, “Love, live, and be one in all ways. Let nothing come between you and believe in each other , fight for your love always and forever .” “Can we kiss now?” Arthur asked. “You may ,” Gaius chuckled. Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur ’s neck kissing him with everything he had. “I love you.” “I love you,” Arthur said kissing him back as everyone applauded and whistled. “Is this far enough away from T ornado Alley?” Arthur asked as he wrapped his arms around Merlin from behind. “Mmm, definitely ,” Merlin smiled leaning back against Arthur ’s bare chest, turning his head to kiss him, “It’ s beautiful here. Beautiful and secluded.” Arthur had brought them to the coast of Maine. They were staying on a private island estate surrounded by forest and green grass. The gor geous rocky beach was a short walk away . There were areas of sand and tide pools. The house was incredible. It was an older Cape Cod-style house that had been completely renovated and restored inside and out. Their bedroom overlooked the ocean. W ith the French doors open at night they could hear the waves and the foghorn and see the beam of the lighthouse that sat out on a smaller island just offshore. Standing on the balcony outside their room, enjoying the morning sunshine and the sea air , it was heaven on earth. “This was a very good idea,” Arthur said kissing Merlin’ s neck. “How long can we stay here? I don’ t think I want to go back.” “We can stay as long as you like.” “Being here feels like we are a world away ,” Merlin shook his head slightly . “Are you happy?” Arthur asked his lips right next to Merlin’ s ear. “Nope, absolutely miserable,” he grinned. “Mmm, I’m sorry , I shall have to remedy that.” “Please do,” Merlin turned in his embrace and kissed him passionately , their tongues moving together drawing a low moan from him. “Fuck, Arthur…” “If you insist,” Arthur said huskily as he hooked his thumbs over the waistband of Merlin’ s boxer briefs and eased them down to his thighs. “Right here,” he grinned then turned Merlin back around to face the railing. “Better hold on.” “Ah, God, yes,” Merlin panted as Arthur pushed his knee between Merlin’ s legs easing them apart while Merlin’ s hands gripped the wooden railing. “Arthur…” Arthur kissed the back of his shoulder and kissed that spot behind his ear . “You’re beautiful, Merlin,” he said, his hot breath caressing his cheek. His fingers pressed into his entrance finding him slick and ready for him. “So, good, baby ,” he said then gripped his cock, the head penetrating slowly . “I love you.” “Arthur , more…please,” Merlin panted trying to move his hips, but Arthur kept him still. “Shh, don’ t move…just let me.” Merlin leaned forward slightly holding onto the railing. He closed his eyes reveling in the sensation of Arthur taking his time, drawing out the pleasure in such a way that was almost torturous. He wanted to beg, to cry out for him to move, but part of him welcomed this exquisite torture. He bit his bottom lip and whined when Arthur withdrew teasing and tormenting him. “Arthur…” “You know I will always take care of you, Merlin,” Arthur said as he rolled his hips sliding his length along the cleft of Merlin’ s perfect arse. “T rust me,” he said, and Merlin huf fed a breath as he pushed into him again. “Better?” “Mmhmm,” Merlin said. Arthur smiled, thrusting in a bit farther before pulling out again earning him a loud cry of protest. “Fuck, you’re enjoying this far too much.” “Yes, I am.” “I hate you.” “I know ,” Arthur chuckled then eased into Merlin again, moaning filthily as his shaft was fully enveloped in wet slick heat. “Ah, yes, Arthur…so good!” “Shall I pull out again?” “No, please,” Merlin gasped contracting his body around Arthur ’s cock to keep him in place. “Need you to fuck me, hard.” Arthur let out a low growl and snapped his hips pushing in as far as he could go. Merlin tilted his head back, his lips parted in a silent cry of sheer bliss. “Arthur…move…move please.” “Merlin, fuck,” Arthur said breathlessly , his chest rising and falling with each thrust until he was pounding into Merlin with abandon, his hands moving up Merlin’ s sides then around to his chest as his teeth grazed his shoulder and neck. “So, good, baby…so tight.” “Arthur!” Merlin’ s breathing stuttered and he let go of the railing, one hand gripping his own cock the other reaching to cup the back of Arthur ’s head. “I’m so close, God, Merlin…you feel incredible,” Merlin’ s hand stroked his shaft, his thumb pressing against the slit, his knees were trembling, and Arthur pulled out to the head struggling to hold them both up as he drove into him again rolling and snapping his hips until Merlin spilled over his hand in a breathless cry . “Ah, Merlin…fuck yes,” Arthur said then he was filling Merlin with his seed. Both of them clinging to the railing as the aftershocks of their release washed over them again and again leaving them panting and shaking. The muscles in their thighs and abdomens rippling. They laughed and collapsed on the lounge chair a few feet away holding each other close. “Are you happy now , Merlin?” Arthur asked, kissing him. “Oh, yes, but I am tempted to say no so we can do that again.” “As much as I would love to, we need food or neither of us will have the ener gy for a repeat performance.” “Bacon?” Merlin asked. “Bacon,” Arthur grinned. “Shower first, then bacon.” “Definitely .” They laid there a while longer and Merlin sighed, “T oo bad a shower and bacon requires movement.” “Yes, it does. Okay , come on, up now ,” Arthur said getting up of f the lounge before dragging Merlin to his feet and wrapping his arms around him. They kissed and then went inside. After a quick shower , they dressed in jeans and T -shirts before heading downstairs and into the kitchen. “There you boys are. W as beginning to think I’d have to eat all this food myself.” “Sorry , Millie,” Arthur kissed her cheek, “Thank you. It looks delicious.” “Merlin, I made extra bacon, just for you, sweet boy .” “Ah, yes, I love you Millie, marry me,” Merlin gave her a wide grin and a big hug. “You’re already married,” Arthur said shoving a piece of bacon into Merlin’ s mouth. “You two are adorable,” Millie giggled, “If there is nothing else you need I will take my leave and be back to fix you dinner .” “I think we are good,” Merlin. “You are the best, Millie. Thank you.” “Arthur , my boy , you are so welcome. Y ou remind me so much of your mother . You look just like her ,” the older woman hugged him. “Y ou and your Merlin enjoy the day . Frank said to let him know when you want to go for a ride.” “Merlin, you want to take a ride around the island?” Arthur asked. “Yes, definitely , I would love to.” “Great, ask Frank if he can prepare Zephyr and T empest for us. W e will be down to the stables in an hour .” “Wonderful, I will tell him. W ould you like me to pack a picnic for you?” “You’ve done more than enough, we can handle it,” Merlin said. “All right, I will get out of your hair ,” Millie kissed them both on the cheek then left through the back door heading to her car , looking back to wave goodbye. Merlin sat down at the table while Arthur poured them each a cup of hot cof fee and a glass of orange juice. “She is a sweetheart,” he grinned. “Millie, yeah, she is my mother ’s cousin. She and Frank take care of this place. This house originally belonged to my maternal grandparents.” “You’re so lucky to have so many family connections. It’ s just me and my mom since my dad died. My grandparents are all gone. I know my dad had a brother , but no one has heard from him since my dad’ s funeral.” “Have you talked to Nathan?” Arthur asked and Merlin nodded. “He texted me late last night, he is having a blast with Gwaine. They are analyzing every bit of data we got on all the freak tornados.” “Really?” Arthur asked as he sat down across from him. “Y ou’re missing it, aren’ t you.” “Actually , no, I’m really not. I thought I would. I am really happy and relaxed for the first time in a very long time.” “I’m glad.” “I mean you brought me to a private island accessible only by one bridge or by boat,” Merlin grinned, “W e have privacy , surrounded by beauty and absolutely amazing food. Horseback riding, romantic beach walks, mind-blowing sex…and time together without any other distractions.” Arthur smiled taking a sip of his cof fee, “I thought you would enjoy this more than a fancy hotel in New Y ork City or a T ropical Island.” “You know me so well,” Merlin grinned. “Yes, I do. It makes me happy to see you like this. W e should come here again and bring Nathan. He would enjoy it too I think.” “Are you kidding,” Merlin chuckled, “He would love it. Horses, boats, and the ocean.” “We can take the sailboat out tomorrow if you want. The weather is supposed to be beautiful.” “Sounds good.” They finished breakfast and then cleaned up the kitchen. Arthur ran upstairs to put on his boots while Merlin threw together a picnic lunch in a backpack and slung it over one shoulder . “Ready?” Arthur asked. “Ready . Should we walk or drive to the stables?” “Probably better take the car , because it has been years since I have ridden a horse and my ass is not going to feel like walking back after ,” Arthur chuckled. “At least your arse has more padding than mine,” Merlin grinned. “When is the last time you rode a horse?” “Not since I was around sixteen or seventeen.” “All the more reason to drive,” Arthur said wrapping his arms around Merlin to cup his arse. He kissed him then tilted his head toward the door . “Come on let’ s go.” They left the house, got into their rental car and Arthur started the engine. The drive to the stables only took maybe ten minutes mainly because the road was crooked and a bit rough. Merlin took in the view along the clif fs, his eyes wide, an easy smile on his face that Arthur loved seeing. He looked good. Arthur parked next to the stables and leaned over to kiss Merlin, “I love you so much.” “I love you too.” “Come on, Zephyr and T empest await.” Merlin got out and followed Arthur into the building. He looked around stunned by the size of the place. There were well over fifty stalls and all of them were occupied by horses, plus the ones Merlin saw in the pasture outside. Arthur smiled knowingly . “Frank boards and trains horses here for people on the mainland.” “There’ s my boy!” Arthur turned as a tall lanky man with a gray beard and a cowboy hat came out of one of the stalls and locked it. He was a good three inches taller than Arthur and Merlin. “Look at you, all grown up. Y our mother would be so proud. This must be your Merlin. Pleased to meet you, young man.” “You too, Frank,” Merlin said shaking his hand. “Good to see you again, Frank,” Arthur grinned, “Are Zephyr and T empest ready to go?” “Ready and waiting, tethered out back,” Frank said, “Follow me.” They walked through the doors and Merlin gasped as they stepped outside to see two of the most beautiful horses he had ever seen in his life. “Wow,” he said as he approached them, “Which is which?” “The palomino is Zephyr , the gray is T empest,” Frank said. “Fitting,” Merlin grinned at Arthur pressing his forehead to the neck of the silvery-gray mare, “Hello, I’m Merlin…we’re going to get along well aren’ t we.” Arthur untethered Zephyr and put a foot in the stirrup swinging a leg over the saddle before patting the stallion’ s neck. “He looks really good, Frank.” “Yes, I wondered when you would make it back to ride him.” Merlin looked at Arthur questioningly and Arthur smiled, “I was here when Zephyr was born five years ago. He’ s actually mine.” “Oh,” Merlin said, “And T empest?” “Tempest is yours, Merlin,” Arthur said, and Merlin’ s eyes went wide. “Mine?” “Yes, I knew she would be perfect for you. Brave, stubborn, beautiful…” Merlin grinned, “Thank you.” “You’re welcome, now mount up and let’ s ride. I’ll race you to the beach.” “You’re on,” Merlin climbed into the saddle and Arthur gently kicked Zephyr into a gallop. Merlin leaned forward whispering to T empest, his eyes flashed gold, and horse and man became one. He nudged her into a gallop catching up to Arthur and Zephyr easily . “You’re sure you haven’ t ridden since you were a teenager?” Arthur asked raising an eyebrow . “Yep,” Merlin grinned then nudged T empest and she took of f across the grassy field. They reached the dirt trail leading down to the beach. Arthur laughed and ur ged Zephyr to follow . “Something tells me he’ s using magic,” Arthur said to his horse. They rode down the trail to the open sandy beach. T empest galloped through the waves and Merlin let out a whoop of glee throwing his arms out to the side as the surf crashed around them. Arthur and Zephyr caught up and passed them. “Are we going to let them win, T empest?” Merlin asked and she picked up speed as if she understood every word. He gripped the reins and laughed breathlessly . They caught up and passed them. “Good girl!” he shouted. “You’re cheating, you little shit,” Arthur laughed. “Who me?” Merlin tossed back over his shoulder . “Yes, you, magic boy!” “Prove it!” They rode the full length of the sandy shore before turning to ride back in the direction they had come at a much more relaxed pace. Merlin’ s face hurt from smiling. He had not had this much fun in…well, ever . He was beginning to realize just how much storm chasing had consumed his life and his time. He knew he would never quit, but now that he was able to step back and see what he had been missing, he wanted more now . He needed more. “You okay?” Arthur asked, bringing Zephyr up next to T empest and reaching for Merlin’ s hand. “Yeah, I am great,” Merlin smiled, “Just thinking about all the things I have missed out on being so focused on the job. Don’ t get me wrong, I don’ t regret it for even a second, but I realize that I need something else…I need balance.” “And you’re finding it now ,” Arthur said. “Thanks to you. This is amazing, Arthur . I love this place and T empest is wonderful.” “Merlin, this place, I can make it ours. I just have to sign the transfer documents and it will be our home. My family has been of fering it to me for years. If it is what you want. W e could come here anytime we want and live here between storm seasons. I still want to build our house back home where we can live during storm seasons.” Merlin looked at him and shook his head, “Arthur…” “Think about it, there’ s no hurry . I have been putting it of f for years.” “Are you certain it is what you want?” “Yes,” Arthur nodded. “Then yes,” Merlin smiled, “Y ou have made so many sacrifices to be with me. I want you to have your family home here.” “Really?” “Yes. Nathan will love it here.” “Then I will call my family’ s lawyers and make an appointment.” “Brilliant,” Merlin leaned over to kiss him, “I love you. Thank you for T empest, she is perfect.” “You’re welcome and I love you.” Getting of f the horses, they led them along the beach. The tide was coming in. They found a spot in the shade of the trees near a stream where the horses could graze and drink while they ate their picnic lunch in the tall grass. “This place is so peaceful,” Merlin smiled laying back in the grass and Arthur took the opportunity to move over on top of him. “Hi,” he grinned. “Hi,” Merlin smiled. “Do you have any idea how happy I am right now?” Arthur asked, kissing him tenderly . “Mmm, I have a pretty good idea.” Arthur unfastened Merlin’ s jeans slipping his hand down the front of his boxer briefs wrapping around his hard cock. He nipped at his bottom lip making Merlin moan and lift his hips. “Arthur , anyone could walk up on us,” he laughed breathlessly . “Mmm, private island,” Arthur grinned stroking him. “Oh, fuck, that feels good,” Merlin whispered huskily . Arthur unfastened his own jeans and Merlin rolled onto his stomach. His eyes flashed gold to ease the way and speed things up. He moaned and let out a growl as Arthur pushed into him, wrapping one arm around his waist as he fucked into him slowly at first, then faster until they both came. “That was so good,” Merlin smiled. “What you do to me, baby ,” Arthur said kissing him, “I will never get enough of you.” “That’ s good, because I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.” “Such a hardship,” Arthur grinned. Merlin wrapped his legs around Arthur kissing him harder . “You’re mine forever .” “What do you want to do tonight?” “Mmm, I think I want to take a walk on the beach, maybe build a fire and look at the stars.” “That sounds good.” “All this free time, I don’ t know what to do with it.” Arthur grinned, “How about we ride for a while longer before we take the horses back? There’ s something I want to show you.” “Okay ,” Merlin nodded then got up of f the ground, fixed his clothing, and got back in the saddle. “Which way?” he asked as Arthur swung his leg over Zephyr ’s back. “Through those trees,” Arthur nodded pointedly , and Merlin headed in that direction. They rode for about fifteen minutes before Arthur slid of f his horse and led him through a gap between the clif f and a huge rock heading down into a protected cove with a sandy beach. Merlin followed, leading T empest. “Oh, Arthur ,” he gasped, “This place is stunning.” “Isn’ t it?” Arthur smiled, “I was told that my mother used to come here when she was a young girl. It was her secret spot.” “It’s incredible,” Merlin said as he looked around at the high clif fs and the rock formations that enclosed this little hidden piece of heaven. The waves crashed on the shore while seabirds soared overhead. It brought tears to his eyes thinking of Arthur ’s mother and how he must feel so close to her here in this magical place. “Merlin, are you okay?” “Yeah, yes, I’m fine. God, Arthur I see why your mother loved this place. Y ou definitely need to come here more often.” “I’ve never brought anyone here until now , Merlin.” “Really?” “Not even Mor gana or my father ,” Arthur said with a soft smile, “Only you.” “Then I am truly honored that you wanted to share this with me.” “There is so much more I want to share with you, Merlin,” Arthur stepped closer , placing one hand on Merlin’ s cheek his eyes so full of emotion. “When you were in the hospital, my father , he told me that my mother would have adored you.” “Your father said that?” “You know my father , he’s not one to express his emotions or say anything even remotely related to emotion,” Arthur shook his head, “He was scared to death that you wouldn’ t make it, that I would lose you, and afraid of what it would do to me.” “Arthur…” Merlin said his eyes brimming with tears. “I never want to be without you,” Arthur said then kissed him tenderly , “I never want to know a life without you in my arms. Merlin…” Merlin sur ged forward and kissed him with passion then shook his head. “Y ou won’ t, you will never lose me again.” “Promise,” Arthur ’s voice broke, his eyes glistening with tears of his own. “I promise, Arthur . We are going to grow old, gray , and fat together ,” Merlin smiled. “I’ll be fat, you won’ t…never seen anyone who eats like you and never gains a pound. I have to fight like hell to keep from getting a gut.” “I think you’re perfect. But if you’re really worried about it, I will be sure and keep you quite active,” Merlin wagged his eyebrows. “Lots and lots of physical activity of the pleasurable kind.” “Mmm, sounds like fun,” Arthur kissed him. “Rigorous workouts, day and night.” “I shall look forward to that.” “Come on, let’ s head back,” Merlin said then winked, “I’m suddenly feeling the ur ge to take an afternoon nap.” “Funny , me too,” Arthur grinned. They led the horses back to the trail and then mounted them. “Race you to the stables,” Merlin chuckled then nudged T empest into a run as soon as they were on flat open ground. “Hah,” Arthur shouted, and Zephyr took of f after them, but they couldn’ t catch up. They reached the stables and Merlin was already of f Tempest and removing her saddle. “Y ou cheated.” Merlin looked at him with wide-eyed innocence and shrugged then gave him a cheeky grin. “Y ou used magic…not fair .” “Aww, did we injure Arthur and Zephyr ’s fragile egos, T empest?” Merlin asked the silver - gray mare rubbing her neck. He laughed, “She said you are just a sore loser .” “You’re talking to a horse?” Arthur asked with a smirk. “Yeah,” Merlin nodded as if it were the most normal thing ever and Arthur raised an eyebrow . “You’re serious? Y ou can understand her , and she understands you?” “Yep, we have a bond. Don’ t we, girl.” “Magic…you’re really something,” Arthur said as he slid of f Zephyr and began to remove the saddle. They worked together giving the horses a rub down, food, and water . Frank came out of the stables with one of his trainers, a young red-haired girl. She waved to Arthur and Merlin then headed for a blue pick-up truck. “Frank, that was Sarah Olson,” Arthur said. “Yes,” Frank nodded, “She’ s one of my best trainers.” “Last time I saw her she was a kid.” “Just graduated from veterinary school. She is amazing. Looks like you two had a good ride. Y ou sure know what you’re doing, Merlin.” Merlin looked at him and smiled, “Thank you, sir .” “Merlin is a natural at everything he does,” Arthur said, “Some people say he’ s magic.” “I believe it, he tamed you,” Frank chuckled. “Merlin, this one was quite a handful growing up. T oo bad you didn’ t come along sooner .” “Oh, was he?” Merlin asked, raising an eyebrow . “Hey , I was a good kid,” Arthur said with feigned of fense. “I bet he didn’ t tell you about the time he tried to ride Damien, one of my mean-tempered stallions. Got his arse tossed of f in less than a minute, broke his tailbone and left leg.” “That horse was possessed,” Arthur said emphatically , “Son of Satan, I’m telling you.” “Didn’ t think your father would ever let you come back here.” “He nearly didn’ t,” Arthur huf fed, “I had to guilt him into it.” Frank took the leads for both horses and patted their necks. “Good job, boys, I will take it from here. Enjoy the rest of your day .” “Thank you, Frank,” Arthur nodded and held his hand out to Merlin. “Ready?” “Yes,” Merlin nodded taking his hand and they walked toward their car . “You never told me anything about this place and what it meant to you,” he said as they got in. “I know , I’m sorry ,” Arthur said, “This place has always been my refuge.” “Your refuge?” “Yeah, but now you are my refuge, so I wanted to bring you here. T o share it with you.” “I’m glad,” Merlin smiled leaning over to kiss him. “Mmm, I’m ready for that nap,” Arthur said huskily kissing him back. They got back to the house and immediately headed upstairs pulling each other ’s clothes of f as they headed into the bathroom for a shower . Merlin turned on the water and pulled Arthur under the stream with him their lips locked together as their hands roamed over wet skin. “Fuck, I am hard,” Arthur groaned his fingertips pressing into the soft flesh of Merlin’ s arse. “Me too,” Merlin huf fed against his lips, “God, I want to ride you.” “Merlin…” “I’m going to ride you…” “Fuck, yes, please…” “Need to hurry and wash,” Merlin grinned grabbing the washcloth and body wash cleaning them both from head to toe. They kissed and moved together . “Arthur…” “All clean,” Arthur gasped then shut of f the water . They stumbled together out of the shower grabbing towels to dry each other of f. “Bed…now .” “Yes, bed,” Merlin grinned backing out through the door with Arthur glued to his front kissing his neck and shoulder . “Fuck…I can’ t wait…now .” Arthur flopped down across the bed and Merlin climbed on top, facing away from him. Arthur gripped his hips guiding him down, the head of his cock pushing into his tight slick entrance. He was never more grateful for Merlin’ s magic, if they had to wait to prepare him Arthur would go mad. “Fuck, Merlin,” he moaned filthily , “You look so good. “Arthur ,” Merlin growled he lifted up until just the head of Arthur ’s shaft was inside him and held himself there. Arthur slid his hands up his back dragging his fingertips back down his spine causing him to shiver in pleasure. “Merlin, fuck, look at you, baby ,” Arthur said his voice thick with desire. The sight of Merlin hovering above him, fighting for control, made him long to lift up and drive into him, but he waited letting Merlin take the reins. “Ah, yes, Arthur…” Merlin lowered himself down taking Arthur inside him a little at a time closing his eyes and losing himself in the heat and fullness. The angle of penetration was perfect, he raised up again and breathed out Arthur ’s name before impaling himself fully on his cock. “Fuck, Merlin!” Arthur stuttered, “So good.” He wrapped his hands around Merlin’ s waist as he leaned back and started to move up and down on him. “That’ s it, ride me, baby .” Merlin let out a breath and laughed, “Giddy up.” Arthur tilted his head back of f the edge of the bed, his mouth open. His hands moved to Merlin’ s hips. “Feels so good,” he panted. Merlin moved faster , leaning back as he rolled his hips. “Arthur…fuck, yes…” He sat up straight then pulled of f of him turning around before impaling himself on Arthur again facing him. He leaned over kissing his neck and chest. Arthur pulled him down for a deep kiss as his fingers gripped Merlin’ s hips and he took over , driving upward into him again and again. Merlin let out a cry of utter bliss and reached for his cock stroking himself to release, spilling all over Arthur ’s stomach and chest. His body tightened around his shaft. Arthur pulled out before he could come maneuvering Merlin onto his stomach. “Fuck, Merlin…you’re incredible,” he whispered then straddled him, sliding his slick cock along the cleft of his arse before pushing into him again. “Absolutely intoxicating, baby .” “Arthur , yes, fuck me,” Merlin panted his hands gripping the bedding. “Beautiful,” Arthur moaned rocking into him slowly at first then faster and harder , “Merlin…” Merlin’ s eyes flashed gold for a moment and Arthur felt his magic flow through him. He cried out in pleasure and surprise as his arousal increased tenfold. He pulled out and rolled Merlin onto his back kissing him. “What was that?” he laughed breathlessly against his lips. “Just a little spell,” Merlin smiled, “Keep going, you’ll find out.” Arthur lifted his legs thrusting into him again. “Ah, wow , Merlin,” he moaned as he felt his release building. “Let go, Arthur ,” Merlin said his eyes flashing gold again and Arthur ’s whole body trembled with magic, and he came with a stuttered cry , his seed pulsing into Merlin filling him. “Holy , hell…” Merlin kissed him, wrapping his legs around his body . “Good, yeah?” “That was intense.” “I love you,” Merlin said stroking his cheek, running his thumb across Arthur ’s bottom lip. “Love you too,” Arthur smiled. Happy Endings Do Exist They spent the next three days sailing and riding T empest and Zephyr . Then Sunday morning they said goodbye to Frank and Millie with a promise to return in the fall. Arthur had officially taken possession of his family’ s property , so it was now theirs. They boarded the plane that would take them home and Merlin sat by the window looking out. “You all right?” “Yeah, just part of me doesn’ t want to leave.” “We will be back. W e have a storm season to finish and a son to get back to before Gwaine corrupts him beyond repair ,” Arthur smiled kissing him. Merlin chuckled, “Y eah.” “It was a great honeymoon.” “Yes, the best. I am so glad we did this.” “What would you say to spending the holidays on the island?” “Really?” “Yes, I haven’ t done so since I was a kid. It’ s beautiful in winter . Millie goes all out with the decorations and the food. W e can come back for Thanksgiving and stay through New Y ears or longer if you want.” “Yes,” Merlin smiled and nodded. Arthur kissed him. “Do you have any idea how much I love you?” “Almost as much as I love you.” “Always and forever ,” Arthur said kissing him again. “Nathan, hurry up,” Merlin shouted, and Nathan jumped down from the R V and ran toward them jumping into the back of Excalibur . “Ready ,” Arthur asked with a wide grin. “Yep, all set,” Nathan laughed, and Merlin started the engine. He drove up onto the road and the vans fell in behind them. “Feels good to be back at it,” Arthur said. “Yes, it does,” Merlin smiled. “How many teenagers can say they get to chase tornados on their birthday?” Nathan asked, “This is so cool.” “Probably none,” Merlin laughed. “Which way are we heading?” Arthur asked. “What do you think, son?” “Me?” Nathan asked in surprise. “Your birthday , you choose,” Merlin grinned. “Okay ,” he pulled up the feed on his laptop, “Northwest. The line of storms coming in looks promising. What do you think?” “Northwest it is,” Merlin nodded. “You’re really relying on me to choose? What if I’m wrong?” “You have the right instincts, Nathan. T rust them.” “Okay ,” he grinned, “Northwest.” Merlin nodded, “Okay boys and girls, the birthday boy is pointing us northwest. Let’ s roll.” He laughed and Nathan blushed as everyone started singing happy birthday to him over the earpieces. “Thanks, guys,” he laughed. They had only driven half an hour before they spotted a funnel cloud. “See, Nathan, I told you…trust your instincts,” Merlin said. “We have visual,” Arthur said, “Gwaine, Leon, hang back for the moment while we check it out.” Merlin drove Excalibur of f-road, a wide grin on his face. It had been good to get away and rechar ge. He was feeling rested and focused again. His magic was singing in his veins, and he was happy . Glancing over at Arthur he felt a rush of emotion. This was what he needed all along…balance. “Dad, it’ s on the ground,” Nathan said. “On it,” Merlin said putting his foot to the floor heading for the newly formed tornado. It was in a sparsely populated area so there was no danger to homes as of yet. Arthur had his camera out snapping photos and taking videos. “It’ s definitely a photogenic one,” he said. The storm was almost white against the dark sky . Little more than a twisting rope but growing wider . “Cool!” Nathan said pointing at the small satellite snaking down to the ground just east of the original. “Hold on,” Merlin said then hit the gas turning the wheel hard left, and crossed over a small stream and up the other side. Driving across the field he circled the tornado just as the satellite retreated back into the wall cloud. “Merlin, it’ s gaining strength,” Mor gana said. “Yep, and it’ s going to turn.” “Got enough,” Arthur said, “Let’ s get out of here.” Merlin nodded then spun the wheel turning Excalibur around. Nathan looked out the back window as the tornado changed course. He shook his head and smiled. His dad was right again. “Was that instinct or magic, Dad?” “What?” “You knew it would turn. W as it your instincts or your magic?” “A little of both actually .” Nathan looked again. The tornado was gaining on them. “Y ou might want to step on it, Dad, I don’ t need instincts or magic to see it is knocking on our back door .” Merlin laughed and hit the gas. Excalibur ate up the ground reaching the main road again where the vans were parked just to the north. He parked on the asphalt, and they all got out to watch the tornado cut across the field. It destroyed a couple of old sheds and a fence before finally losing strength and roping out. “God, I love this job,” Merlin said then pulled Nathan into his embrace. “Happy birthday , my son. I love you.” “Love you too, Dad.” Arthur smiled, “On to the next?” “On to the next,” Nathan grinned hugging him. Epilogue Christmas Eve Merlin stood by the windows looking out at the falling snow . The warmth of the fire in the hearth behind him and the smell of cinnamon in the air made him smile. “Hey ,” Arthur said as he wrapped his arms around him. “Come sit with me.” Merlin nodded and followed him to the sofa in front of the fireplace. They sat down and he curled up against Arthur reveling in the feel of his body . He kissed him tenderly . “Hi…” “Hi,” Arthur smiled kissing him back. “Y ou look happy .” “I am,” Merlin grinned, “I am in a beautiful place with the man I love and our son. The snow is falling, and we are alone on Christmas Eve.” “It’s a bit dif ferent, isn’ t it? Not having the team around.” “They are enjoying themselves I’m sure. I know our parents are. Spending their extended honeymoon in Hawaii. I prefer the snow to the hot sun.” “Mor gana wanted to come, but she couldn’ t make the trip this late in the pregnancy . And Gwaine is a nervous wreck. They are going to be great parents. Like Lance and Gwen.” “Percival texted me,” Merlin grinned, “He’ s going to propose to Nicole on New Y ear's Eve.” “Good for him,” Arthur nodded, “They are a good match.” “I’m glad we came here for the holidays,” Merlin smiled kissing Arthur . “Me too.” “Nathan is really happy here. Millie and Frank are spoiling him rotten.” Arthur let go of Merlin and reached over the arm of the sofa to grab something. He handed the wrapped package to Merlin with a wide grin. “Merry Christmas.” “Shouldn’ t we wait until morning?” Merlin asked. “No, this one is just between you and me,” Arthur said nodding pointedly at the gift. Merlin unwrapped it carefully and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful painting of the two of them. It was stunning. He looked at Arthur . “This is incredible,” he said then looked at the signature. “A Pendragon…” he said, “Y ou painted this. “God, Arthur…” “You really like it?” “I love it. I didn’ t know you were an artist.” “I’m not really . My mom was. I guess it’ s the one part of me I share with her .” Merlin shook his head, tears in his eyes, “Arthur…this is…when did you have time?” “I started at Thanksgiving. W orked on it while you were sleeping.” “We have to hang this in our bedroom over the fireplace.” “Okay ,” Arthur chuckled, “I love you, Merlin. “I love you, A Pendragon,” Merlin kissed him, “Let’ s go upstairs.” “Lead the way ,” Arthur said. Merlin carried the painting and held his hand as they climbed the stairs and went into their room. He immediately pulled down the landscape artwork over the fireplace and replaced it with Arthur ’s painting. “Perfect,” he grinned. “Yes, you are,” Arthur kissed him then scooped him up in his arms and carried him to the bed. “My knight in shining armor ,” Merlin smiled caressing his cheek. “Always, my love,” Arthur kissed him. THE END Crying in the Rain by A-ha and the Everly Brothers Chapter Summary p.s. if you would like to hear the song and see the music video this song is titled from here is the link on Y ouTube. It is beautiful! :D https://youtu.be/h-WPexVEujg?si=70HUtu9BUXpL_NRi Crying in the Rain by A-ha I'll never let you see The way my broken heart is hurting me I've got my pride and I know how to hide All my sorrow and pain I'll do my crying in the rain If I wait for stormy skies You won't know the rain from the tears in my eyes You'll never know that I still love you so Though the heartaches remain I'll do my crying in the rain Raindrops falling from heaven Could never take away my misery But since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain Whoo, whoo Since we're not together I pray for stormy weather To hide these tears I hope you'll never see Some day when my cryin's done I'm gonna wear a smile and walk in the sun I may be a fool But till then, darling, you'll, never see me complain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain I'll do my crying in the rain Songwriters: Howard Greenfield, Carole King. For non-commercial use only . Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 52,200
Chapters: 13/13

To You, The Other Half Of My Soul

"To Merlin, he was more. To Merlin, he was his heart's beloved, the other half of his soul. To Merlin, he was the sun and the moon and the stars, and all that was good and kind in this world. He knew, in his heart of hearts, though he searched every day, that his beloved had not reincarnated yet. He knew, for he would know Arthur anywhere. He would know him by the way his feet struck the Earth, and his shadow darkened the ground. He would know him by the way his skin folded when he smiled and the way his aura seemed to light up the world around him. He would know him blind. He would know him were he blind and mute and deaf, and Arthur dumb. He would know him"Merlin has lived without his beloved Arthur for hundreds of years. He has grown tired, and old, and sorrowful, and he mourns... for Camelot, for Gaius, for his mother, for everyone he has lost, but he mourns for Arthur the most.He sits in a forest and laments the passing of his beloved. However, what he appears to have forgotten is that Arthur is not the Once King, but the Once and Future King....(Slightly inspired by The Song of Achilles)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Angst, Fluff and Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Merlin Needs a Hug (Merlin), Merlin Gets a Hug (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon Returns (Merlin), POV Merlin (Merlin), References to Depression, Caring Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Soft Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Once and Future King, Love Confessions, Requited Love, King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Good King Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Loyal Merlin (Merlin), Immortal Merlin (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2023-07-12
Words: 1,590
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 969
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Arthurian Mythology & Related Fandoms
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Merlin (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)

The tingle

Arthur has spent the majority of his life trying to be everything his father expected. As an anti-Pride protestor, he has made it his mission to tell people that "Pride is a sin". Then he meets Merlin and his world is turned on its axis. What starts as an unlikely friendship full of preconceptions and misunderstandings turns, little by little, into more. No one gets it till the end.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Coming Out, Pride, Gay Pride, Gay Character, Bi-Gender Character(s), Asexual Character, Aromantic, aroaceleon, LGBTQ Themes, LGBTQ Character, Intersex Character, Implied/Referenced Abortion, Past Abortion, TERF language, Internalized Homophobia, Homophobia, Homophobic Language, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Transphobia, Biphobia, Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Language: English
Published: 2023-06-24
Words: 36,611
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 219
Bookmarks: 38
Hits: 2,852
Categories: Gen, M/M, Other
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine & Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin, Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Elena (Merlin), Mithian (Merlin), Cendred (Merlin)

Arthur's Worst Experience

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Arthur receives some bad news about Merlin. Author: Emrys MK Title : Arthur's Worst Experience Rating : G Characters/pairings : Merlin and Arthur Summary :Arthur receives some bad news about Merlin. Words : 1000 Warnings: None Prompt 178: Experience - written for camelot_drabble A/N : Part two of my "Merlin and Arthur Live Again" series. "Can I go over to Merlin's, Mum?" Arthur asked as he sat down at the kitchen table and grabbed a biscuit from the tin. "Not today, Arthur," was her reply, sadness infusing her voice as she closed the notebook she'd been writing in. "Merlin isn't feeling well; his mother called earlier and said he wasn't up to company today." Wasn't up to company? Since when was Arthur company? He had always been welcome in Merlin's home, even when Merlin had been feeling unwell. He opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but before he could do so, his mother stood, pushed her chair under the table, and looked at Arthur, that same sadness he had heard now evident. Something was wrong. Arthur was getting scared. What was going on? Everyone had been acting strangely ever since the day after Merlin's birthday, and Arthur didn't understand. "What aren't you telling me, Mum? Is there something wrong with Merlin?" Arthur felt ill. Merlin had to be alright. "Arthur, love, I've something to tell you, but I have no idea how to do so." Arthur swallowed. It had to do with Merlin. He knew that much. "Merlin's not dangerously ill like he was two years ago, is he?" Two years earlier, Merlin had come down with a bad case of the flu and the doctors hadn't been sure he would recover. Arthur's parents had prepared him for the possibility that Merlin might not survive. But he had. Did he have the flu again? "Please tell me he's okay. I can't lose him, Mum," Arthur said, knowing his attachment to his best friend was perhaps somewhat unhealthy, at least his father thought so, but he couldn't help it. Merlin and he had been the best of friends since they were old enough to speak, and Arthur's world revolved around the boy with the large ears who told the most amazing stories. At any time, whenever Arthur was stressed because of his father's unrealistic expectations of his son, all Arthur need do was see Merlin and all was right with the world. If he lost that…. "Merlin and his family are moving, love." ~*~ Arthur stood on the front porch and waited patiently, hoping that Mrs. Emrys would allow him inside to see Merlin. If she said no, Arthur didn't know what he would do. He needed Merlin. Merlin couldn't leave. A new set of tears found their way down his face as he watched the door open and Merlin's mother invite him inside. Arthur nodded and began to walk towards Merlin's room, but stopped when he was pulled into a hug by Merlin's mother. "I'm so sorry, Arthur. I wish it didn't have to be this way, love," she said, her voice shaking. "Now run along. Merlin's waiting for you," she said, clearing her throat. Arthur neared his best friend's bedroom and frowned when he noticed the door was closed. Merlin never shut his door. Never. Arthur knocked and not even a second passed before the door flew open and Merlin threw himself at his best friend and hugged him for dear life. Arthur hugged him back. They couldn't take Merlin away from him. They just couldn't. "I don't want to go, Arthur," Merlin said through his sobs as he dug his hands into the back of Arthur's shirt and held on as if someone were trying to pull the two of them apart. "Why are you moving? I don't want you to move, Merlin." Arthur couldn't imagine a life without Merlin in it. Merlin made him smile. Who would make him smile if Merlin left? Merlin pulled away and went to sit on his bed, but he pulled Arthur with him and smiled when Arthur joined him and wiped away the new batch of tears that were falling down Merlin's face. "I have a secret, Arthur. If anyone finds out, my family will be in trouble. My daddy says we have to leave for our safety." "Can you tell me what your secret is?" Arthur asked, scared, but wanting to know. Merlin was his best friend. He would never tell anyone the secret. "You won't like me anymore if I tell you," Merlin said, taking a breath and composing himself. "How can you say that, Merlin? I love you. And you told me you love me. How could I ever not like you? There is nothing that you could tell me that would make me not like you. Please tell me." "Er, I have magic. I always knew I was different, but it wasn't until I had that dream the other night that I discovered the truth." Arthur couldn't help but giggle. Magic? Merlin had magic? Their games where Merlin had magic had always seemed so real. That was because his best friend could really do those things they had imagined? Arthur was amazed and perhaps just a little envious. "Merlin, you're such a clotpole! I thought you were going to tell me you were dying or something horrible like that." "But your father is so against magic. He doesn't like it when we pretended I could do magic," Merlin said. "I'm not my father, Merlin. And just so you know, I think you being able to do magic is the best thing ever. That means one day you can magic us back together," and the grin that Arthur had was only marred by the lingering tears that continued to fall from earlier. Merlin smiled and let out a shaky breath. "Here I was thinking I was about to experience losing my best friend." "Never. I still don't want you to go," and Arthur felt the tears as they returned. "Me either, but I'll come find you when I'm old enough," Merlin said, "and when I find you no one will be able to ever take us away from one another again. Like you said, my magic will find you. There is nothing that will keep us apart, I promise. We'll be together forever." "Together forever," Arthur repeated. Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Character: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Reincarnation, Kid Fic Series: Part 2 of Merlin and Arthur Live Again Collections: Camelot Drabble -- Prompt #178: Experience
Published: 2015-09-23
Words: 1050

The Magic of Love

Arthur repeals the ban on magic and expects Merlin's undying gratitude, but Merlin acts like nothing has changed. Clearly Arthur's only recourse is to annoy, bully, trick, and otherwise coerce Merlin into openly using sorcery.Or: 5 times Arthur tries to trick Merlin into using magic, and 1 time Merlin’s magic does it for him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Fluff, Magic Reveal, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2015-10-01
Words: 4,194
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 201
Kudos: 10,933
Bookmarks: 1,461
Hits: 69,997
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Geoffrey of Monmouth (Merlin)

The Merlin Dilemma

Arthur likes Gwen. Or at least he thinks he does. But then events occur that make him realize something about Merlin.Meanwhile, Lancelot is back and Merlin gets some unexpected attention.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Multi
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2010-01-12
Words: 4,481
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 71
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 3,682
Relationships: Merlin/Morgana, Arthur/Gwen, Lancelot/Gwen, Merlin/Gwen, Gwen/Morgana (friendship), mention of Arthur/Morgana, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon

How Fickle My Heart

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When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur , but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember , don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember , Gwen,” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually ,” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway , tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready ,” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door , plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car , chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know , I know ,” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly , mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport,” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that,” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew , Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow , we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry , she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily , while Arthur struggled to follow , unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away , she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur , and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager , and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin,” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin,” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense,” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow , Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder , Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car , Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister , Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror , Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me,” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever , I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy , I’m not blind,” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away , embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous,” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous,” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong,” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards,” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right,” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat,” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually ,” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know , I know ,” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny ,” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years,” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much,” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur , and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling,” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi,” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in,” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello,” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over , linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor ,” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin,” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends,” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over , and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother , but god, you’ve grown up so much,” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister ,” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away , but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party ,” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen,” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper , “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur , on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine,” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin,” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy , I just feel bad asking,” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know ,” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes,” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry , Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense,” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen,” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor , after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally , Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour , so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you,” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally , he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly , “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that,” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history , and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not,” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other , so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine,” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow , something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly , he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other , rather than years. “Arthur , this is Lance,” Merlin said brightly , waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur , my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you,” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you,” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur,” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi,” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor , not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur , armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while,” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it,” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter , Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin,” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me,” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom,” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur , whispering conspiratorially , “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly , I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then,” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose,” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition,” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble,” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur , “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger , it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door , Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin,” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry ,” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there,” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting,” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair , tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance,” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore,” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children,” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’,” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm,” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur , who was still trying to suppress his laughter , and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa,” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has,” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him,” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly , “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur , Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually , the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything,” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce,” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly , then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi,” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well,” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair , then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that,” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey , but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not,” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college,” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently , Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand,” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother , Elyan,” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her ,” Arthur said quietly , darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me,” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely , so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if,” Arthur snorted. “How rude,” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are,” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away , his smirk was far too flirty , and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah,” Merlin stammered. Slowly , the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor , and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner , Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together , insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low , Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together , the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later , Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other , Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner , and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur , sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin,” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together , and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly , Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way , her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show , Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder , and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur , hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly , Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently , he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now , maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow,” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit,” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too,” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird,” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers,” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late,” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today , but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh,” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty , and I’ll drive you,” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur , Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in,” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger , Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly , come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already , he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine,” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine,” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes,” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me,” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently , Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry , Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry , we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god,” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store,” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair , lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away , so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior ,” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really , that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way , it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday , Thursday , and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early , left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour , Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew , and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur , you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur , Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us,” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other , Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her , wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together , and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear , then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately , Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly , Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur , what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor , too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky , he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday , traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur , and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur , arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then,” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you,” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look,” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner , Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure,” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it,” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes,” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us,” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right,” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly , and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly , unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no,” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes,” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner , and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow , Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes,” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother , I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those,” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door , knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer , laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer , letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur , Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently , he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it,” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this,” he complained. Blinking innocently , Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know , Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot,” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur , Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly , they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense,” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together , and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away , clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur , and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say , but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further , but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly , the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity , Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think,” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I,” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later , Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not,” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer , close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter , does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends,” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly , it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur , listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry ,” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair , please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer , crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously , Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know ,” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door , shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah,” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew , Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy , but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary , so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally ,” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking,” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots,” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary , isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years,” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably ,” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later , Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together , each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match,” Lance said obediently , hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together , blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other ,” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence,” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great,” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly , he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly , Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah,” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway , one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her , and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door , sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere,” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch,” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party ,” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender , Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner , Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally , Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now , he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly , Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder , half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily , Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air , toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away , only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur , her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly , she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity , she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later , curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur , uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later , Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly , their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough,” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly , he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair , and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door , Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy , half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly , and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair , the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur , all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur , and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know , Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur , who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively , Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night,” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit,” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh,” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder , he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender , had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better ,” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me,” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently , he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry , I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven,” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy , adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable,” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her , Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war , Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault,” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so,” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move,” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s,” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable,” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur , and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away , and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder , Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly , and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now , I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly , Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good,” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy ,” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell,” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur , whispered something in his ear , and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow , deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is,” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Mature Archive W arning: No Archive W arnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin) Additional T ags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Mutual Pining, Getting T ogether, Friends to Lovers, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), no infidelity, Minor Lancelot/Merlin (Merlin), Endgame Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Endgame Gwen/Lancelot Language: English Series: Part 3 of Merlin Bingo 2023 Collections: Merlin Bingo Stats: Published: 2023-09-26 Words: 17, 592 Chapters: 1/1 How Fickle My Heart by Seravia Summary When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur, but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember, don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember, Gwen, ” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually, ” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway, tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready, ” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door, plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car, chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know, I know, ” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly, mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport, ” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that, ” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew, Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow, we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry, she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily, while Arthur struggled to follow, unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away, she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur, and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager, and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin, ” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin, ” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense, ” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow, Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder, Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car, Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister, Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror, Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me, ” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever, I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy, I’m not blind, ” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away, embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous, ” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous, ” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong, ” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards, ” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right, ” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat, ” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually, ” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know, I know, ” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny, ” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years, ” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much, ” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur, and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling, ” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi, ” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in, ” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello, ” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over, linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor, ” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin, ” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends, ” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over, and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother, but god, you’ve grown up so much, ” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister, ” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away, but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party, ” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen, ” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper, “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur, on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine, ” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin, ” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy, I just feel bad asking, ” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know, ” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes, ” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry, Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense, ” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen, ” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor, after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally, Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour, so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you, ” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally, he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly, “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that, ” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history, and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not, ” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other, so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine, ” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow, something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly, he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other, rather than years. “Arthur, this is Lance, ” Merlin said brightly, waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur, my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you, ” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you, ” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur, ” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi, ” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor, not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur, armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while, ” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it, ” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter, Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin, ” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me, ” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom, ” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur, whispering conspiratorially, “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly, I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then, ” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose, ” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition, ” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble, ” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur, “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger, it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door, Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin, ” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry, ” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there, ” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting, ” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair, tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance, ” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore, ” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children, ” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’, ” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it, ” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm, ” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur, who was still trying to suppress his laughter, and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa, ” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has, ” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him, ” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly, “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually, the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything, ” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce, ” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly, then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi, ” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well, ” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair, then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that, ” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey, but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not, ” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college, ” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently, Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand, ” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother, Elyan, ” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her, ” Arthur said quietly, darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah, ” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me, ” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely, so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if, ” Arthur snorted. “How rude, ” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are, ” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away, his smirk was far too flirty, and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah, ” Merlin stammered. Slowly, the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor, and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner, Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together, insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low, Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together, the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later, Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other, Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner, and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur, sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin, ” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together, and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly, Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way, her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show, Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder, and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur, hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly, Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently, he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm, ” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now, maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow, ” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit, ” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too, ” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird, ” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers, ” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late, ” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today, but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh, ” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty, and I’ll drive you, ” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur, Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in, ” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger, Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly, come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already, he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry, Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine, ” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine, ” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes, ” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry, Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me, ” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently, Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry, Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry, we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god, ” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store, ” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair, lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away, so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior, ” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really, that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way, it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday, Thursday, and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early, left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour, Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew, and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur, you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur, Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us, ” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other, Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together, and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear, then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately, Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly, Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur, what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor, too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky, he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday, traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur, and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur, arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then, ” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you, ” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look, ” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner, Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure, ” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it, ” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes, ” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us, ” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right, ” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly, unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no, ” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes, ” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner, and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow, Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes, ” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother, I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those, ” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door, knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer, laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer, letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur, Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently, he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it, ” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this, ” he complained. Blinking innocently, Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know, Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot, ” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly, they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense, ” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together, and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away, clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur, and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say, but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further, but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly, the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity, Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think, ” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I, ” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later, Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not, ” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer, close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter, does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends, ” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly, it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur, listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry, ” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair, please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer, crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously, Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know, ” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door, shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah, ” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew, Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy, but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary, so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally, ” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking, ” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots, ” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary, isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years, ” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably, ” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later, Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together, each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match, ” Lance said obediently, hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together, blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other, ” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence, ” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah, ” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great, ” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly, he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly, Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah, ” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway, one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her, and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door, sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere, ” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch, ” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party, ” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender, Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner, Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally, Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now, he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly, Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder, half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily, Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air, toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away, only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur, her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly, she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity, she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later, curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur, uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later, Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly, their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough, ” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly, he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair, and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door, Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy, half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly, and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair, the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur, all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur, and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know, Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur, who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively, Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night, ” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit, ” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh, ” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder, he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender, had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah, ” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better, ” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me, ” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently, he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry, I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven, ” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy, adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable, ” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her, Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking, ” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war, Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking, ” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault, ” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so, ” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move, ” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s, ” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable, ” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur, and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away, and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder, Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly, and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now, I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly, Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good, ” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy, ” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell, ” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur, whispered something in his ear, and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow, deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is, ” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Series: Part 3 of Merlin Bingo 2023 Collections: Merlin Bingo
Published: 2023-09-26 Words: 17,592 Chapters: 1/1 How Fickle My Heart by Seravia Summary When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur , but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember , don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember , Gwen,” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually ,” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway , tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready ,” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door , plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car , chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know , I know ,” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly , mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport,” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that,” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew , Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow , we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry , she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily , while Arthur struggled to follow , unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away , she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur , and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager , and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin,” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin,” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense,” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow , Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder , Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car , Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister , Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror , Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me,” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever , I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy , I’m not blind,” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away , embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous,” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous,” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong,” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards,” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right,” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat,” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually ,” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know , I know ,” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny ,” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years,” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much,” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur , and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling,” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi,” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in,” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello,” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over , linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor ,” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin,” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends,” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over , and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother , but god, you’ve grown up so much,” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister ,” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away , but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party ,” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen,” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper , “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur , on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine,” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin,” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy , I just feel bad asking,” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know ,” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes,” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry , Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense,” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen,” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor , after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally , Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour , so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you,” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally , he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly , “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that,” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history , and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not,” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other , so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine,” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow , something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly , he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other , rather than years. “Arthur , this is Lance,” Merlin said brightly , waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur , my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you,” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you,” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur,” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi,” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor , not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur , armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while,” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it,” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter , Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin,” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me,” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom,” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur , whispering conspiratorially , “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly , I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then,” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose,” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition,” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble,” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur , “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger , it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door , Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin,” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry ,” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there,” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting,” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair , tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance,” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore,” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children,” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’,” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm,” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur , who was still trying to suppress his laughter , and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa,” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has,” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him,” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly , “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur , Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually , the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything,” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce,” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly , then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi,” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well,” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair , then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that,” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey , but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not,” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college,” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently , Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand,” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother , Elyan,” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her ,” Arthur said quietly , darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me,” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely , so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if,” Arthur snorted. “How rude,” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are,” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away , his smirk was far too flirty , and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah,” Merlin stammered. Slowly , the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor , and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner , Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together , insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low , Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together , the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later , Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other , Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner , and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur , sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin,” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together , and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly , Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way , her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show , Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder , and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur , hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly , Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently , he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now , maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow,” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit,” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too,” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird,” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers,” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late,” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today , but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh,” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty , and I’ll drive you,” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur , Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in,” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger , Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly , come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already , he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine,” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine,” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes,” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me,” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently , Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry , Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry , we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god,” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store,” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair , lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away , so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior ,” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really , that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way , it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday , Thursday , and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early , left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour , Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew , and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur , you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur , Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us,” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other , Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her , wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together , and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear , then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately , Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly , Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur , what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor , too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky , he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday , traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur , and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur , arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then,” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you,” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look,” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner , Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure,” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it,” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes,” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us,” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right,” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly , and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly , unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no,” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes,” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner , and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow , Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes,” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother , I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those,” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door , knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer , laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer , letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur , Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently , he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it,” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this,” he complained. Blinking innocently , Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know , Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot,” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur , Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly , they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense,” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together , and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away , clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur , and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say , but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further , but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly , the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity , Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think,” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I,” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later , Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not,” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer , close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter , does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends,” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly , it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur , listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry ,” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair , please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer , crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously , Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know ,” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door , shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah,” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew , Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy , but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary , so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally ,” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking,” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots,” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary , isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years,” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably ,” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later , Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together , each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match,” Lance said obediently , hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together , blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other ,” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence,” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great,” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly , he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly , Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah,” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway , one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her , and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door , sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere,” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch,” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party ,” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender , Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner , Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally , Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now , he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly , Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder , half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily , Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air , toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away , only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur , her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly , she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity , she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later , curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur , uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later , Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly , their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough,” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly , he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair , and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door , Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy , half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly , and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair , the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur , all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur , and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know , Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur , who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively , Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night,” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit,” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh,” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder , he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender , had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better ,” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me,” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently , he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry , I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven,” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy , adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable,” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her , Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war , Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault,” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so,” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move,” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s,” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable,” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur , and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away , and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder , Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly , and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now , I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly , Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good,” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy ,” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell,” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur , whispered something in his ear , and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow , deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is,” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 17,592
Chapters: 1/1

How Fickle My Heart

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When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur , but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember , don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember , Gwen,” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually ,” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway , tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready ,” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door , plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car , chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know , I know ,” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly , mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport,” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that,” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew , Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow , we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry , she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily , while Arthur struggled to follow , unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away , she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur , and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager , and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin,” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin,” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense,” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow , Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder , Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car , Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister , Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror , Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me,” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever , I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy , I’m not blind,” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away , embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous,” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous,” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong,” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards,” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right,” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat,” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually ,” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know , I know ,” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny ,” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years,” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much,” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur , and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling,” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi,” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in,” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello,” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over , linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor ,” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin,” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends,” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over , and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother , but god, you’ve grown up so much,” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister ,” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away , but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party ,” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen,” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper , “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur , on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine,” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin,” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy , I just feel bad asking,” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know ,” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes,” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry , Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense,” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen,” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor , after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally , Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour , so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you,” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally , he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly , “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that,” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history , and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not,” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other , so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine,” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow , something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly , he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other , rather than years. “Arthur , this is Lance,” Merlin said brightly , waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur , my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you,” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you,” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur,” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi,” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor , not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur , armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while,” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it,” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter , Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin,” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me,” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom,” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur , whispering conspiratorially , “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly , I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then,” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose,” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition,” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble,” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur , “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger , it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door , Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin,” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry ,” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there,” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting,” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair , tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance,” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore,” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children,” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’,” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm,” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur , who was still trying to suppress his laughter , and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa,” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has,” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him,” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly , “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur , Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually , the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything,” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce,” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly , then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi,” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well,” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair , then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that,” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey , but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not,” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college,” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently , Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand,” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother , Elyan,” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her ,” Arthur said quietly , darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me,” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely , so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if,” Arthur snorted. “How rude,” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are,” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away , his smirk was far too flirty , and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah,” Merlin stammered. Slowly , the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor , and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner , Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together , insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low , Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together , the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later , Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other , Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner , and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur , sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin,” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together , and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly , Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way , her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show , Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder , and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur , hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly , Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently , he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now , maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow,” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit,” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too,” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird,” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers,” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late,” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today , but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh,” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty , and I’ll drive you,” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur , Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in,” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger , Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly , come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already , he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine,” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine,” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes,” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me,” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently , Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry , Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry , we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god,” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store,” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair , lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away , so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior ,” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really , that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way , it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday , Thursday , and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early , left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour , Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew , and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur , you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur , Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us,” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other , Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her , wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together , and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear , then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately , Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly , Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur , what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor , too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky , he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday , traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur , and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur , arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then,” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you,” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look,” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner , Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure,” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it,” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes,” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us,” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right,” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly , and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly , unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no,” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes,” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner , and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow , Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes,” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother , I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those,” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door , knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer , laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer , letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur , Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently , he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it,” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this,” he complained. Blinking innocently , Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know , Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot,” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur , Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly , they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense,” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together , and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away , clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur , and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say , but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further , but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly , the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity , Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think,” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I,” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later , Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not,” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer , close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter , does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends,” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly , it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur , listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry ,” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair , please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer , crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously , Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know ,” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door , shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah,” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew , Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy , but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary , so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally ,” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking,” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots,” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary , isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years,” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably ,” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later , Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together , each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match,” Lance said obediently , hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together , blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other ,” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence,” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great,” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly , he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly , Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah,” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway , one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her , and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door , sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere,” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch,” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party ,” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender , Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner , Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally , Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now , he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly , Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder , half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily , Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air , toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away , only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur , her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly , she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity , she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later , curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur , uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later , Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly , their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough,” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly , he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair , and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door , Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy , half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly , and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair , the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur , all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur , and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know , Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur , who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively , Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night,” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit,” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh,” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder , he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender , had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better ,” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me,” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently , he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry , I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven,” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy , adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable,” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her , Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war , Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault,” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so,” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move,” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s,” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable,” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur , and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away , and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder , Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly , and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now , I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly , Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good,” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy ,” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell,” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur , whispered something in his ear , and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow , deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is,” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Mature Archive W arning: No Archive W arnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV) Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin) Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin) Additional T ags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Mutual Pining, Getting T ogether, Friends to Lovers, Jealous Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), no infidelity, Minor Lancelot/Merlin (Merlin), Endgame Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Endgame Gwen/Lancelot Language: English Series: Part 3 of Merlin Bingo 2023 Collections: Merlin Bingo Stats: Published: 2023-09-26 Words: 17, 592 Chapters: 1/1 How Fickle My Heart by Seravia Summary When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur, but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember, don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember, Gwen, ” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually, ” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway, tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready, ” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door, plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car, chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know, I know, ” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly, mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport, ” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that, ” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew, Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow, we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry, she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily, while Arthur struggled to follow, unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away, she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur, and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager, and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin, ” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin, ” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense, ” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow, Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder, Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car, Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister, Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror, Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me, ” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever, I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy, I’m not blind, ” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away, embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous, ” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous, ” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong, ” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards, ” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right, ” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat, ” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually, ” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know, I know, ” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny, ” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years, ” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much, ” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur, and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling, ” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi, ” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in, ” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello, ” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over, linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor, ” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin, ” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends, ” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over, and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother, but god, you’ve grown up so much, ” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister, ” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away, but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party, ” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen, ” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper, “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur, on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine, ” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin, ” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy, I just feel bad asking, ” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know, ” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes, ” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry, Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense, ” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen, ” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor, after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally, Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour, so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you, ” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally, he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly, “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that, ” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history, and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not, ” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other, so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine, ” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow, something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly, he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other, rather than years. “Arthur, this is Lance, ” Merlin said brightly, waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur, my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you, ” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you, ” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur, ” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi, ” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor, not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur, armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while, ” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it, ” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter, Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin, ” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me, ” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom, ” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur, whispering conspiratorially, “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly, I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then, ” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose, ” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition, ” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble, ” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur, “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger, it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door, Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin, ” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry, ” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there, ” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting, ” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair, tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance, ” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore, ” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children, ” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’, ” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it, ” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm, ” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur, who was still trying to suppress his laughter, and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa, ” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has, ” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him, ” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly, “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur, Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually, the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything, ” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce, ” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly, then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi, ” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well, ” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair, then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that, ” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey, but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not, ” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college, ” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently, Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand, ” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother, Elyan, ” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her, ” Arthur said quietly, darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah, ” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me, ” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely, so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if, ” Arthur snorted. “How rude, ” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are, ” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away, his smirk was far too flirty, and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah, ” Merlin stammered. Slowly, the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor, and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner, Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together, insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low, Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together, the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later, Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other, Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner, and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur, sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin, ” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together, and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly, Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way, her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show, Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder, and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur, hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly, Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently, he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm, ” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now, maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow, ” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit, ” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too, ” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird, ” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers, ” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late, ” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today, but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh, ” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty, and I’ll drive you, ” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur, Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in, ” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger, Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly, come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already, he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry, Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine, ” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine, ” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes, ” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry, Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me, ” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently, Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry, Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry, we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god, ” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store, ” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair, lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away, so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior, ” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really, that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way, it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday, Thursday, and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early, left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour, Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew, and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur, you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur, Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us, ” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other, Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her, wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together, and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear, then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately, Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly, Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur, what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor, too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky, he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday, traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur, and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur, arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then, ” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you, ” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look, ” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner, Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure, ” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it, ” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes, ” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us, ” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right, ” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly, unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no, ” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes, ” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner, and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow, Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes, ” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother, I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those, ” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door, knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer, laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer, letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur, Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently, he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it, ” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this, ” he complained. Blinking innocently, Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know, Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot, ” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur, Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly, they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense, ” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together, and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away, clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur, and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say, but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further, but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly, the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity, Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think, ” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I, ” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later, Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not, ” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer, close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter, does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends, ” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly, it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur, listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry, ” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair, please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer, crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously, Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know, ” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door, shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah, ” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew, Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy, but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary, so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally, ” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking, ” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots, ” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary, isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years, ” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably, ” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later, Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together, each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match, ” Lance said obediently, hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together, blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other, ” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence, ” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah, ” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great, ” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly, he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly, Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah, ” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway, one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her, and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door, sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere, ” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch, ” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party, ” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender, Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner, Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally, Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now, he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly, Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder, half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily, Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air, toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away, only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur, her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly, she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity, she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later, curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur, uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later, Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly, their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough, ” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly, he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair, and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door, Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy, half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly, and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair, the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur, all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur, and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know, Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur, who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively, Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night, ” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit, ” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh, ” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder, he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender, had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah, ” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better, ” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me, ” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently, he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry, I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven, ” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy, adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable, ” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her, Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking, ” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war, Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking, ” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault, ” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so, ” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move, ” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s, ” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable, ” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur, and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away, and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder, Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly, and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now, I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly, Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good, ” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy, ” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell, ” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur, whispered something in his ear, and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow, deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is, ” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Language: English Series: Part 3 of Merlin Bingo 2023 Collections: Merlin Bingo
Published: 2023-09-26 Words: 17,592 Chapters: 1/1 How Fickle My Heart by Seravia Summary When Merlin moves back to London, he’ s delighted to be living just a few floors down from his childhood best friend, Gwen, and her boyfriend, Arthur . Merlin intends to befriend Arthur , but instead finds himself falling for him. Worse, the feeling might be mutual. Notes Fill for Merlin Bingo 2023 - Square G1 - Modern Era “Arthur!” Arthur jumped, the book in his lap tipping toward the floor . He flailed to catch it, and in the process, nearly rolled of f the couch. In the living room doorway stood his girlfriend, Gwen, grinning madly and waving her phone in the air . “Good phone call then, was it?” Arthur asked. Setting his book aside, he pulled his legs up to make room on the couch. Gwen nodded vigorously and practically skipped across the room to plop down next to him. “That was Merlin! You remember , don’ t you? My best friend from Ealdor?” “Of course, I remember , Gwen,” Arthur reassured. “You talk about him all the time.” Gwen’ s smile turned wistful. “He and I used to be inseparable before uni. Or college, I guess he would call it.” America. That was where Merlin had gone, Arthur remembered. While Gwen had stayed local for uni, Merlin had chosen to go to America, and he’d been there ever since. “Everything all right with him?” “Brilliant, actually ,” she said, face lighting up. “He called to tell me he’ s moving back in a few weeks. To London. He’s even got a job at Albion Labs, so he’ll be really close by .” Arthur shifted closer so he could wrap an arm around Gwen’ s shoulders. He dropped a kiss on top of her hair and said, “That’ s lovely .” “Yeah, it is. God, it’ s been years since I last saw him. You’ll love him, Arthur .” Arthur nodded along supportively . “I’m sure I will, Gwen.” If only either of them knew just how right Gwen would be. -- “Are you ready?” Gwen called. She stood in the entryway , tapping her foot impatiently while waiting for Arthur to emer ge. Bleary-eyed, Arthur stumbled into the living room. He’d rushed through getting dressed, pulling on whatever he could get his hands on the quickest. Gwen had been waiting for him for twenty minutes and counting. “Yeah, yeah, I’m ready ,” he grumbled. Stifling a yawn, he staggered toward the door , plucking his jacket of f the back of a chair as he went. He counted it a success to have avoided falling on his face, but he was so tired it took him three tries to get his arm in the correct sleeve. Gwen spared all of five seconds fussing over him before herding him out of the flat and into their car , chattering excitedly about seeing Merlin again. Arthur slid into the passenger side seat. Pouting, he muttered, “Who books a flight that gets in this early on a Saturday?” With an exasperated look, Gwen slid the key into the ignition. “It’s the cheapest flight he could get and still be here in time for starting his new job on Monday . Besides, it was Friday night in America when he boarded, it was smart to fly overnight.” “I know , I know ,” Arthur sighed, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “I just didn’ t get much sleep last night, was working pretty late.” Gwen made a sympathetic noise. “When did you get to bed? I didn’ t even wake up.” Soothing fingers carded through Arthur ’s hair . He hummed contentedly , mumbling, “Not until two in the morning.” “Take a nap while I drive to the airport,” Gwen said. She pressed a kiss to Arthur ’s cheek and teased, “Y ou’re driving home, I promise I can handle not crashing the car .” “I may take you up on that,” Arthur said drowsily . He didn’ t actually plan to fall asleep, but with the car ’s gentle rumbling and Gwen’ s humming in the background, Arthur drifted of f. The next thing he knew , Gwen was shaking his shoulder and calling his name. “Wake up, Arthur . We’re at Heathrow , we have to go meet Merlin in Arrivals.” Half in a daze, Arthur clambered out of the car . The fresh air helped clear his head, but Arthur had to slap his own cheek to shake the sleep of f. He trailed after Gwen, grateful when she tucked an arm through his to steer them in the right direction. Inside the airport, Arthur scanned the crowd, not entirely sure what he was looking for . He’d never met Merlin, only seen pictures. But even the most recent pictures were a decade old, taken when Merlin and Gwen were in sixth form. From what Arthur remembered, Merlin was scrawny and pale, all awkward gangly limbs too long for the rest of his body . Gwen was bouncing on her toes beside him, craning her neck to see past the throng of people. With an excited cry , she darted into the crowd. Damn, Gwen was fast. She slipped through the crowd easily , while Arthur struggled to follow , unsuccessfully trying to avoid colliding with anyone. By the time Arthur caught up, Gwen was already embracing a tall, dark-haired man - Merlin, he presumed. Not wanting to intrude, Arthur hung back, hands shoved in his pockets. When Gwen pulled away , she tugged Merlin around to face Arthur , and Arthur felt as if the breath had been knocked out of him. The Merlin that stood before him was a far cry from the awkward boy in those old photos. Merlin was gor geous, and he carried himself with a quiet confidence. Still tall and pale, his long limbs were now more graceful than awkward. Gone was the scrawny teenager , and in his place was a lean, attractive man with a disarming smile, directed straight at Arthur . “Arthur! This is Merlin,” Arthur dimly registered Gwen saying. Merlin extended his hand. His voice was deep and warm when he said, “Hello, Arthur . It’s nice to meet the man who stole Gwen’ s heart.” Arthur ’s heart stuttered in his chest – at Merlin’ s smile or at the reminder he was dating Gwen, he wasn’ t sure. He stared uncomprehendingly at Merlin for a few moments, then shifted his gaze to Merlin’ s outstretched hand. Merlin wavered, and Arthur chanced a look at Merlin’ s face where his grin was quickly fading into an uncertain frown. A flush crept up Arthur ’s neck, and he cleared his throat. “Hello, Merlin,” he said gruf fly, gripping the prof fered hand in a firm shake. He could feel Gwen’ s eyes on him, but deliberately did not turn to meet her gaze. “Thank you both for coming to pick me up.” Merlin smiled gratefully at Gwen and Arthur in turn. “It’s been so long since I’ve been back, and I never spent much time in London to begin with. I really appreciate you taking time out of your weekend for me.” “Nonsense,” Gwen said, tucking a hand at Merlin’ s elbow and ushering him toward the exit. “You’ve been my best friend since primary school, don’ t be a stranger . You’ve got me to take care of you, and now Arthur as well.” The three of them wound their way out of Heathrow , Merlin dragging one suitcase, and Arthur dragging a second while Merlin’ s other arm was occupied by Gwen. Merlin had tried to protest, but Gwen waved him of f, pressing the handle of the second suitcase into Arthur ’s hand. With an apologetic smile tossed over his shoulder , Merlin was led away . Arthur trailed along behind them, listening to Gwen and Merlin quietly laugh and reminisce about their childhood in Ealdor . At the car , Arthur fumbled for the keys to unlock the trunk. Merlin refused to let Arthur help him, insisting on lifting his suitcases himself to slot them neatly into the car . Muscles rippled lightly in Merlin’ s toned arms, and Arthur ’s mouth went dry at the sight. Mentally kicking himself, Arthur tore his eyes away . What was he doing? He and Gwen had been together for six years now . They met through his sister , Mor gana, who had gone to uni with Gwen. She’d introduced them once they all moved to London, and the rest had been history . Sure, Arthur had dated his share of blokes back in uni, but those days were long gone. Gwen, Arthur told himself firmly as he slid into the drivers’ seat. Gwen, he repeated in his head, casting a glance at his beautiful girlfriend beside him. He kept quiet most of the car ride, only chiming in with the appropriate noises to show he was listening. He only caught snippets of the conversation - it was hard enough keeping his focus on the road and not on Merlin’ s bright smile and impossibly blue eyes. “How is Elyan?” Merlin asked. In the rearview mirror , Arthur watched Merlin lean forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He tilted his head, absentmindedly rubbing at the thin layer of stubble on the underside of his chin. Arthur ’s eyes were helplessly drawn to the long line of Merlin’ s neck as his shirt collar fell away from his chest, giving Arthur a tantalizing peek down. It took more willpower than Arthur was willing to admit to tear his eyes away . Tipping her head back to look at Merlin, Gwen smiled fondly . “Elyan is good. He’s in London too. You might not even recognize him, he was still going through puberty when we left for uni. He’s a proper grown man now!” “You’re telling me,” Merlin said. Chuckling, he shook his head in mock horror . “I’ve seen the pictures on Facebook, makes me feel old to remember that’ s the little kid who used to run around after us on the playground.” Gwen’ s smile turned teasing, and a mischievous twinkle entered her eye. “You’re one to talk. Between the three of us, you’re the one who’ s changed the most! What happened to the awkward git who used to trip over his own feet in the school hallways?” Flushing, Merlin ducked his head and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Still as clumsy as ever , I’m afraid. But eleven years is more than enough time to grow into your own body ." Gwen twisted around and flailed at Merlin, but the seat belt locked her in place, her hand falling just short of Merlin’ s shoulder . “Don’ t play coy , I’m not blind,” Gwen mock scolded. “You’re gor geous, Merlin! You must have men and women falling all over themselves for you. I’m telling you, if you weren’ t like a brother to me…” Merlin’ s eyes darted down and away , embarrassed. Interesting. “You shouldn’ t joke, you might make Arthur jealous,” Merlin said lightly . “I’m not jealous,” Arthur said automatically . Merlin gave a tiny cough, then shot Arthur a sheepish smile. “Of course not.” “But not because Gwen’ s wrong,” Arthur blurted out, suddenly not wanting Merlin to get the wrong idea. “Because she’ s right – about you being gor geous, I mean.” Merlin’ s expression was stunned, and Gwen’ s triumphant. Arthur lapsed back into silence, cheeks burning. “Even Arthur agrees! And trust me, he has high standards,” Gwen said with a wink. “R-Right,” Merlin stammered, an unreadable look in his eyes when he met Arthur ’s gaze in the rearview mirror . Arthur cursed internally . What was wrong with him today? He was usually a very composed person, not one to get tongue-tied over a pretty face. “So, the flat,” Merlin said, clearing his throat, eyes sliding away from Arthur ’s. “Thank you for helping me find one, I had no idea where to even start. How did you manage to find one in my price range just a few floors below yours?” It was Gwen’ s turn to blush and look away . “Well, it wasn’ t hard actually ,” she admitted, toying shyly with a curl of hair . “Arthur owns the building. And that flat had been sitting vacant for about a month now .” Merlin’ s mouth dropped open. “Arthur owns the building?” “He does. One of many actually . His family is quite a big name in real estate.” “Guinevere Thomas, you gold digger!” Merlin chortled, a wicked grin on his lips. Gwen flushed bright red and strained against her seat belt to smack Merlin on the arm. “Don’ t joke, you know I would never!” “I know , I know ,” Merlin reassured. He was still snickering, but he held up his hands in a gesture of peace. “Life’ s funny sometimes, isn’ t it? We never had much growing up – Ealdor wasn’ t that kind of place anyways – but here you are, joined at the hip with Mr . Rich Bloke.” Melancholy filled Gwen’ s expression. Her eyes were fixed on her seat belt as she untangled herself and settled back properly into her seat. “Life is funny ,” Gwen said softly . “I miss those days sometimes.” Laughter petering out, Merlin’ s face twisted in sympathy . He laid a hand on Gwen’ s arm and said, “I’m an idiot, I shouldn’ t have said that. How long’ s it been since you’ve been back to Ealdor?” Gwen shook her head and covered Merlin’ s hand with her own. “Years,” she sighed. “Not since before my dad passed. Wasn’t much point in going back afterward.” “It hasn’ t changed much,” Merlin murmured. “It’s home, but I wouldn’ t go back either if it weren’ t for my mum and Uncle Gaius. I’m so sorry about your dad, Gwen. I’m sorry I wasn’ t here.” “No, Merlin, don’ t apologize. I had Elyan and Arthur , and time heals all wounds. Still sneaks up on me once in a while though. It’s probably seeing you for the first time in all these years. Dredges up all those childhood memories, you know?” “I know the feeling,” Merlin agreed. His eyes crinkled into a smile, full of warmth and affection. “It’s a good thing I’m sticking around so we’ll make some new memories then.” “I’ve missed you, Merlin. I’m glad to have you back.” “I’ve missed you too, Gwen.” -- When they arrived home, after Arthur helped Merlin carry the suitcases upstairs, no amount of insistence from Gwen would get Merlin to budge on letting them help him settle in. He waved them of f, telling them he wouldn’ t be taking up any more of their weekend, and practically shoved them out the door . But not before Gwen managed to extract from Merlin a promise that he would swing by the following Saturday to meet their friends. Gwen popped in on Merlin a few times throughout the week, bringing him all manner of food, from pasta to cookies, to ensure he was doing all right. But Arthur didn’ t see Merlin again until he opened his front door to him on Saturday . “Hi,” Merlin said with a small wave. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, shoulders hunched, and he peered up at Arthur through his lashes nervously . Arthur swallowed hard. Something about the way Merlin looked at him stole all the breath from his lungs. “Hi, Merlin. Come in,” he said hoarsely . Merlin stepped inside, toed of f his shoes, and promptly jumped at the five pairs of eyes that swiveled to him. “He-Hello,” Merlin stammered. “Am I late?” Gwen had been perched on a couch armrest, but when she saw Merlin, she sprang to her feet and bounded over , linking their arms and presenting him with a flourish. “Not late at all, you’re our guest of honor ,” Gwen declared, beaming. “Everyone, this is Merlin.” There was a chorus of variations of “Hi, Merlin,” accompanied by a wolf whistle that had Arthur rolling his eyes. “Merlin, these are mine and Arthur ’s friends,” Gwen said. She pointed at each person as she introduced them. “This is Leon, Gwaine, and Mor gana. And you know Elyan, of course.” A broad smile on his face, Elyan strode over , and Merlin pulled him into a hug. “It’s good to see you, Elyan. Not to sound like your grandmother , but god, you’ve grown up so much,” Merlin said, shaking his head in wonder as he looked Elyan up and down. Elyan laughed and clapped Merlin on the back. “It’s good to see you too, Merlin. Welcome back.” “Thanks, mate. Guess I’ve got to stop thinking of you as Gwen’ s little brother!” Wrinkling his nose, Elyan darted a glance at Gwen, who looked back with a raised eyebrow . “Pretty sure I’ll always be that, especially to you. But I’ve learned that’ s not so bad over the years.” “That’ s because you have a fantastic sister ,” Gwen snif fed. She tried to look stern, but in no time at all, the corners of her lips quirked up into a smile. “Couldn’ t ask for a better one. Right, Elyan?” Merlin slung an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders and shared a smirk with Elyan that quickly transformed into a frown. “But what did you mean by ‘guest of honor ’?” Gwen tried to duck away , but Merlin held fast, an accusing glare pinned on Gwen. “This might have been meant to be a ‘welcome home’ party ,” she admitted. “Gwen! Your friends don’ t even know me!” “They do now!” A laugh bubbled out of Merlin. “Only you, Gwen,” he said, bumping the side of her head with his own. “Only you would throw a welcome home party and invite people who have never met the guest of honor . That’ s why I love you.” Quiet chuckles rippled through the room, and Gwen smiled sheepishly . She tugged Merlin toward the rest of her friends and leaned in close to whisper , “They’ll love you Merlin, I promise.” -- Merlin didn’ t know why he doubted Gwen. She was right, of course, he got along swimmingly with her friends once the initial shock wore of f. He hit it of f with Gwaine right away . Gwaine was Arthur ’s friend from uni - warm and flirtatious, with no filter . In their first conversation, Merlin had to gently turn down Gwaine’ s advances. To his relief, Gwaine shrugged it of f, then slung an arm around Merlin’ s shoulders and declared they would be fast friends. Morgana - Arthur ’s sister - had been slightly intimidating. The nervousness faded as soon as she’d smirked and tossed out a biting but af fectionate barb at Arthur . It startled a laugh out of Merlin, and he knew right away he would love her . Sharp witted and shrewd, she was a woman after his own heart. Leon, Arthur ’s childhood friend and Mor gana’ s boyfriend, was a breath of fresh air in comparison. While Gwaine and Mor gana tended to fill the entire room with their presence, Leon was quiet and level-headed. Conversation flowed easily between them, and Merlin enjoyed Leon’ s thoughtful questions and responses. The night consisted of a flurry of activity during which Merlin was peppered with questions about his life in America, his childhood with Gwen, and what he was doing back in London. It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a pleasant one, and Merlin found that he didn’ t mind being thrown in the middle of this curious group. Arthur , on the other hand, remained standof fish through it all. Merlin tried to shrug it of f, telling himself it would improve with time. Still, he was left slightly disappointed to have made so little headway with his best friend’ s boyfriend. -- “Gwen?” Merlin called, poking his head into the penthouse. “Merlin?” Gwen’ s voice floated over to him. “Is that you?” Merlin stepped inside but dawdled in the entryway . “It’s me.” “Everything all right?” Gwen appeared, crossing the living room to take a seat on the couch. “Yes, yes, completely fine,” Merlin hastily reassured. “I was wondering if I could ask a favor?” Gwen gestured at him insistently until Merlin closed the distance. “Of course, Merlin,” Gwen said, peering up at him curiously . “Why are you so jumpy?” “Not jumpy , I just feel bad asking,” Merlin sighed. He didn’ t sit, just leaned against the back of the couch and plucked at a loose thread. “A good friend from America got a job at Albion Labs. He doesn’ t know anyone else here, and I invited him to stay with me until he finds a place. He’s flying in this week, and he lands Saturday afternoon. I haven’ t got the whole car thing sorted, and I hate to ask, but would you mind driving me to the airport?” A smile twitched at Gwen’ s lips. “Oh, Merlin. What did I say about not being a stranger? I don’t mind at all.” Merlin let out the breath he was holding in relief. “You’re the best, Gwen.” “I know ,” Gwen said, flashing a cheeky smile. “So who’ s the friend?” Merlin plopped down on the couch and leaned back against the armrest, facing Gwen. “His name’ s Lance, I’m sure I’ve mentioned him. We met in freshman year of college, and we’ve studied in the same city ever since. He and I have shared a flat for years now .” Snapping her fingers in recognition, Gwen said, “Oh, yes, I remember . I look forward to meeting him. When does his flight land?” “Three in the afternoon on Saturday .” -- When Saturday morning came, Merlin’ s phone vibrated with an incoming call from Gwen. “Merlin!” Gwen sounded breathless on the other end of the line. Alert, Merlin hopped up and started for the door . “Everything all right?” “Yes, yes,” Gwen said distractedly . “I’m sorry , Merlin, I got called into work today unexpectedly . But Arthur will be here and he’ll take you to the airport to pick up Lance, all right?” “Oh, you don’ t have to – “ “Nonsense,” Gwen cut him of f. “It’s no trouble, just come knock on the door at two, and Arthur will be here.” “Gwen – “ “Got to go, I’m running late already . Bye, Merlin!” A beep announced the end of the call, leaving Merlin to stare at the phone in his hand. “Bye, Gwen,” he muttered, trepidation mounting at the thought of being alone in the car with Arthur . But when two o’clock rolled around, Merlin did as Gwen asked - amid some internal grumbling - and knocked on the penthouse door . The door flew open, revealing a harried Arthur on the other side. “Ready?” Arthur said brusquely . Merlin bristled but plastered a pleasant smile on his face. Arthur was doing him a favor , after all. “Ready when you are.” While waiting for Arthur to lock up, Merlin tapped a restless finger against his thigh. Arthur made a vague gesture toward the stairs, and Merlin seized the opportunity to lead the way . He didn’ t want to end up staring awkwardly at the back of Arthur ’s head while they descended a million sets of stairs. As it was, their conversation, if it could even be called that, was uncomfortable and stilted all the way down. It did not bode well for the car ride. When they got on the road, Merlin tried to make polite conversation, asking how Arthur ’s day was going, asking after his job, and thanking him for being his chauf feur. He received little in the way of responses. Nothing blatantly rude, but certainly nothing indicating any interest in continuing the conversation. Finally , Merlin snapped, “Look, mate, I know you don’ t like me, but we’re stuck in this car together for the next half hour , so is it too much to ask for you to stop being such a prat?” Arthur ’s mouth dropped open, and he swung around with an incredulous look on his face. The car swerved, and horns honked all around them. Flushing, Arthur scrambled at the wheel to right them in the lane. “Excuse you,” Arthur shot back. “Is this normally how you treat someone doing you a favor?” Merlin banged his head against the headrest in frustration. “No, I’m usually quite pleasant, ask your girlfriend or any of your friends. But you seem to turn into a porcupine any time you talk to me, so for give me if I’m done with getting stabbed.” Arthur huf fed and opened his mouth to retort, but no sound came out. Instead, he deflated, his fingers twitching around the steering wheel. Finally , he cleared his throat and muttered, “I don’t not like you.” Merlin stared at Arthur in disbelief. He blinked once, twice, three times, then said bluntly , “I don’t believe you.” Arthur heaved a put-upon sigh and darted a glance at Merlin. In the split second their eyes met, Merlin could see the truth in Arthur ’s words. “It’s true, I like you just fine. You’re a good friend to Gwen, and you get along with my mates, there’ s nothing not to like. I just think we’re very dif ferent people.” “Right… And you know this from the grand total of fifteen minutes we’ve spent conversing over the past few weeks?” Arthur made a frustrated noise. “You’re a physicist, I’m a businessman. You spend your time with your nose in a book, and I spend my time playing footie. You loved living in America, and you couldn’ t pay me enough to move there. We don’ t seem dif ferent enough to you?” “Sure, if you want to put people in neat little boxes like that,” Merlin retorted. “I am all of those things, but I also love musicals, history , and the near constant English rain. All things you’re partial to as well if I’m not mistaken.” “You’re not,” Arthur conceded begrudgingly . Merlin folded his arms with a satisfied smirk. “Look, I’m not saying we’re destined to be best friends, but you’re Gwen’ s boyfriend, and you seem like a decent bloke most of the time. I expect we’ll continue seeing more of each other , so I’d like to give the whole ‘being friends’ thing a go, if you can deign to do the same.” “Fine,” Arthur said. He rolled his eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “Where do we start?” They spent the remainder of the drive bickering about everything from the merits of Broadway versus the W est End to dogs versus cats to whether dif ferent pasta shapes tasted different. It was a dynamic unlike any Merlin had experienced before. By the time they parked at Heathrow , something akin to friendship was blooming between them. With a pang of guilt, Merlin wondered if he’d made a mistake in confronting Arthur . Selfishly , he was delighted they connected. But the more they talked, the more Merlin found that he liked the way Arthur threw back his head when he laughed, the sparkle in his eyes when he came up with a particularly clever retort, and the way he made Merlin feel when their eyes met. Merlin wasn’ t blind, he’d noticed how fit Arthur was the first time they met. But he met fit blokes all the time, and it didn’ t matter that Arthur was exactly his type or that Merlin would climb him like a tree if given the chance. Arthur was Gwen’ s boyfriend, and presumably straight, so Merlin needed to shut his feelings down. -- Arthur hung back fiddling with his phone, watching yet another airport reunion between friends. This one – between Merlin and Lance – was much less emotional than the one between Merlin and Gwen, given it had only been weeks since they’d seen each other , rather than years. “Arthur , this is Lance,” Merlin said brightly , waving Arthur forward to introduce them. “Lance, this is Arthur , my friend Gwen’ s boyfriend.” “Pleased to meet you,” Arthur said, shaking Lance’ s hand warmly . “Same to you,” Lance replied. “It was very kind of you to come with Merlin to pick me up.” “Oh, I’m just the chauf feur,” Arthur said with a teasing grin at Merlin, who rolled his eyes in response. “Merlin seems to be incapable of providing his own transportation, so it’ s Arthur to the rescue.” “Oi,” Merlin protested. “I’m working on it! Besides, I asked Gwen for a ride, if anything, you’re doing her a favor , not me, you dollophead.” Shooting Merlin an incredulous look, Arthur led them toward the exit. “Dollophead? I’m certain there’ s no such word.” Merlin trotted to catch up and fell into step beside Arthur , armed with a cheeky smile. “It’s idiomatic.” “It is not.” “I assure you it is.” “Fine, describe ‘dollop head.’” “In two words?” “Yeah.” Merlin scrunched up his nose, clearly pretending to think very hard about his response. “Arthur Pendragon.” Stunned into silence, Arthur could only gape at Merlin. To his credit, Merlin managed to hold the innocent, wide-eyed expression for a full thirty seconds before his cheeks twitched with suppressed laughter . “You had me going for a while,” Arthur said, still snickering to himself as he pressed the button to unlock the trunk. When he turned around to get the luggage from Lance, he was confronted with Lance’ s curiously amused expression and with Merlin cutting in to snatch up the luggage before Arthur could. “I still stand by it,” Merlin insisted. His gaze locked with Arthur ’s, eyes twinkling with mirth and challenge. It felt as easy as breathing to continue trading gibes with Merlin as the three of them settled into the car and Arthur got them on the road. During a rare lull in the banter , Lance chimed in. “You seem good, Merlin,” he said, glancing between Arthur and Merlin with a warm smile. “This… bickering the two of you do. That’ s new. In a good way though.” “New?” Merlin asked quizzically . “Yeah, you’ve always been quick-witted, but I’ve never seen you like this with anyone else. I know Gwen is one of your closest friends, I’m glad you and her boyfriend get on so well.” The admission from someone who knew Merlin so well that Merlin was differ ent with him made Arthur ’s stomach do a funny flip flop. He squashed the feeling, but it was harder to squash the tiny thrill dancing up his spine when he noticed the pink tinge that rose to Merlin’ s cheeks. Harder still to squash was the disappointment when Merlin changed the subject. “Never mind me,” Merlin said, reaching back to jab Lance’ s arm with a finger . “How’ve you been, Lance? This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since… under grad?” Jealousy sparked in Arthur ’s chest, and he mentally kicked himself. “Sounds like you two are close?” Merlin nodded. “We became friends in freshman year of college. After graduation, we decided to share a flat and have been flatmates ever since. It’s been ages since I’ve gone more than a week or two without seeing this face.” Chuckling, Lance shook his head. “It’ll be like nothing’ s changed once I move in here. We just had a six week break from each other .” “Lance is moving into the second bedroom,” Merlin explained when he caught sight of Arthur ’s confused face. “He tried to tell me he’d just need to crash for a couple weeks until he found his own place, but I have no need of two bedrooms and I’m used to living with him anyways.” A mischievous smile spread across Merlin’ s face, and he leaned close to Arthur , whispering conspiratorially , “You’ll like having Lance around, Arthur . He plays footie, and he’ll fit right in with your mates.” “Really?” Arthur blurted out. “I’m surprised a researcher like you would be the athletic type.” “After seeing those muscles, you have any doubt?” Merlin sniggered. Arthur flushed red. “Shut up, Merlin.” Lance smoothly came to Arthur ’s rescue. “I’ve been playing on and of f for years actually . Admittedly , I haven’ t had much time while doing my PhD, but I play when I can.” “You should come play with my mates and I then,” Arthur of fered. “I’ll include you next time we get together .” Lance’ s face lit up. “I’d love to.” Most of the remainder of the car ride was filled with continued discussion about footie, but as the conversation slipped into other topics, Arthur was pleasantly surprised to discover that he and Lance shared several other interests. Merlin, for his part, chimed in with his own remarks - sometimes valid, sometimes insulting, but always entertaining. By the time they arrived home, the three of them were laughing like old friends. “Why don’ t you both join myself and Gwen for dinner?” Arthur of fered once Lance’ s things were deposited in Merlin’ s flat. “Oh, we wouldn’ t want to impose,” Lance said. “It wouldn’ t be an imposition,” Arthur insisted. “We’re going to a nice Italian place down the street, we’ll just get a table for four instead of for two. Besides, Gwen would love to meet you, Lance.” Lance darted an uncertain glance at Merlin. “If you’re sure it’ s no trouble,” he said hesitantly . Merlin threw back his head in laughter . Bumping his shoulder against Lance’ s, he said to Arthur , “Come get us when you two head out? Gwen keeps telling me not to be a stranger , it’s about time I start listening to her .” -- When Merlin opened the door , Gwen and Arthur stood waiting on the other side. Gwen greeted him with a distracted, “Hi, Merlin,” while she tugged at the hem of her jacket, ineffectually trying to straighten it. Several buttons were in the wrong holes, and Merlin exchanged a quick amused glance with Arthur . “All right there, Gwen?” Merlin asked. Frowning, Gwen undid and redid each of her buttons, smoothing the front of the jacket so it would sit properly . “Shut up, I’m hungry ,” she huf fed. Merlin stifled a laugh. “Well, it’ s a good thing Lance and I are ready to go then.” “Hello there,” Lance called, peeking over Merlin’ s shoulder and waving in greeting. Two coats were draped over his arm, and Merlin took his gratefully before grabbing his keys and shrugging the coat on. “We won’ t keep Her Majesty waiting,” Merlin teased as he locked up. Gwen’ s hand shot out and seized a handful of Merlin’ s hair , tugging sharply . “Ow!” Merlin protested, flailing as he lost his balance. This was a remnant of childhood he could do without. Not to mention this used to hurt a lot less when he and Gwen were the same height. “Ignore Merlin. It’s very nice to meet you, Lance,” Gwen said, dancing out of Merlin’ s reach with an innocent smile. Grumbling, Merlin rubbed at the sore spot on his head. “Oh yes, whatever my queen commands.” “No one calls me that anymore,” Gwen whined. “How fortunate that I’m back to remind you!” Gwen looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin stuck his tongue out right back. “You two are literal children,” Arthur snorted. Merlin narrowed his eyes at him, and Arthur hastily covered his mouth with a hand, but it did nothing to hide the amusement twinkling in his eyes. Lance looked between the three of them, mystified. “I feel as though I’m missing something.” “When we were kids, Gwen got it into her head that she was ‘Queen Guinevere’,” Merlin explained. “Loved to play pretend where Elyan and I were her subjects. The fact that my name is ‘Merlin’ made it far too easy .” It was Lance’ s turn to snort in laughter . “Oh, that’ s precious.” “That’ s one word for it,” Merlin said, rolling his eyes. Gwen groaned and he swung around to her. “I don’ t know what you’re complaining about, you could’ve gone your entire life without being ‘Queen Guinevere’, it’ s me that could never have avoided association with Merlin the magician. My name is Merlin for god’ s sake!” “We were kids!” “Mhmm,” Merlin hummed. His gaze fell on Arthur , who was still trying to suppress his laughter , and a brilliant idea came to him. “But then again, Gwen… you are dating an ‘Arthur ’ so maybe you had it right all along.” Arthur made a choked of f sound and froze as three pairs of eyes fixed on him. “Whoa, whoa,” he said, slowing raising his hands in a gesture of peace. “This isn’ t about me.” A wicked smile spread across Merlin’ s lips. “Come on, are you two telling me that no one has joked about King Arthur and Queen Guinevere to you?” “Elyan has,” Gwen grumbled, pouting and folding her arms across her chest. Merlin doubled over in laughter . “I ought to thank him the next time I see him,” he choked out between laughs. “We’re here!” Arthur announced, hauling Gwen inside. Merlin was still quietly snickering by the time they were seated at their table. As they perused the menu, Lance said nonchalantly , “I don’ t know why you’re so triumphant, Merlin. Aren’ t the three of you Arthur , Merlin, and Guinevere now?” Betrayed, Merlin squawked in outrage. “Why aren’ t you on my side?” he sputtered. “I see you hadn’ t thought about that.” Arthur cut in, “Actually , the four of us make quite a group. Lance wouldn’ t be short for Lancelot, would it?” Lance’ s mouth dropped open. The four of them stared at each other in wide-eyed silence before bursting into laughter . “No, no, Lance isn’ t short for anything,” Lance gasped. Arthur ’s face was buried in his hands, shoulders shaking with laughter . Gwen clutched at Arthur ’s back, shaking along with him as she attempted to muf fle her giggles in his shirt. She waved a hand and said, “This conversation has already gone on way too long. I think this should be our cue to never speak of it again.” “Truce,” Merlin declared, extending a hand across the table. “Truce.” Merlin and Gwen shook hands solemnly , then dissolved into one last round of giggles. After placing their orders with a waiter who shot them a series of odd looks, Gwen turned her attention to Lance. “Lance, so sorry to subject you to that piece of history .” Chuckling, Lance shot a sideways glance at Merlin. “No apologies necessary . I’m used to Merlin and his oddities.” “Oi,” Merlin grumbled, glaring half-heartedly . Gwen flashed Merlin a grin. To Lance, she said, “It’ s really very nice to meet you. Merlin speaks of you often, I feel as though I know you already .” “Yes, you as well,” Lance said warmly . “I’m pleased to have the chance to meet you in person. I hear you’ve been a lifesaver since Merlin moved in. I’m grateful, it’ s been a massive help to me by extension.” “Just helping out a friend.” Gwen’ s cheeks flushed pink, her hands fluttering to her hair , then her jacket before she folded them in her lap. “I hope I’m not being rude, but I have to ask. Your accent… did you grow up here, Lance? It’s just that you don’ t sound like an American.” “You could say that,” Lance replied. “I grew up in Surrey , but after primary school, my dad’ s job transferred him to America. My mum and I moved with him. This is me of ficially moving back.” “That explains it! Your parents are still in America then?” “Afraid not,” Lance said softly . “They passed away a few years ago.” Gwen’ s face crumpled in sympathy . “I’m so sorry .” Merlin gripped Lance’ s shoulder tightly . “It was a car accident. We were in junior year of college,” he explained. It was still a hard topic for Lance to talk about, so when Merlin could, he tried to save him the breath. Gently , Gwen laid one hand over Lance’ s. “It’s not much, but I understand,” she murmured. “My father passed away a few years ago as well. Illness, so I had time to prepare, but it doesn’ t make it hurt any less.” Lance’ s eyes were sad, but there was a glimmer of a smile on his lips. He turned his hand over and squeezed Gwen’ s gratefully . “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Arthur touched the small of Gwen’ s back, and she leaned into it. “I still have my younger brother , Elyan,” she said, withdrawing her hand to stroke Arthur ’s arm with a smile. “Arthur as well.” As Gwen and Lance continued to exchange stories of their loss, Arthur drew Merlin into conversation, giving them the space to grieve without intrusion. “I think this is good for her ,” Arthur said quietly , darting a glance at Gwen’ s melancholy expression. “I was there for her when her dad passed, but I’ve never been through it myself.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was the same for me with Lance.” “My mother died giving birth to me,” Arthur confessed. “It’s not that I’m a stranger to grief, but it’ s not the same.” Merlin’ s eyes widened - he was touched Arthur would share such a personal story with him. Affection sur ged in his chest, and Merlin said, “I never knew my father . He left not long after I was born.” Their gazes locked, and for a moment, it felt as if they understood each other perfectly . Arthur broke away first, shaking himself and changing the subject. “Let’ s not bring down the mood even more. Do you like Italian?” Merlin perked up. He glanced around the restaurant, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the twinkling lights. “I love it. This restaurant is lovely , so quiet and homey .” A grin broke out across Arthur ’s face, and his eyes lit up. “That’ s exactly what I say! It’s the best kind of place, not like those huge chains that pack in as many tables as they can fit.” Chin propped on one hand, Merlin watched Arthur babble on, endeared by his excitement and the sparkle in his eyes. Still, he couldn’ t resist throwing in one gibe. “’Do you like Italian?’” Merlin mimicked. “You didn’ t think to ask that before we came to dinner here? What if I said no?” Arthur sputtered indignantly . “I told you we were going to an Italian restaurant when we got back from the airport! You had more than enough time to say otherwise.” “Maybe I was just being polite.” “Right, as if,” Arthur snorted. “How rude,” Merlin gasped dramatically and clapped a hand over his heart. “I know you are,” Arthur shot back, all smug condescension. Under the table, Merlin aimed a kick at Arthur ’s shoe, then leaned forward, challenging. “You have not known me nearly long enough to say things like that.” Arthur mirrored him, resting his elbows against the table. “But somehow I feel as if I’ve known you all my life.” Any retort Merlin had evaporated into smoke. Arthur was distractingly close. His blue eyes were inches away , his smirk was far too flirty , and Merlin swore he could catch a faint whif f of Arthur ’s intoxicating cologne. “Y-Yeah,” Merlin stammered. Slowly , the smirk faded from Arthur ’s lips, and his gaze drifted lower . Merlin’ s mouth went dry, and his pulse roared in his ears. Worse, he didn’ t think he was imagining the pull between them. A peal of laughter rang out, and Merlin and Arthur sprang apart. Arthur ’s chair scraped sharply against the floor , and he gripped the table edge to avoid tipping backward. Merlin stared down at this plate, gulping down shaky breaths, fighting down the heat creeping up his neck. When he looked up, he couldn’ t help but notice Arthur looked equally flushed and flustered. Beside them, Gwen and Lance paid them no mind. Gwen was giggling, a hand over her mouth. Lance was grinning as well, whispering what sounded like the tail end of a story . Merlin was hardly paying attention to the words coming out of Lance’ s mouth, too focused on the way Gwen and Lance leaned into each other ’s space, heads bent close together . Their conversation had clearly moved past grief, and the two must have found something else to bond over . Fantastic. But Merlin had seen that look on Lance’ s face before, and he could see the writing on the wall. Lance was a romantic. When he fell, he fell hard and fast. But that way lay heartbreak. Arthur didn’ t seem to mind, or perhaps he hadn’ t caught on. He was fiddling with his phone, not even watching the scene before them unfold. Merlin let out a breath he didn’ t know he was holding, but worry settled in the pit of his stomach. -- With some distance from that first dinner , Merlin tried to put it the entire incident out of his mind. It didn’ t mean anything. It couldn’ t. Perhaps he’d imagined the looks between Gwen and Lance. Perhaps he’d imagined the sparks between him and Arthur . After that night, things settled into a semblance of a routine. Since the four of them lived just floors apart, Gwen was forever pushing them together , insisting on Merlin spending more time with her boyfriend and on herself spending more time with Merlin’ s other best friend. It was all very normal and innocent, absolutely nothing to worry about. Merlin and Lance had a standing invitation to join Gwen and Arthur for dinner any time they wanted. But best friend or not, Merlin seriously doubted she wanted them underfoot all the time. Her and Arthur might live in the penthouse – which was a huge, gor geous space – but it was still her and her boyfriend’ s home. No couple wanted a constant third and fourth wheel. Despite Merlin’ s best ef forts to lay low , Gwen strong-armed him into agreeing to dinner every Friday . It wasn’ t that Merlin didn’ t want to go. The four of them got on incredibly well. But the more time they spent together , the harder it became to put on the brakes. One weekly dinner snowballed into several, then into nearly every night. Before Merlin even realized what was happening, their nightly routine became dinner and telly in the penthouse. They even had a rotating schedule of who cooked dinner which day and which days they ordered takeaway . It was terribly domestic, and Merlin kind of loved it. He’d even almost convinced himself it was quite normal that he and Lance saw Arthur and Gwen nearly as much as Arthur and Gwen saw each other . Later , Merlin would blame it on the fancy wine, or maybe his own exhaustion, but on a night no dif ferent than any other , Merlin was suddenly struck with the realization of how truly odd their situation was. Arthur had the day of f, so he’d put together a herb crusted rack of lamb for dinner along with some roasted potatoes and carrots. Despite being rich and posh, the kind of person who grew up with a cook in his childhood home, Arthur was a fantastic cook. Merlin thought it was immensely unfair for one person to be so good at everything. Dinner was delicious, and after Merlin and Lance finished tidying up, they made their way into the living room, ready to spend the rest of their night sprawled on the couch in front of the telly . In the entrance to the living room, Merlin froze as he saw the scene with new eyes. Arthur and Gwen had settled in their usual spots on the sectional. Gwen preferred the corner , and Arthur sat beside her . She was curled up with her back against one cushion, and her knees were bent so she could tuck her toes under Arthur ’s thigh. Which left enough space for one person to sit comfortably on Arthur ’s right, and another to sit on Gwen’ s left. Lance breezed past Merlin and plopped down in his usual seat beside Gwen, already recounting a story that brought a smile to Gwen’ s face. Merlin’ s usual seat, beside Arthur , sat empty and waiting for him. “Sit down, Merlin,” Arthur called in a fondly exasperated tone and patted the cushion next to him. Merlin sat. It wasn’ t as if one could divine meaning from a particular seating arrangement and, from there, make a judgment on the state of the relationships between the four of them. No, the problem was how the night progressed afterwards. While they always started the night as a group, chatting away around the dinner table, somehow they always ended up breaking into pairs. It only made sense, right? One would think they would find something to watch, Arthur and Gwen would cuddle up together , and Merlin and Lance would chat amongst themselves. And of course, when there was something to share, the four of them would talk, laugh, and joke as a group. But, no. No, Arthur spent the night bantering with Merlin, squeezed into Merlin’ s personal space, even while he had a hand loosely wrapped around Gwen’ s ankle. As he did every night . Constantly , Arthur whispered quips in Merlin’ s ear, and the two of them ended up snickering about joke after inside joke. Gwen spent the night leaning the other way , her and Lance’ s heads bent toward each other . A constant stream of whispers and laughs came from them. No dif ferent than any other night. Each of them barely paid any mind to the people on the other side of the couch. Merlin wondered if he was the only one who noticed. It could be innocent, right? Maybe Merlin was just reading too much into things. The next night, it was Merlin’ s turn to cook. As Arthur and Gwen tidied up in the kitchen, Merlin dragged Lance with him into the living room, and plopped himself down in Gwen’ s spot. Lance shot Merlin a funny look. When he opened his mouth to speak, Merlin gave his arm a sharp yank, and Lance tipped over into the seat next to Merlin. It left a whole side of the couch empty . When Arthur and Gwen returned, they blinked in confusion, seemingly baf fled about where they were supposed to sit. With some hesitation, they sat down next to each other in the space Merlin purposely left for them. Merlin spent the night actively trying to engage Lance in conversation more than Arthur . It was awkward as hell. Merlin couldn’ t recall the last time he had this much trouble holding an easy conversation with the particular people in this room. Halfway through their show , Merlin of fered to make tea. When he and Lance brought back the brewed tea, Gwen and Arthur had shifted into their usual positions, leaving Lance and Merlin no choice but to do the same. The tension in the room dissipated, and with that small change, they all found their stride again. Arthur with Merlin. Lance with Gwen. Merlin still thought it odd that where they sat made such a dif ference, but he let it go. Perhaps it really was him reading too much into things. Maybe it was his own heavy-handed meddling that had made the evening so awkward. As if they were making up for lost time from the first half of the evening, the four of them ended up so engrossed in their conversations that they left Netflix up and running for far longer than usual. Merlin and Lance tended to migrate back to their flat by ten p.m. most nights, since each of them needed to get ready for work the next morning. But this time, when Netflix prompted them with its “Are you still watching?” message, Merlin had to stifle a yawn. He glanced at his phone and was shocked to see twelve thirty-seven a.m. flash on his screen. It was far too late for them to still be here. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, Merlin leaned over to try and catch Lance’ s eye. He stopped in his tracks – Gwen had fallen asleep on Lance’ s shoulder , and Lance’ s cheek was pillowed on top of her head, eyes closed. Merlin bit his lip and glanced at Arthur , hoping this had somehow escaped his notice. Lucky for Lance and Gwen, it had. But only because Arthur was also asleep, slumped back against the cushions, one hand splayed out, reaching toward Merlin. Merlin was torn. On the one hand, staying here all night and waking up like this was a recipe for disaster . On the other hand, he very much would like to curl up next to Arthur and plead unconsciousness the next morning for the awkward position they were sure to find themselves in. A yawn escaped him. Merlin was very tired. And this couch was very comfortable. Hesitantly , Merlin inched back until he was reclined against the cushions. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a minute… Merlin peeked an eye open. None of his companions stirred. Against his better judgment, Merlin scooted closer to Arthur . Very gently , he pushed Arthur ’s hand back toward him, then rested his own hand over Arthur ’s and leaned his head on Arthur ’s shoulder . “Mmm,” Arthur mumbled. Merlin froze. Instead of waking up, Arthur shifted closer . Merlin let out a tiny sigh of relief. Now , maybe he really would rest his eyes for a bit… Just for a few minutes though, he should still wake everyone… “Shit!” Merlin jolted awake, smacking his head into something hard. “Ow,” Arthur groaned. Rubbing the tender spot on the back of his head, Merlin glanced around. Oh no, he was still in the penthouse, and it was clearly morning… Arthur was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes with one hand while the other rubbed the underside of his chin. Merlin winced. So that was what he’d smacked into. Speaking of… On the other side of the couch, Lance and Gwen had leaped to their feet and were frantically patting their clothes and hair . “Shit, shit, shit,” Gwen muttered. “I’m so late for work!” “I am too,” Lance groaned, slapping his own cheek. “I was meant to be in an hour ago.” The two of them dashed away - Gwen for the bathroom, and Lance out the door . Merlin blinked sleepily after them. Was it his imagination or were they both blushing? “Guess it pays of f to not be an early bird,” Arthur said, nudging Merlin’ s arm. “What time is it?” Arthur checked his phone, then turned the screen toward Merlin. “It’s nine twenty-five.” Breathing a sigh of relief, Merlin sank back into the couch. “Figures. Lance is usually at work by eight.” Arthur nodded, shooting a worried glance at the closed bathroom door . “Gwen too. She’s almost always the first one in.” “Overachievers,” Merlin said with a mock exasperated shake of his head. Arthur snorted. “You’re one to talk, Dr. Emrys.” “Fine, but I didn’ t say I’m late,” Merlin retorted. “I might have a PhD, but I value my sleep.” “We may have just found another thing we have in common.” Merlin rolled his eyes. “I just don’ t like to get up at the crack of dawn to cram myself in the tube. I still have to get ready for work, so I admit I’ll be a little late today , but I usually leave around this time.” “Oh,” Arthur said, blinking at Merlin in surprise. “Me too. I work late a lot, and I get to avoid traffic if I leave after nine. Do you need a ride?” “Thought you didn’ t want to be a chauf feur?” Merlin teased. Chuckling, Arthur rose to his feet and stretched his arms over his head. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of skin that Merlin would very much like to lick. “You’re not so bad, Emrys.” Merlin’ s head snapped up, his cheeks turning pink when he realized he had been staring. “Hmm? Right, same to you.” Smirking, Arthur strode away toward the bedroom. “Meet me outside in twenty , and I’ll drive you,” he called over his shoulder . It took Merlin a full minute to process what had just happened. When his brain caught up, he scrambled of f the couch and raced back to his own flat to change. After rush hour or not, Merlin still didn’ t fancy taking the tube when he had a perfectly good offer of a ride in a comfortable car . What he hadn’ t expected was for the one-time of fer to turn into a pattern. Though he never had before, every few days, he would now run into Arthur on the way to work. And unfailingly polite as Arthur was, each time he would shuf fle Merlin into his car where they would proceed to have a spirited twenty-minute ride to Albion Labs, sniping at each other the entire way . Before Merlin knew it, every few days turned into every day . Merlin knew he was in trouble when he found himself leaning against the wall outside the entrance to the building, waiting a full fifteen minutes for a ruf fled Arthur to emer ge, an apology on his lips for being late. His morning commute quickly – too quickly – became Merlin’ s favorite part of the day . Even while Merlin scolded himself for jumping through mental hoop after hoop to explain away the amount of time he spent with Arthur , Merlin said nothing about Gwen and Lance doing the same. They were all playing with fire. — Merlin was in his of fice at Albion Labs, his back to the door . He had been preparing his research for weeks to give an important presentation on his findings to his department head that afternoon. A knock came at the door . “Come in,” Merlin called distractedly . “Dr. Emrys?” Merlin twisted around - one his assistants had poked her head in. “Mar got, how can I help you?” Margot smiled sheepishly and pointed at a shelf near the back of the of fice. “I left my things in here earlier . Is now a good time for me to grab them?” Following her finger , Merlin spotted a stack of papers along with an iced cof fee that weren’ t his. “Certainly , come right in.” By the time Mar got ducked inside and gathered her things, Merlin had turned back to his work, already back to mentally running through his presentation. Absorbed as he was in his work, Merlin completely failed to register Mar got scurrying past him to leave. When he took a step back, he bodily collided with Mar got. A high-pitched yelp. Papers fluttering through the air . A shock of ice-cold liquid down his back. At a loss for words, Merlin stood in the middle of his of fice, dripping iced cof fee while a flustered Mar got babbled apologies and tried inef fectually to dab him dry with a single damp napkin. Merlin blinked down at himself. Already , he could see cof fee seeping around the sides of his white shirt. Near tears, Mar got cried, “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys!” Merlin snapped out of it, mustering up a smile and gently pushing her hand away . “Mar got, Margot, it’ s fine,” he said as soothingly as he could. “I’ll just have to find another shirt.” “But your presentation!” “Will be fine,” Merlin said, thanking god his voice didn’ t crack. “It would be lovely if you could clean this up for me, but if you’ll excuse me?” “Yes, yes,” Mar got said, nodding fervently . “I’m so sorry , Dr. Emrys. Please let me know if I can help!” Merlin managed one last reassuring smile. Once his of fice door was shut behind him, Merlin broke into a run toward Lance’ s office. He barreled inside, wailing, “Lance, help!” Alarmed, Lance shot to his feet. He took in Merlin’ s disheveled appearance and cursed softly when Merlin spun around, waving his arms frantically to gesture at his back. “Shit, Merlin. What happened?” “Mar got’s cof fee spilled all over me,” Merlin groaned and buried his face in his hands. Gently , Lance plucked at the fabric of Merlin’ s shirt, wincing when cof fee dripped to the floor . Merlin grabbed Lance by the shoulders and shook him. “Please tell me you have a spare shirt. Please. ” Lance rummaged through his of fice, but he came up empty . “I’m sorry , Merlin. I don’ t. But don’t worry , we’ll figure something out, all right?” “Oh god,” Merlin whimpered. “I can’ t fuck up this presentation.” “We’ll find the closest clothing store,” Lance soothed, gingerly patting a clean section of Merlin’ s shirt. “It’ll be fine, you’ll see.” Merlin perched on the edge of a chair , lightly banging his forehead against Lance’ s desk. He was careful not to lean back, Lance didn’ t need cof fee soaked cushions. “We’re saved!” Merlin’ s head shot up. “You’ve found a store?” Lance shook his head but held out his phone triumphantly . “Gwen is going to save us. She says she has some of Arthur ’s shirts in the car from the dry cleaners. Her of fice is only a few minutes walk away , so she’ s going to run over now .” “Gwen, my savior ,” Merlin cried. Merlin had been so wrapped up in his own panic that he hadn’ t even thought to question why Lance and Gwen texted with such frequency that Lance immediately told her what happened. The shirts all ended up being a little bit too big for Merlin, but they saved his ass. Of course, he had a whole dif ferent problem of trying to put out of his head that it was Arthur ’s shirt he was wearing. But really , that was a minor problem compared to the crisis averted. If one shirt mysteriously went missing when Merlin returned the shirts to Gwen, that was Merlin’ s own business. To thank Gwen, Merlin insisted on taking her and Lance out to lunch. The three of them had a great time, and they all agreed they should do this more often. So they did. Somewhere along the way , it became routine for Gwen to drop by Albion Labs for the three of them to go to lunch together . To make things easier for all of them, they worked out a schedule in which they ate together every T uesday , Thursday , and Friday . From time to time, Merlin would be too busy to make their standing lunch date. But Gwen and Lance never did. A few months after their tradition started, Merlin was roped into a project with a compressed timeline. For an entire six weeks, Merlin was buried in work - he arrived at work early , left late, and ate a hurried lunch at his desk. But Merlin was quite sure Gwen was coming by for lunch more often? In fact, every time Merlin bumped into Lance after lunch hour , Lance was smiling from ear to ear . Merlin wasn’ t an idiot. His friends weren’ t either . As his best friend, Lance was the one Merlin usually shared his musings with. Lance was the most level-headed person he knew , and this was exactly the kind of situation in which he would know what to say . Except this particular situation had become so irrevocably tangled that he didn’ t know where to start. If he even should start. What could he possibly say? Lance, mate, maybe stop trying to pull Gwen since she has a boyfriend? No, what do you mean, I’m not mooning over Arthur , you’re crazy . So, Merlin kept his mouth shut and ignored the ever -present sinking feeling in his stomach each time the four of them gravitated toward the wrong people. -- A text from Gwaine flashed on Merlin’ s phone. ’Club tonight?’ Merlin smiled fondly . Over the months since his move to London, he and Gwaine had become good friends. Gwaine was constantly on the prowl for something fun to do – usually involving a pub or a club – so almost every weekend, Merlin found himself with an invitation from Gwaine to join him. He didn’ t accept very often, preferring to spend his time curled up with a book or sat watching telly with Arthur , Gwen, and Lance. But once in a while, usually when Merlin could feel his inadvisable crush on Arthur spiraling out of control, he would force himself to go out with Gwaine on the pull. This felt like one of those times. On impulse, Merlin texted back that he and Lance would be there. Maybe he was projecting his own feelings, but things between Lance and Gwen felt like they were tipping dangerously in the wrong direction. When Merlin told Lance, Lance had tried to put up a fight, subtly complaining about an early start in the morning until Merlin flatly reminded him they had the next day of f. In no mood to deal with excuses, Merlin gave Lance exactly five more seconds to flounder before marching to the closet and rummaging for appropriate clubbing wear . “It’ll be good for both of us,” Merlin insisted as he glared Lance into submission. Despite the reluctant start, Lance brightened once they’d downed a few drinks and hopped on the dance floor . They were at The Green Knight, a club only a fifteen-minute walk from Merlin and Lance’ s flat. Merlin was having a great time. This was a great way to for get about Arthur . …Damn. Whenever Arthur ’s face floated before his eyes, Merlin threw himself into dancing with a renewed vigor . Lance and Gwaine were both fantastic dance partners, especially without any romantic entanglements weighing down their interactions. But a club was a club, and none of them were short of partners seeking their company . A curvy brunette quickly caught Gwaine’ s eye. She sidled up to Gwaine, and after a couple minutes of grinding against each other , Gwaine dipped her and planted a showy kiss on her lips. With a saucy wink at Merlin and Lance, Gwaine disappeared into the crowd, the brunette clinging to his hand. Lance needed a bit of time to warm up to the men and women trying to catch his attention, but even he was drawn to a tall blonde who tapped him on the shoulder . He spun her , wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back against his front. They swayed together , and he relaxed into it when the woman tipped her head back and pulled him down for a kiss. She whispered something in his ear , then took him by the hand, tugging shyly . When Lance turned to shoot an apologetic look at Merlin, the blonde met Merlin’ s gaze and flashed a friendly smile. Immediately , Merlin saw what broke through Lance’ s barriers. She had kind brown eyes, and the warmth in her smile was all Gwen. Merlin bit his lip. A little worried, he kept an eye on Lance as he followed the woman of f the dance floor . He needn’ t have worried. They slid into a booth and the woman climbed into his lap, wasting no time in kissing the breath from Lance’ s lips. A tiny chuckle escaped Merlin. He couldn’ t say if Lance was thinking about Gwen or not, but judging by where his hands were, Lance was just fine. “Need some company?” a voice shouted in Merlin’ s ear. Merlin whirled around, nearly tripping over his own feet. A set of warm hands steadied him, and Merlin found himself looking into a handsome face with pretty blue eyes, framed with golden blond hair . Heart pounding, Merlin almost blurted out, “Arthur?” He bit his tongue. It was just another gor geous blond bloke. Inwardly , Merlin blamed Arthur for his new taste in men. It was exceedingly unfair . How was he supposed to get over Arthur like this? He gave the bloke a quick once-over and decided, “He’ll do.” Aloud, with a flirtatious smirk, Merlin said, “Are you of fering?” The bloke grinned and made his answer clear by winding his arms around Merlin and pulling them flush together . Merlin wasn’ t complaining. He’d been behaving like a shameless tease all night, so he’d had plenty of of fers, but none he’d been interested in. Even Gwaine had raised an eyebrow at him at one point when Merlin had gotten slightly too carried away . One particular bloke had looked about five seconds from coming in his pants when Merlin patted his chest and sent him of f. The man hobbled of f the dance floor in the direction of the loo… Merlin felt a little bad about that one. This bloke though… well if he couldn’ t have Arthur , what was the harm in having a little fun with the next best thing? Merlin danced as if he wanted to fuck right there on the dance floor - full of grinding hips, sloppy kisses, and wandering hands. The bloke’ s breath was hot against Merlin’ s ear, panting, “Do you want to go – “ “ – get of f?” Merlin cut him of f. He was willing to bet the bloke was about to invite him back to his place, but Merlin wasn’ t interested in leaving with him. “Saw a private toilet in the back.” Clearly not about to turn down the chance, the bloke snapped his mouth shut and nodded. “Lead the way .” In the toilet, Merlin let the bloke press him against the wall, let himself be swept away in the sensation of kisses and the bloke’ s mouth around his cock. After he’d tucked himself back in, Merlin returned the favor , too focused on the uncomfortable tile beneath his knees to much enjoy it. After they parted ways, Merlin met back up with Lance. By silent mutual agreement, they headed back toward their flat. Neither said much, both lost in their own thoughts. The cold night air was sobering, and Merlin just wanted to go home and brush his teeth to wash away the bitter taste of come lingering in his mouth. But as Merlin stared up at the night sky , he couldn’ t help but think it was still better than the taste of rejection. -- Merlin was alone in his flat, sprawled like a starfish on the couch. Lance was away until mid-Saturday , traveling for a conference for his research. Gwen was busy too. The non-profit she managed was hosting a gala, and she wouldn’ t be home until the wee hours of the morning. And Arthur… well, Arthur was home too, Merlin knew . So Merlin found himself staring up at the ceiling, phone dangling from his fingers, a half- written response to a text from Gwaine lit up on the screen. Gwaine had invited him to go clubbing again, and Merlin could not make up his mind. On the one hand, it would take his mind of f Arthur , and he could stop pining like a schoolgirl on a Friday night. On the other hand, Merlin really didn’ t want to go clubbing. A knock sounded at the door . “Merlin?” came Arthur ’s muf fled voice. Merlin bolted upright, staring at the door in shock. He scrambled to his feet and flung the door open. On the other side was Arthur , arms folded, an unimpressed expression on his face. “Isn’ t it your turn to cook tonight?” Merlin blinked back at him in silence. “Well?” Arthur said, looking increasingly uncertain. “Or is this your way of telling me you have other plans?” “No!” Merlin blurted out. Then mentally kicked himself for not making up an excuse. A pleased smile crept across Arthur ’s face, and his usual cocky arrogance set back in. “Come up already then,” he called over his shoulder as he headed back down the hall. Gaping after him, Merlin didn’ t close the door until Arthur disappeared around the corner . Well, this was exactly what Merlin was trying to avoid. But Merlin was smiling as he tapped out a response to Gwaine, turning down his invitation. As he climbed the stairs toward the penthouse, Merlin couldn’ t help humming under his breath, heart skipping a beat at the thought of an entire night spent alone with Arthur . The penthouse door was unlocked when Merlin tried the handle. “I could be coming to rob you,” Merlin called as he toed his shoes of f. Arthur tipped his head back from his position on the couch, looking at Merlin from upside down. “But you’re not.” “You don’ t know that.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur closed his book and padded over to meet Merlin in the kitchen. “I could take you.” “I’m stronger than I look,” Merlin snif fed. He pointedly turned his back on Arthur and bent to peer into the fridge. “Curry maybe?” “Sure. Need help?” “I wouldn’ t turn it down. Start the rice while I chop the vegetables?” They chatted amiably in the kitchen while preparing dinner , Merlin’ s music playing quietly in the background. When they sat down to eat, Arthur asked, mid-mouthful, “Y ou didn’ t have other plans tonight, did you?” Merlin’ s hand jerked and sent curry splattering. “I told you no earlier .” “I’m asking you again.” Merlin dropped his eyes to his plate, pushing rice and curry around until one pile was mostly mush. “I wasn’ t sure,” Merlin said honestly . “Gwaine invited me out, but I hadn’ t answered him yet. Gwen and Lance aren’ t around, so I didn’ t know if… our plans changed.” “You didn’ t want to come without them.” Arthur ’s tone was carefully neutral. “No, that’ s not it,” Merlin said quickly . “I-I did. But I didn’ t know if you would.” Surprise flickered across Arthur ’s face. “Merlin, we’re friends, aren’ t we?” “Yes,” Merlin answered without hesitation. “Then it doesn’ t matter if it’ s just us,” Arthur said, flashing a charming smile and nudging Merlin’ s leg under the table. “Right,” Merlin croaked. Arthur ’s shoulders slumped slightly , and he bowed his head. “But you could’ve gone out with Gwaine if you wanted.” “I didn’ t. I’d rather be here with you.” Arthur shot him an unreadable look. “But you do sometimes. Go out with Gwaine, I mean.” Merlin nodded slowly , unsure what Arthur was getting at. “Are you and Gwaine…?” Merlin looked at Arthur blankly . When his meaning sank in, Merlin barked a laugh. “God, no,” he said. “Gwaine’ s not interested in anything more than a shag, and as nice as that would be, no thanks. Besides, Lance comes out with us sometimes too.” Arthur seemed a little more at ease, but tension still held his shoulders taut. “I know how Gwaine is. I’ve been out with him too. Going to a club or a pub with Gwaine doesn’ t usually end with anyone leaving alone.” Heat crept into Merlin’ s cheeks, and he desperately tried to will it down. “Even Gwaine just needs a friend sometimes,” he said lightly . Arthur didn’ t ask any more, but Merlin could tell by the purse of his lips that he could read between the lines. An odd tension hung in the air between them as they finished their dinner , and it didn’ t dissipate until Merlin flicked a handful of soap suds at Arthur while tidying up. From there, the night devolved into a slippery water fight. Merlin and Arthur laughed themselves hoarse, slipping and sliding in the puddles on the kitchen tile, clothes soaked through. Cleaning up the mess afterward was much less fun, but somehow , Merlin couldn’ t imagine a better night. “Don’ t you dare sit on the couch in your wet clothes,” Arthur shouted. Merlin spun around and stuck his tongue out. “Relax, clotpole. I’ll go home and change.” Shaking his head, Arthur breezed past him, heading for the bedroom. “Don’ t bother , I’ll lend you some pyjamas.” Before Merlin had a chance to protest, Arthur was banging through the dresser . Two things flew through the open doorway and smacked Merlin in the face. “Try those,” Arthur called. Clutching the clothes to his chest, Merlin dithered until Arthur started to pull his shirt over his head. Wide-eyed, Merlin watched the wet fabric slide over Arthur ’s skin, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. With a squeak, Merlin scampered away into a spare bedroom and slammed the door . Breathing hard, he leaned back against the door , knocking his head against the wood to clear his head. He needed to get a grip. The pyjamas he’d been given would be soaked through if he didn’ t stop clutching them to his chest and get changed already . The pyjamas were a little big, as Merlin had expected. But they were comfortable, and they smelled like Arthur . Merlin padded out of the spare bedroom and hung his clothes in the bathroom before flopping down beside Arthur on the couch. By mutual agreement, they put a film on to watch. At first, they snarked at each other and sniggered at inside jokes, as usual. But without Gwen and Lance there, Merlin allowed himself a little bit more free reign. Allowed himself to be bolder than he would dare with his best friend there to see the way he looked at her boyfriend. He looked a little longer , laughed a little harder . When Arthur slung an arm across the back of the couch, Merlin inched closer , letting his head slip onto Arthur ’s shoulder during an emotional scene. By the time the credits rolled, Merlin didn’ t even know how they got there, but he was curled into Arthur ’s side, and Arthur ’s arm was snug around his shoulders. His heart was pounding so loudly he was sure Arthur could hear it. When he tipped his head back to look at Arthur , Arthur was looking back. Their gazes collided and, for a moment, Merlin swore he saw a flash of desire in Arthur ’s eyes. Merlin pulled away . No. Arthur was his best friend’ s boyfriend. As wonderful as the night had been, it was nothing but a fantasy in Merlin’ s own head. -- Leon showed up at the penthouse bearing trays full of Greek catering. Apparently , he’d been in char ge of a company event and was saddled with all the leftover food. He begged Arthur and Gwen to take some, and they’d taken pity on him. But not before corralling Merlin, Lance, and Gwaine into joining them to polish it of f. The trays were lined up across the kitchen counters, and the six of them were each waiting their turn to fill their plates. Without being asked, Lance put together two platefuls, carefully selecting dif ferent things for each plate. He sat beside Gwen at the table, handing her one plate and setting the other down in front of himself. Gwen beamed up at him and said, “My favorites!” Arthur flopped onto the couch, nudged Merlin with his foot, and looked pointedly at the food until Merlin sighed, rolled his eyes, and got up. “No olives, you know how I like it,” Arthur chirped at Merlin’ s back. When Merlin returned with their food, an olive sat in the center of Arthur ’s plate, the biggest one Merlin could find. Pouting, Arthur stabbed the olive and waved it in Merlin’ s face. “You know I’m not going to eat this,” he complained. Blinking innocently , Merlin popped a piece of chicken into his mouth. “You never know , Arthur . Today could be the day you discover you love olives.” “Take the damn olive.” “Are you suuuure you don’ t want to try it?” Arthur shook his head vehemently and jabbed Merlin’ s cheek with the olive. “Suit yourself.” Grinning, Merlin caught the olive between his teeth and pulled it of f Arthur ’s fork. As he chewed, he added, “One day you’ll see sense, Arthur Pendragon.” “You’re an idiot,” Arthur grumbled between mouthfuls of rice. Gwaine had been watching the entire exchange with interest. As he sauntered over to the couch, he asked, “When did you four manage to swap partners without any of us noticing?” One by one, Arthur , Merlin, Gwen, and Lance froze. Slowly , they turned to stare at Gwaine, who had a roguish grin on his face. The silence stretched on for so long that Gwaine’ s grin faded, and he glanced between the four of them, looking slightly concerned. “All right there? I was just joking.” Arthur found his voice first. “That doesn’ t make any sense,” he said flatly . “Merlin and Lance aren’ t even together , and they never have been.” The atmosphere turned tense even as the grin reappeared on Gwaine’ s face. Merlin and Lance both looked away , clearing their throats uncomfortably . “Merlin, mate! Did you lie to me about hooking up with Lance?” Gwaine lamented. Arthur and Gwen drew in twin sharp intakes of breath. Merlin darted a guilty glance at Arthur , and out of the corner of his eye, didn’ t miss Lance doing the same at Gwen. Neither of them knew what to say , but there was no denying the hurt written across Arthur and Gwen’ s faces. Loudly – too loudly – Leon declared, “The food is good, isn’ t it? I didn’ t get a chance to try it at work, but it’ s top notch.” Lance shot Leon a grateful smile, and Leon gave a small nod in response. There was a troubled look in Leon’ s eyes when Merlin met his gaze, and Merlin gave a tiny shake of his head, silently begging Leon not to ask. No one spoke of it further , but the revelation had soured the night. Gwen was uncharacteristically quiet, and Arthur answered any questions directed his way in short, clipped tones. Gwaine and Leon made their excuses soon after their plates were empty . Merlin couldn’ t blame them. He’d escape too if he could. Quietly , the remaining four cleared away the dirty dishes and boxed up what little food was left. When Gwen elbowed her way past Lance to fill up the kettle, Lance leaped out of the way like a startled deer . He gave her a wide berth as she moved around the kitchen making tea. Seeing his opportunity , Merlin caught Arthur ’s eye and jerked his head toward the living room. Arthur ’s eyes were guarded, but he gave a single small nod. Relieved, Merlin led the way out of the kitchen, through the living room, and into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. He didn’ t dare glance back, reassured by the sound of soft footfalls that Arthur was following. “What?” Arthur asked gruf fly. Merlin bit his lip. He forced himself to turn around and meet Arthur ’s steely gaze. “It’s not what you think,” he blurted out. “What’ s not what I think?” Arthur scof fed. “Lance and I,” Merlin said softly . He stared down at his hands, wondering why the hell he was having this conversation. Arthur didn’ t speak for long moments. Merlin didn’ t look up, busy toying with the loose threads on the hem of his shirt. An unsteady huf f of breath and a soft thump later , Arthur said, “It’ s none of my business.” Merlin peeked up through his lashes to find Arthur slumped against the wall, his arms folded tightly in front of his chest, his eyes downcast. “No, it’ s not,” Merlin agreed. Sounding defeated, Arthur said, “But what were you going to say?” Merlin closed his eyes. Helpless to resist, he swayed closer , close enough their arms could almost brush. “It doesn’ t matter , does it?” Arthur sighed, and he dropped his forehead to Merlin’ s shoulder . “Tell me anyways?” he pleaded. “Lance and I never dated.” Explanation owed or not, Merlin had dragged Arthur over here with the intent of coming clean. “But Gwaine wasn’ t wrong. We’ve fallen into bed together a few times over the years. We’re better of f as friends though.” “Right. Friends,” Arthur said flatly . His head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Do you jump into bed with all your friends, Merlin?” Surprised at the vehemence in Arthur ’s tone, Merlin jerked backward. “What – no!” he spluttered. Suddenly , it dawned on Merlin why Arthur might be angry . Horrified, he hastily added, “Arthur , listen, Gwen and I never – “ Arthur sneered, cutting him of f. Like throwing down a gauntlet, Arthur challenged, “W ould you sleep with me, Merlin?” Merlin’ s words died in his throat. “What?” Arthur ’s eyes widened. His jaw snapped shut and all the fight bled out of him. “I-I’m sorry ,” he stammered. “I don’ t know what’ s got into me. That was massively unfair , please for give me.” As Merlin’ s brain caught up with the conversation, it was as if a dam broke loose. “Why do you care?” Arthur froze. Emboldened, Merlin took a step closer , crowding into Arthur ’s space. Arthur ’s eyes snapped to his, and the desire swirling in those depths set Merlin’ s heart hammering. Cautiously , Merlin brushed a lock of hair of f Arthur ’s forehead. Before he could pull back, Arthur caught his hand, his touch a searing burn that sent fire racing up Merlin’ s veins. Arthur ’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his face dipped closer . Merlin felt as though he were rooted to the floor . Just a breath separated them, if one of them bridged that final distance. But that distance yawned as wide as a chasm. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Merlin rasped, “Gwen.” Arthur ’s eyes flew open as Merlin extricated his hand from Arthur ’s grip and stepped back. “I just wanted you to know ,” Merlin murmured to Arthur ’s stricken face. Then he fled, making his escape out the door , shouting to Lance that he would meet him at home. Merlin was sat on the couch, his face buried in his hands, when Lance joined him. He laid a comforting hand on Merlin’ s shoulder . “You’re in love with Arthur .” “You’re in love with Gwen.” Neither of them confirmed or denied it. It was superfluous, the truth was obvious enough. Merlin sighed and tried to smother himself with a cushion. “I almost kissed Arthur tonight.” “Merlin!” Lance said, sounding appalled. Merlin shot him a dirty look and threw the cushion at him. “Don’ t sound all high and mighty . As if you wouldn’ t kiss Gwen if she asked.” “Are you saying Arthur asked?” Wincing, Merlin didn’ t answer . “I also told him that we’d hooked up a few times.” Lance didn’ t press, simply tossed the cushion back to Merlin. “Yeah,” he sighed. “I told Gwen too.” “Why did it feel like we owed them an explanation?” “I wish I knew , Merlin.” -- For a few days, the dynamic between the four of them remained stilted. For once, they behaved more like a couple and two close friends, with Arthur and Gwen paying more attention to each other than to Merlin and Lance. It didn’ t last long. Before the week was out, they fell back into old patterns, as if nothing had changed. It drove Merlin a little bit crazy , but he would take it over the heart-rending guilt of nearly kissing his best friend’ s boyfriend. Most days, it was almost easy to for get that Arthur and Gwen were a couple. But they were. And couples did tend to do couple-y things once in a while, even ones as odd as Arthur and Gwen. Merlin had texted Gwen, asking if she wanted him to bring over takeaway for dinner . He received a flustered text in response informing him that it was Gwen and Arthur ’s anniversary , so they actually had dinner reservations, just the two of them. Gwen was very apologetic they’d for gotten to tell Merlin and Lance, but they would see them tomorrow for brunch? Merlin blinked down at his phone, unexpectedly hurt at the revelation. He fired of f a response full of exclamation points and smiling emojis that reflected none of the conflict in his head. When Lance returned home after work, a bag of takeaway in hand, Merlin had a bottle of wine waiting. “Finally ,” Merlin groaned, pouring out two glasses of wine and taking a long swig. “I thought it was too pathetic to drink alone.” Lance winced in sympathy . “I hope we have more than just the one bottle.” Another swig. Merlin flapped a hand at the cabinet. “We’re well stocked.” They drank in silence, picking at the curry Lance had brought home. As Merlin was pouring his third glass, he muttered, “What the hell are we doing?” “Drinking,” Lance said solemnly . He held out his glass for a refill, nodding approvingly when Merlin emptied the bottle. Merlin kicked Lance’ s ankle. “No, we’re being idiots,” he declared. “Pining after people in a happy relationship.” “It’s their seven-year anniversary , isn’ t it? God, seven years.” “Seven years,” Merlin echoed, nodding miserably . “Are we terrible people for wanting them to break up?” “Probably ,” Lance sighed. “God, Lance, they’re our friends . How could we?” Wobbling to his feet, Lance grabbed a second bottle of wine and thrust it at Merlin. “More drinking and less thinking.” Merlin was in whole-hearted agreement. Another bottle of wine later , Merlin and Lance sprawled on the couch together , each using one plush armrest as a pillow . “Do you know how much easier my life would be if I was into Gwaine?” Merlin lamented. Lance hiccuped a laugh. “That’ s how I know you’re drunk. Your life would be hell. The only thing Gwaine can commit to is a drink.” “Fine. But he could just break my heart, and I’d get over him.” “Merlin, my friend. You’ve never been good at getting over anyone. Case in point.” “This is all hypothetical, can’ t you just give me this?” Merlin whined. “Sure, Merlin. Gwaine would be your perfect match,” Lance said obediently , hiding a smirk behind his hand. Merlin sat up and scowled. “Now you’re just insulting me.” Lance pressed his lips together , blinking innocently . Sighing, Merlin swung his legs down and flopped back against the cushions. “What would really make our lives easier is if we were in love with each other ,” he said mournfully . “No need to make that sound like a death sentence,” Lance grumbled. “But you’re right.” “Yeah,” Merlin murmured. “It was good the couple times we hooked up, wasn’ t it?” Lance propped himself up on his elbows and shot Merlin a fond smile. “It was great,” he agreed. Merlin smiled back, his gaze skimming down Lance’ s form. Slowly , he shifted onto his knees on the couch and bent over with hands on either side of Lance’ s hips. Peering up hesitantly , Merlin whispered, “It could be good now too.” Surprise flickered in Lance’ s eyes. He reached out a hand to cup Merlin’ s cheek, thumb skating over Merlin’ s lips. Lance’ s breath hitched when Merlin’ s lips parted for him - a question. “Yeah,” he breathed, lurching forward to capture Merlin’ s lips with his own. They lost themselves in each other right there on the couch, with Lance fucking Merlin half- bent over the armrest. It was more comfort than lust, each of them seeing another ’s face, trying not call another ’s name. But it was enough. For one night, it was enough. Too exhausted to drag themselves of f to bed afterwards, Merlin tugged the throw blanket over them, and they snuggled together to drift of f to sleep. The next morning, Merlin jolted awake at a loud gasp. Cracking an eye open, Merlin lifted his head of f Lance’ s chest and squinted around the room. Gwen stood in the doorway , one hand on the doorknob, the other covering her mouth. “Gwen – “ Merlin reached out a hand toward her , and the movement made the blanket flop down, revealing his bare chest underneath. Gwen’ s breath hitched on a sob. She turned and fled. The door slammed, and Lance stirred. “Merlin?” he mumbled blearily . Merlin slapped a hand over his face. Shit. -- “Gwen?” Arthur asked, alarmed when Gwen pelted into the penthouse. Gwen collapsed against the door , sucking in heaving breaths. Her eyes were wide and hurt, and they stared through Arthur . In a few quick strides, Arthur was at her side. He took hold of one of Gwen’ s arms and shook her lightly . “Gwen, are you all right?” All at once, Gwen seemed to shake herself out of it. Sending Arthur a bright, brittle smile, Gwen said, “I’m fine, Arthur .” Arthur wasn’ t buying it. “Guinevere,” he repeated sternly . “Please tell me. Has someone hurt you? I thought you were just going to Merlin and Lance’ s?” Gwen’ s bright façade cracked. “No one’ s hurt me. They’re not coming to brunch,” she whispered. “All right? We’ll just see them tonight then.” Gwen shook her head frantically . “No! We’re not seeing them until the party ,” she snapped. Arthur was so confused. “Our New Y ear’s Eve party tomorrow night, you mean?” “What other party is there, Arthur?” Gwen’ s voice cracked like a whip. Holding his hands up in surrender , Arthur backed away . “Whatever you want, Gwen.” After a quiet day and an awkwardly stilted dinner , Arthur finally wheedled the information out of her . A hundred emotions rushed through him all at once. He wanted to march downstairs and punch Lance in the face. He wanted to scream and cry . He wanted to demand answers from Merlin. Merlin told Arthur that he and Lance were just friends. Had that been a lie? Internally , Arthur laughed at his own hypocrisy . Merlin owed him no answers. He hadn’ t last time, and he didn’ t this time. Arthur had known for a long time he felt things for Merlin that were extremely inappropriate toward his girlfriend’ s best friend. Now , he was forced to face it. He was jealous. Arthur wholeheartedly agreed with Gwen’ s decision. They would not be seeing Merlin and Lance until they had to at the party . Honestly , Arthur had no idea how to face Merlin, but he had no choice but to put on a happy face when Merlin and Lance showed up at the door on New Y ear’s Eve, Gwaine in tow . Gwaine paid no mind to the tension, clapping Arthur on the shoulder and bounding past him toward the booze. Dawdling at the threshold, Merlin held out a plate of cookies like a peace of fering. Lance hovered at his shoulder , half-hiding, half peering guiltily inside. Playing the gracious host, Arthur accepted the cookies with a tight smile. “Please, come in.” Relief washed over Merlin’ s features. Sulkily , Arthur wondered what Merlin thought he was going to do. Bar him from the party? Merlin perched on the couch, flushed and fidgety as he talked to Lance and Gwaine. Arthur pretended he was busy with the cookies, slowly unwrapping the cling wrap and fiddling with it, smoothing out creases unnecessarily before tossing it away . He was being unfair . Sighing, Arthur squared his shoulders and went to join the conversation. To his surprise, the night went better than he’d expected. Gwaine’ s constant stream of chatter worked wonders. He even managed to get them all laughing together . As more guests trickled in, Arthur could breathe easier . Rarely was he stuck in a one-on-one conversation with Merlin, and he could survive being in the same room as the object-of-his- affections-who-had-just-fucked-someone-else for one night. As parties went, Arthur thought he and Gwen did a fairly good job. The drinks were flowing, their guests were laughing, and the cheery atmosphere never faltered. By the time the midnight countdown started, everyone was sloshed. Grins adorned every face as they shouted out the countdown. “Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven!” Slinging an arm over Gwen’ s shoulders, Arthur glanced around, grinning fondly at Gwaine dramatically conducting the chant. “Six! Five! Four!” Merlin waved his champagne flute in the air , toasting to something invisible with a flourish that had Lance doubling over in laughter . “Three! Two! One!” Arthur swooped down and caught Gwen’ s lips with his own. He pulled away just in time to catch Leon dipping Mor gana in showy kiss. Wrinkling his nose, Arthur turned away , only for his stomach to drop to his feet. Merlin twirled his champagne flute between his fingers, muttering something that had Lance nodding thoughtfully . With a shrug, Merlin leaned in and planted a sloppy kiss on Lance’ s cheek. Beside him, Arthur felt Gwen stif fen. Lance and Merlin clinked glasses and continued to chat as if nothing had happened. Their relationship status clearly hadn’ t changed. Arthur glanced at Gwen and followed her gaze to Lance’ s face. Reflected in her eyes was the same barely concealed hurt in Arthur ’s heart. God, they were complete idiots. After the party wound down, Arthur and Gwen were getting ready for bed when Arthur broached the conversation. It was long overdue. “This isn’ t working anymore, is it?” Arthur asked softly . Skirt halfway down her thighs, Gwen froze. She glanced at Arthur , her gaze skimming up his bare chest and up to his face. Smiling sadly , she shook her head. “I don’ t think so.” “I’ll always love you, Gwen.” Gwen tugged on her sleep shirt and padded over to Arthur . Wrapping her arms around his waist, she leaned close and rested her forehead against Arthur ’s shoulder . Even as she pressed her cold fingers into Arthur ’s skin for warmth, a habit born of long years of familiarity , she murmured, “Me too. But I think we’re better of f as friends.” Later , curled under the covers in the darkness, Arthur said, “Lance is besotted with you, you know .” Gwen didn’ t miss a beat. “Merlin is arse over tea kettle for you, you know .” Laughter bubbled out of Arthur , uncontrollable and unstoppable. Moments later , Gwen’ s giggles joined his, and soon, they were both howling. Slowly , their laughter faded back into companionable silence. “I wonder if this could’ve been enough,” Arthur murmured, half to himself. The covers rustled, and Gwen’ s hand touched his arm. “Not after meeting them. We would always want more.” Arthur tucked an arm under his head and stared up at the blank ceiling. Merlin’ s smiling face swam before his eyes, and unbidden, an answering smile crept its way across Arthur ’s lips. -- Arthur woke alone in bed. A text from Gwen awaited him, telling him she was meeting Lance for brunch. Smiling fondly , he texted her back with a quick ’Good luck.' He’d always admired Gwen’ s determination, and he was strangely proud it extended to this. After a few deep breaths, Arthur fired of f another text. To Merlin. ’Can I see you?’ The response was near instantaneous. ’I’ll be up in fifteen.’ Arthur bolted out of bed. He spent a good five minutes internally panicking, running through ideas of what he would say or do. Then he spent the next ten minutes brushing his teeth, fiddling with his hair , and finding an acceptable shirt and pair of trousers to wear . By the time a knock came at the door , Arthur had worked himself into a frenzy , half-formed confessions of love on the tip of his tongue. Any words he planned flew out of his head the moment he opened the door . Merlin looked positively adorable. He was still in his pyjamas, with an oversized hoodie thrown over his shirt. He looked sleep-soft and cuddly , and Arthur longed to run his fingers through his mop of tousled hair . In a daze, Arthur stepped aside to let Merlin pass, and the door fell shut with a quiet thump. Merlin waved a floppy sleeve. “Hi.” That hopeful smile was Arthur ’s undoing. Desire buzzed under his skin, the need to touch overwhelming in its intensity . In one long stride, Arthur covered the distance between them. Surrendering to his longing at last, Arthur reached across the chasm between them, one hand tangling in Merlin’ s hair , the other caressing his hip. Startled, Merlin managed to squeak “Arthur?” before Arthur ’s lips crashed against his. For one heart stopping moment, Merlin froze. Arthur ’s hand slid down to cradle the back of his neck, and Merlin melted against him. Relief sang through Arthur ’s veins, a chant of “YesMerlinY es” on loop in his mind. Merlin kissed back like his life depended on it, and Arthur drank it all in, desperate for anything Merlin would give. A sharp gasp spilled from Merlin’ s lips, and he wrenched himself free. Breath gone ragged, he rasped, “ Gwen. ” Trembling hands rose to Arthur ’s chest, then Merlin hesitated. His fingers trailed across Arthur ’s skin in a fleeting caress before he shoved Arthur away . Arthur staggered and fell back against the door . “Merlin, wait – “ Merlin drew himself up to his full height, eyes snapping with hurt fury . He jabbed a finger at Arthur , all righteous indignation. “Don’ t you dare.” The venom in Merlin’ s voice surprised Arthur , and he stuttered to a stop, wide-eyed. “Is this some game you’re playing?” Merlin practically snarled. “Is this because I slept with Lance? I know you know , Arthur .” “No – “ “I don’ t even want to hear it!” Merlin snapped. “I don’ t care who you are, Arthur Pendragon. You don’ t get to do this to me, and you do not get to do this to Gwen!” Merlin spun in a circle, clearly looking for an exit, but his frustrated gaze returned to Arthur , who was frozen in place blocking the door . “Gwen and I broke up!” Arthur shouted. Merlin made a strangled sound in his throat. “What?” he asked weakly . Tentatively , Arthur reached out a hand and touched Merlin’ s arm. Encouraged when he wasn’ t shaken of f, Arthur wrapped his fingers around Merlin’ s wrist, rubbing his thumb soothingly over where he could feel Merlin’ s pulse racing. “Gwen and I broke up last night,” Arthur repeated softly . Merlin looked lost. “Because of me?” “Only a bit,” Arthur admitted, of fering a crooked smile. At Merlin’ s stricken face, Arthur hastily added, “But mostly because we’re better of f as friends. It took her and I falling in love with you and Lance to figure it out.” “Oh.” “’Oh’? That’ s it?” A wobbly smile crept over Merlin’ s face. “Oh,” he repeated. With a twist of his wrist, Merlin tangled his and Arthur ’s fingers. Eyes gone soft and wide with wonder , he stared down at their entwined hands, his thumb brushing across Arthur ’s skin. A breathless laugh tore out of Arthur ’s throat. Merlin’ s touch, featherlight and tender , had him aching for more. “Have I rendered you speechless at last?” Merlin scof fed, but his smile lit up his face when he looked at Arthur . “You’re in love with me?” Arthur ’s fingers tightened around Merlin’ s. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Have been for a while now I think.” “And Gwen?” Merlin asked softly . Chuckling, Arthur said, “I don’ t think you have to worry about Gwen. Looking back on it, she was half in love with Lance the first day they met.” Merlin’ s lips twisted in a wry smile. “Lance was the same.” Arthur gave Merlin’ s hand an experimental tug and grinned when Merlin went willingly . He pulled Merlin close until there was barely a breath of space between them. Cupping Merlin’ s jaw, Arthur ran his thumb across Merlin’ s bottom lip, delighting in the tiny hitch in Merlin’ s breath. “I can’ t say I was much better ,” Arthur whispered. “Couldn’ t stop thinking about you ever since I first laid eyes on you.” “You acted like you hated me!” Arthur smirked. “What is it they say? Love and hate are two sides of the same coin?” Rolling his eyes, Merlin heaved a put upon sigh. “I don’ t know what I did to deserve falling in love with such a prat.” Arthur sucked in a sharp breath. “But have you?” “Have I what?” “Fallen in love with me,” Arthur breathed. Merlin’ s expression went soft, all pretense of teasing gone. “Do you even need to ask?” Gently , he took hold of Arthur ’s hand on his cheek and brought it to his lips. “Yes.” -- Six Months Later “Arthur!” Merlin yelled, kicking at the door to the penthouse. “The door closed again!” Hurried footsteps were accompanied by Arthur ’s muf fled shout. “Coming!” Merlin huf fed impatiently and hefted the box in his arms to adjust his grip. The door flew open, a sheepish Arthur on the other side. “Sorry , I for got you went down for one more box.” A fond smile crept across Merlin’ s face. He staggered inside and dropped the box on top of one of many stacks in the living room. Moving was such a nightmare, even when it was only up a few flights of stairs. He leaned heavily against the couch, trying to catch his breath. Arthur wrapped an arm around his waist, and Merlin slumped against him gratefully . “You’re forgiven,” Merlin said cheekily . Arthur snorted and rolled his eyes, but Merlin wasn’ t fooled. There was no hiding the soppy , adoring look in Arthur ’s eyes, especially not when he followed it up with a quick press of lips to Merlin’ s temple. “You two are adorable,” came Gwen’ s amused voice. Blushing, Merlin peered around Arthur . Gwen stood in the hallway with her hands on her hips, an indulgent smile on her face. Just behind her , Lance was backing out of the bedroom, laden with an armful of bags. “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin shot back, raising an eyebrow and shooting a pointed look behind her . Gwen glanced over her shoulder . She of fered a bright smile and exchanged a few quiet words with Lance. Merlin watched, amused, as Gwen tried to tug a few of the bags away while Lance stubbornly held on. After a brief tug of war , Gwen emer ged triumphant, a bag looped over either arm. Arthur huf fed a quiet laugh and whispered in Merlin’ s ear, “Lance is hopelessly besotted.” “Look who’ s talking,” Merlin repeated, smirking. Arthur bumped Merlin’ s cheek with his nose in punishment. “It’s your fault,” he said, as if that explained everything. “Oh?” Merlin peered at Arthur out of the corner of his eye, a coy smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I suppose I can accept that.” Arthur turned back to Gwen, who was taking one last lap around the penthouse. “Got everything, Gwen?” “I think so,” she replied, spinning slowly in a circle. She shot Arthur a soft smile. “It’s not like I’ll be far if I’ve for gotten anything.” “It’s not like you had much to move,” Lance piped up. “You’ve been moving your things into mine and Merlin’ s flat for months now .” “Better get used to calling it our flat instead of yours and Merlin’ s,” Gwen teased. “How about we just call it home?” Gwen’ s face lit up, and she flung her arms around Lance’ s neck. “Home. Sounds perfect.” “Adorable,” Merlin declared. Gwen tipped her head back and stuck her tongue out at Merlin. Merlin grinned, disentangled himself from Arthur , and strode across the room to take Gwen’ s arm. He tugged her away from Lance and enveloped her in a hug. As if sensing this was a moment just for the two of them, Lance and Arthur wandered away , and Arthur of fered to help Lance carry the bags down to his and Gwen’ s flat. Watching over Gwen’ s shoulder , Merlin smiled softly at their retreating backs. He squeezed Gwen tightly , and Gwen held on just as tight. “Who would’ve thought this is how our lives would turn out?” Merlin mused. Gwen laughed into Merlin’ s shoulder . “If you asked me two years ago where I thought I would be now , I would probably have said engaged to Arthur .” Slowly , Merlin pulled away and caught Gwen’ s eye. In a serious voice, he asked, “Gwen, are you really happy? Is this everything you wanted?” Taking Merlin by the shoulders, Gwen shook him lightly . “Stop worrying. No more feeling guilty . Merlin, I’m so very happy . Lance is everything I ever wanted and more.” Merlin wrapped Gwen in another hug. “Good,” he said fiercely . “You deserve it.” When they parted, Gwen took Merlin’ s hands in her own. “And you?” “I’m deliriously happy ,” Merlin said, unable to help the grin spreading across his face. “I can tell,” Gwen said, beaming. “You and Lance moving in here was the best thing that happened to both of us.” “Ready?” Lance called from the doorway . Gwen squeezed Merlin’ s hands once more, then released him and bounded out the door . “Ready!” She hugged Arthur , whispered something in his ear , and disappeared around the corner . Arthur stepped back inside the penthouse, shutting the door behind him. A wide smile on his face, he met Merlin halfway across the room with a slow , deliberate kiss. “What did Gwen say to you?” Arthur chuckled, wrapping his arms around Merlin. “She told me you’re the best thing that will ever happen to me, and to hold on tight.” Merlin threw back his head in laughter . He turned in Arthur ’s arms so his back was to Arthur ’s front, surveying his new home. Their home. “Smart woman, Gwen is.” “That she is,” Arthur said. “But funnily enough, I’d worked that one out all on my own. I never plan on letting you go.” Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!
Words: 17,592
Chapters: 1/1

The Bed Mishap

Merlin is 6 months pregnant and likes to take advantage of Arthur. When Arthur starts to fight back, things take a turn for the worst. Merlin' mood swings.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2015-10-27
Words: 507
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 49
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,180
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

What I'd Have Done

"I'm not sure what I'd have done.""And I didn't want to put you in that position.”For better or for worse, Arthur knows Merlin's secret. The problem? Merlin doesn't know Arthur knows. This leaves Arthur with a predicament... and an opportunity. A test. Three trials and three opportunities for Merlin to prove he doesn't deserve death. Arthur hopes he will pass them. Maybe then the image of Merlin's golden eyes will stop haunting him.Merlin opened his mouth. A noise unlike any sound Arthur had ever heard escaped from it. Loud and rumbling and guttural, inhuman, and in no way, shape, or form could actually be coming from his manservant.But it was. And Merlin was speaking."O drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes! Erkheo!"For a minute, there was complete silence—a silence in which Arthur just stared from behind a tree in an incomprehensive daze.But then there was a sound. Both loud and forceful and... familiar.The sound of flapping wings.AKA an in-depth character study of Arthur. I do not endorse Arthur's actions, but this is what I think he'd do in canon. This was my season 3 prediction!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Betrayed!Arthur, BAMF!Merlin, Arthur testing Merlin's loyalty, Death, Emrys title reveal, "What If" Magic Reveal, Some Merlin POV, Arthur processing Merlin's secret, Merlin not knowing Arthur knows, Trials, An exploration of Arthur's character/thought process/development, Merlin's Magic Revealed (Merlin), Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, POV Arthur, Arthur-centric, Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Season/Series 03, Magic Revealed, Arthur Finds Out About Merlin’s Magic (Merlin), Dragonlord Merlin (Merlin), Gen or Pre-Slash, Merthur or Arwen or both depending on how you read canon, Suicidal Thoughts, TW: Hangings / Execution, Arthur gets the character development he deserves because I said so, This is my thesis on Arthur as a character, Merlin calls Arthur out on his shit, Gaius and Gwen also call Arthur out on his shit, Morgana is in evil smirk mode but there's hope for her yet, I do not endorse Arthur's thoughts or actions this is just what I think he would do in canon, Fix-It of Sorts, POV Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Heavy Angst, Merlin doesn't know that Arthur knows
Language: English
Published: 2015-10-17
Words: 119,263
Chapters: 14/14
Comments: 1,051
Kudos: 5,674
Bookmarks: 1,490
Hits: 117,648
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Gaius, Uther, Kilgharrah, Gwen, Morgana, Leon (Merlin), George (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)
Completed: 2022-03-15

Fanart: Mage Merlin and King Arthur

Merlin looking unabashedly magic and Arthur being utterly captivated in return.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Mixed Media, Fanart, Alternate Universe - Fantasy, High Fantasy, Hooded Merlin, Cloak-pulling, Smitten King Arthur, The Emrys Chronicles
Language: English
Published: 2015-10-30
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 33
Kudos: 555
Bookmarks: 60
Hits: 10,160
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin's Worries, Arthur's Distractions

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Magic has been used in Ealdor and Merlin needs a distraction. Author: Emrys MK Title : Merlin's Worries, Arthur's Distractions Rating : M Characters/pairings : Merlin/Arthur, Leon/Percival, Gwen, Hunith Summary : Magic has been spotted in Ealdor and Merlin needs a distraction. Words : ~1000 Warnings: angst Prompt 184: Infinite A/N : Part nine of my reincarnation series Merlin and Arthur Live Again . I want to thank Lucy, who asked if I would write about Arthur's past relationships. I haven't delved into much yet, but I did give a hint into his past. More to come. If there are any other things readers wants me to write about, please let me know, and, if it fits in, I'll do it. "Last week, a local female citizen of Ealdor, population fifty-seven, was arrested. Details are sketchy, but it is believed that this female attempted to perform magic. While sorcery is not illegal, a new law went into effect last month requiring magics to register. This person was not registered, hence the detainment. We will continue to follow this story and keep you abreast of the latest developments. Jo-" Merlin had heard enough; he turned off the telly and turned to see his mother's reaction, and, just as expected, her face was pale and she was staring at him, a look of abject terror on her face. Merlin attempted a smile. "It's okay, Mum, you know I'm careful. No one here knows about me." "If you're found out, Merlin, they'll take you away from us. They won't listen to reason. The-" Merlin had stood as she began speaking, walked to her, knelt, and taken her hands in his. "Mum, don't do this. There's no reason why anyone should suspect anything. None of the neighbors know. The only ones who ever knew were Arthur and his mother. You'll remember that they purposely did not tell Mr. Pendragon. There is nothing at all to worry about. I promise," Merlin said, hoping he sounded much more confident than he felt. The truth was he'd heard about the girl's arrest a few days earlier and had been on heightened alert since, thinking that at any second someone would come arrest him and take him away. His mother nodded, but continued to look worried. "It's your father's work, Merlin. I fear his dealings will come back to you. He travels so much and we don't know what all he does, but we do know what he uses to do it. If he's caught, then you know they'll want to question and exploit you." "Yeah, I know, but we can't worry about that," Merlin said, knowing that he had no other choice but to sound and act as if this didn't bother him. The last thing he wanted was for his mother to worry herself to death over this, and there was no doubt that she would do that very thing. Merlin knew that Hunith Emrys's life was her son. "It'll be okay." He kissed her on the forehead. Thirty minutes later he received a text from Arthur: Hey, Merlin. I know we talked for two hours earlier, but I just saw the news and figured you needed a distraction. Are you busy? Merlin: No, I'm not busy. You know you can text or call anytime, and yes, distract me, please. Arthur: Remember the two guys we went out with Saturday night? Merlin: Yeah, really big blokes :-) Arthur: Yeah, well, today Leon called and told me Percy and he are together. Merlin: Seriously? Arthur: Yeah. Merlin: But I thought Leon was with your former girlfriend, Gwen. Arthur: Yeah, they were, but she caught Percy and him together this morning and told Leon she never wanted to see him again and that she should have stayed with me, that I knew how to treat a lady. Merlin: And does she know that you'd rather treat a bloke these days? Arthur: She didn't, but she does now. Merlin: And how did that go down? Arthur: She called me just before I texted you and asked me if I wanted to meet her for drinks. She didn't go into any detail about what happened but told me she and Leon were finished and that she regretted ending things with me last year. Merlin: And? Arthur: I told her I was with someone else. Merlin: And? Arthur: She asked me who. Merlin: You're enjoying this, aren't you? Arthur: Immensely. Merlin: So, did you tell her who? Arthur: I told her it was someone who didn't live in Camelot. Her single word reply: Merlin. Merlin: And what did you say to that? Arthur: I told her yes, it was you and that I was flattered and I respected her and thought fondly of our time together, but that my heart now belonged to you and I hoped she and I could still be friends. Merlin: It works for Freya and me. Arthur: You can be friends with anyone, Merlin. I don't make friends at all easily. My dad takes great pride in reminding me daily how much of a failure I am when it comes to being social. Merlin: I'll never badmouth your father because hell hath no fury like me when someone speaks ill of either of my parents, but I so wish he could understand you like I do, Arthur. Arthur: Me too, Merlin, but back to Gwen. She said yes, that she wants to be friends and that she wants to meet you properly, not just in passing. Then she asked me when we were moving in together. I had to set her straight and tell her that just because we are two men who are together, it doesn't mean we have to live together. I told her I plan to finish uni and you're about to begin and that we are in no hurry to become domestic, that we have the rest of our lives to do that. But I did tell her that when it happens she'll be the first to know. Merlin: I look forward to that day :-) and Gwen sounds a lot like Freya. Merlin was about to add to the text when his mother knocked on his door. "Come in, Mum," he said, before finishing the text: Mum wants to talk so I've got to go. Talk to you tomorrow. Arthur: Have a good night, Merlin. Merlin: You, too, Arthur. Merlin's mother walked into his room. "Your father just called." "And?" asked a frantic Merlin, his breathing erratic. "He wanted to tell me he accepted another job today; it has nothing to do with magic and the pay is substantially more. You can go to Avalon. Your opportunities are infinite, Merlin." Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon/Percival (Merlin)
Character: Hunith (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Past Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Modern Era, Magic Series: Part 9 of Merlin and Arthur Live Again Collections: Camelot Drabble -- Prompt #184: Infinite
Published: 2015-11-05
Words: 1103

Something Great. . That Has Nothing To Do With Physics

Arthur hates Mr. Gaius. ... well, not anymore
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - High School, Finals, Strangers to Lovers, Physics, Boys Kissing, Teen Romance, they both have odd families, Understanding
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-19
Words: 731
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 78
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,730
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Igraine Pendragon, Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Balinor (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Freya (Merlin)

What Do We Have?

Merlin is the only gay boy in school (well, besides Gwaine and Percival, but they are together so it’s not relevant) and needs a date to prom. Arthur offers to go as a friend, but really he wants to go as more than that. After Merlin turns him down, Arthur is determined to make sure Merlin has a good night at prom, even if that means Merlin goes with someone else. But the boy who asks Merlin to prom turns out to be shady and Arthur really doesn’t like the idea of anyone hurting Merlin.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Gay, Friendship/Love, Romance, Relationship(s), Prom, Angst, Fluff, One Shot, POV Arthur, High School, Fluid Sexuality
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-15
Words: 5,208
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 269
Bookmarks: 22
Hits: 3,598
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon/Morgause (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Gwaine, Percival, Gwen, Lance, Leon, Morgause, Morgana, Uther, Hunith, Daegal, Gaius

Family Fueds

Merlin just wanted a great family dinner for his anniversary.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Additional Tags: Merlin is a Holmes, Family Drama, Family Dinners, Arthur just wants to eat, parents!Johnlock, Surprises, Morgana and Mycroft are bffs
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-21
Words: 1,524
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 271
Bookmarks: 23
Hits: 4,796
Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Sherlock (TV)
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Leon/Morgana (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Mr and Mrs Holmes, Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Agravaine (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Molly Hooper, Greg Lestrade, Sherry!OC

Sandbox Stories

Arthur meets a friend in a sandbox.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Modern Era, kid!Merlin, kid!Arthur, Teen!Valiant, Teen!Leon, Teen!Elyan, Cute, Fun
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-21
Words: 666
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 8
Kudos: 198
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 2,478
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

Lullaby

Merlin discovers Arthur's secret talent.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Established Relationship, Hidden Talents
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-23
Words: 1,022
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 244
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 2,427
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

A Life Without Love Isn't A Life Worth Living

Merlin meets Arthur. .. his purpose
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Angst, Suicide, Depression, very sad
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-24
Words: 883
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 29
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 881
Archive Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply, Major Character Death
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Sharing Heat

One-off for BBCMerlin Secret Santa 2015When Merlin finds himself horribly undercooled, Arthur is there to warm him.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2015-12-25
Words: 1,590
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 137
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 2,869
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), Merthur - Fandom
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Arthur & Merlin: Destiny made more of the Master and Servant

Basically, my sister bought a bunch of nice, shiny, new thin markers and I obviously had to use them. This was the result. I'm not going to claim that it's amazing or anything, but it's pretty dang adorable and also I had fun with it, so oh well. I have five pictures done for this series, each from a different fandom. This one is the Merlin BBC picture. Enjoy!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fanart, markers are the medium, cause my sister bought a bunch and i had to use them, this was the result, no it isn't professional, but i had fun so who cares, team 2
Language: English
Published: 2012-11-02
Words: 0
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 22
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 4,414
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur friendship, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Merlin (Arthurian), Arthur Pendragon, Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Friendly Slaps

Merlin figures out why Arthur manhandles him so much. Arthur himself is a little slower on the uptake.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Manhandling, Crushes
Language: English
Published: 2016-01-03
Words: 4,044
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 205
Kudos: 18,111
Bookmarks: 2,208
Hits: 121,935
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

5 Times Merlin Fell Asleep - And Once That Arthur Did, Too

The five times that Merlin fell asleep, and the one time that Arthur did, too.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Fluff and Angst, Sleep, Romance, Romantic Friendship, Friendship, Fun, Friends to Lovers
Language: English
Published: 2011-09-26
Words: 1,312
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 489
Bookmarks: 39
Hits: 7,575
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Knights of the Round Table (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Practice Makes Perfect

When Arthur finds out Merlin has magic, he makes Merlin train him how to fight against sorcery. It’s all going perfectly fine until Arthur decides he wants to build up a tolerance to love potions.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Arthur Knows About Merlin's Magic, Love Potion/Spell, Fluff and Crack, First Kiss, Canon Era
Language: English
Published: 2016-01-19
Words: 3,058
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 173
Kudos: 16,411
Bookmarks: 1,973
Hits: 117,903
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon/A Tree
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin's Smiles

Five times Arthur wanted to make Merlin smile and one time he did not.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Fluff and Angst, Humor
Language: English
Published: 2012-11-29
Words: 5,551
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 331
Bookmarks: 52
Hits: 5,701
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Guinevere (Arthurian), Gwaine (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Other(s)

The Medallion

Merlin's not the only one with something to reveal, nor the only one unsure how to do it. However, Arthur, unlike Merlin, has grown tired of waiting. So when Merlin (literally) presents him with an opportunity, he takes it.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Magical Reveal Fic
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-01
Words: 1,185
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 213
Bookmarks: 18
Hits: 3,212
Categories: Gen, M/M

The Rock

Merlin is stressed and Arthur is trying. Sometimes life throws you a curveball and you have to deal with it as it comes. Arthur deals with it in an unexpected way.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Gay, Love, Romance, Relationship(s), Marriage Proposal, Fights, Angst, Fluff, Family, Short, One Shot, Slice of Life
Language: English
Published: 2016-02-16
Words: 1,329
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 127
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,759
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Coffee Run

Merlin gets some insight into Arthur's life and vice versa.-Snippet left out of The Curse of the Welshman when I compiled all the old one shots in to a proper chapter fic.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Implied Arthur/Merlin
Additional Tags: Coffee Addiction, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2016-02-16
Words: 535
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 51
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 833
Characters: Arthur Pendragon, Merlin (Merlin)

Innocent

Merlin backs away from him, wide eyed, terrified. His back hits the wall and he wraps his arms around his middle, tensing, closing his eyes, as if he expects Arthur to attack him.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Mpreg, Hurt/Comfort, past noncon, Past Abuse, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Child Abuse, Established Relationship
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-24
Words: 567
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 1,898
Bookmarks: 133
Hits: 45,711
Archive Warnings: Rape/Non-Con, Underage Sex
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), past Merlin/Other(s) (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

The Slow Path

Merlin always knows where to find Arthur when he arrives on this plane.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Post-Series, Reincarnation, Reunions
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-25
Words: 338
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 39
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,257
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

The End

Slight AU for 5X13 don't read if you haven't seen it. Arthur and Merlin's thoughts as Arthur is dying.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Emotional Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-27
Words: 628
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 12
Bookmarks: 5
Hits: 1,474
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

With Your Peculiar Mouth

“Kiss me again, please, if you want,” Arthur pleads, forcing himself not to think. It’s better when he doesn’t think. “Whatever you want.”
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: again this is in a universe where Merlin is a sex slave, so there's still a warning for allusions to past abuse
Language: English
Published: 2016-03-13
Words: 1,624
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 18
Kudos: 557
Bookmarks: 27
Hits: 8,328
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Easier Said Than Done

'Merlin,' Arthur called for the third time. He was getting really irritated. /Dammit, where is that idiot?/ he wondered. A second later Merlin stumbled into Arthur's chambers, tripping over his own feet. Arthur gets upset when Merlin doesn't respond to his orders, and decides to show him a piece of his mind. Fluffy Merthur slash fic
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Merthur - Freeform, Fluff, Drabble, Confession, Friends to Lovers
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-04
Words: 1,105
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 113
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,808
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Dense

Following the story of season 2, episode 4: "Lancelot and Guinevere," except Merlin finally decides to tell Arthur how he feels. Episode rewrite, Merthur oneshot.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Angst, Internal Conflict, Fluff, episode rewrite
Language: English
Published: 2012-12-05
Words: 3,312
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 133
Bookmarks: 10
Hits: 1,628
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin)

It's manly to cuddle

Merlin and Arthur watch a horror film. On all the jump scares though Merlin had put his hand on Arthur's; squeezing it tight. By the fourth jump scare Arthur had grabbed Merlin's hand and held it, claiming that it will 'save Merlin the trouble of grabbing it every five minutes'. It was all innocent; honest.orThat one time that Arthur and Merlin cuddle during a horror film and then watch more horror films to continue doing so.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Movie Nights, Horror Films, manly cuddling, Pining, Everyone is in a pair, But Arthur and Merlin, Alternate Universe - College/University, Alternate Universe - Modern Setting
Language: English
Published: 2016-04-07
Words: 2,957
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 276
Bookmarks: 31
Hits: 3,562
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Elena/Elyan (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Elena (Merlin)

In Plain Sight

Why does Merlin always wear a scarf?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Backstory
Language: English
Published: 2016-04-06
Words: 5,806
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 123
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 1,725
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

Merlin and Arthur: Confrontation

Work page not found or no link in PDF; showing extracted metadata.
Quite simply, the lyrics of 'The Confrontation' from Les Misérables rewritten for a scenario in which Arthur finds out about Merlin's magic. Notes I've really enjoyed seeing Les Mis at the cinema, and this is my favourite song. Then I told my friend Blackthorn14 (Find her on DA, Tumblr etc!) that someone should rewrite the words for Arthur finding out about Merlin's magic. Then I had a go and so did she, and some of her lines were much better than mine, and some of mine she preferred over hers; so I did a bit of cutting and copying and some tweaking here and there, and what you see before you is a more or less equal collaboration. Unfortunately neither of us can sing, but we were pretty pleased with how it turned out, so it seemed a shame not to post it up somewhere... Someone clever Merlin cosplayers need to record this for us. Please, talented people of the internet, do it! For best effect, try singing this along to the track :) We used the film version, though :) [ARTHUR] Merlin, at last, Your secret becomes plain A sorcerer And Camelot’s betrayed [MERLIN] Before you say another word, Arthur Before you send me to the stake to burn Listen to me! There is something you should know. I was working for our destiny. Everything I did I did for you, For Camelot, I fought as best I knew We’re two sides of the same coin. Different sides- [ARTHUR] Merlin, stop it now! I've seen the things magic can do You deserve no trust from me A liar like you. [MERLIN(counterpoint)] Believe of me what you will This is something I had to do You don’t know what I’ve done All I did was save your life You know nothing I have done If not for me you would be dead My magic helped build Albion I am warning you Arthur You still need me by your side There is power in this world That you can’t face alone [ARTHUR(counterpoint)] You have tricked me all these years I considered you a friend No, It was all a lie How many men have I lost? How many fights? Come with me you sorcerer I’ll go on with my father’s deeds Our friendship means nothing now No mercy for scum like you You belong inside a jail All these years you’ve lived a lie You have treated me as a fool How could you keep this from me? I would have kept your secret well If you’d proved that you trust me I’d believe this destiny! Please drop by the archive and comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV), Les Misérables (2012)
Character: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Song fic, Song Parody, Confrontation
Published: 2013-01-23
Words: 256

To Walk in his Shoes

When a magical enemy of Merlin's decides it's high time Arthur found out about Merlin's magic, he sets a spell forcing Arthur to be bound to Merlin. There was a catch though, Merlin couldn't see him. So Arthur is forced to be Merlin's shadow for a day. He never expected to see this though. The magic was a surprise... But this? Can Arthur get himself visible in time?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Self-Harm, Hurt!Merlin, Hurt Merlin, Hurt/Comfort, Invisibility, Protective Arthur, Depression, Magic Revealed, Oneshot
Language: English
Published: 2016-04-21
Words: 5,553
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 1,013
Bookmarks: 119
Hits: 28,391
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Smile for the Camera

Arthur finds a camera. He thinks it just makes pretty lights.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Reincarnation, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2013-02-08
Words: 673
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 9
Kudos: 218
Bookmarks: 17
Hits: 3,350

Merlin Turns 10

“Arthur had been his reading buddy when Merlin was in kindergarten and somehow they had remained close throughout the years. Arthur was four years older than him. A teenager. Definitely not the kind of person that Merlin should enjoy being around so much especially considering how handsome Arthur was. He was one of the cool kids in middle school, Merlin just knew it by the way Arthur held himself. He was like all the cool jocks in all the movies. Merlin really admired Arthur.”
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Modern Era, Relationship(s), School, Kid Fic, Reading, Birthday Party, Friendship/Love, Fluff
Language: English
Published: 2016-04-18
Words: 1,426
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 19
Kudos: 127
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,717
Characters: Merlin, Arthur, Elena, Will, Gilli, Lance, Elyan, Percy

My Christmas Kiss

It's Christmas, and Merlin gave Arthur a beautiful present. But Arthur has nothing to give his friend. Or does he?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Christmas, Christmas Presents, First Kiss, Boys Kissing
Language: English
Published: 2016-05-14
Words: 822
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 95
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 1,322
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

(Not So) Secret Admirer

Merlin's done pretending that he doesn't love Arthur, and so he prepares a plan. Then, all of a sudden, Arthur receives flowers. Who might be his secret admirer? - Merthur, oneshot, starts with the scene in 2x03 The Nightmare Begins, when Merlin brings Morgana flowers, except the flowers are not for her and she isn't in the fanfic :)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Flowers, Episode: s02e03 The Nightmare Begins, Humor, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2016-05-15
Words: 3,157
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 283
Bookmarks: 29
Hits: 2,798
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Twas just a dream

"Three weeks ago you came to me saying Merlin just randomly kissed you, you played along and you said you were going to tell him.""I am." He defended."Last week you said you were going to as well.""And I will."orMerlin dreams Arthur and him get together or at least he thinks it was a dream.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Alternate Universe - College/University, Fluff, Merlins dreams about Arthur, Confusion
Language: English
Published: 2016-05-16
Words: 1,989
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 140
Bookmarks: 8
Hits: 2,580
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Forever is composed of nows

For the Sex Is Not The Enemy ficathon.Prompt: http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_luoptc9vpo1qlgh3uo1_500.jpg
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Sex Is Not The Enemy, Reincarnation, picture prompt
Language: English
Published: 2013-02-17
Words: 947
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 35
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 948
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Rain Fever

"But it's raining!""Yes people usually go inside for this kind of weather Merlin.""But we're already wet and it's past midnight and its dark.""So?""Sooo doesn't it make you feel happy? Did you never not go outside and play in the rain as a kid?"orMerlin likes to sing and dance in the rain, Arthur not so much but with a little convincing from Merlin he might just enjoy it.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Rain, Dancing in the Rain, Idiots in Love
Language: English
Published: 2016-05-18
Words: 1,158
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 114
Bookmarks: 7
Hits: 1,284
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Arthur overwhelms Merlin with how sappy he is the morning after

Merlin enjoys waking up next to Arthur
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: five things
Language: English
Published: 2010-03-13
Words: 861
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 124
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 3,454
Characters: Merlin, Arthur

steady with wintry calm

Arthur wakes up one morning before Merlin, only to contemplate how far they've come together in just a span of six months.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, teen for swearing, Fluff, Modern AU
Language: English
Published: 2013-02-22
Words: 1,686
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 148
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 2,574
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Can't Breathe Without You

It’s a normal quest with Arthur, Merlin, and the knights. Which, of course, means that everything goes entirely wrong.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Asphyxiation, Magic, Polyamory, Polyamory Negotiations, Threesome - F/M/M, Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Injury, Hurt Merlin, Cross-Posted on FanFiction.Net
Language: English
Published: 2016-05-27
Words: 7,214
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 16
Kudos: 611
Bookmarks: 106
Hits: 7,377
Categories: F/M, M/M, Multi
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Look After You

Merlin sits on the side of the bed. 'Arthur,' he says. 'Are you sick?'Arthur huddles in the bedclothes. 'Throat hurts,' he croaks, and swallows painfully.(Arthur is sick, and Merlin takes care of him. But Arthur wants something more, and he won't say what it is.)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Sickfic, Sick Arthur, Caring Merlin, Fluff, Fluff and Hurt/Comfort, Sharing a Bed, Sharing Body Heat, Hugs, Arthur needs a hug, Sleepy Cuddles, Cuddling & Snuggling, Canon Era, Caring, Wrist Kiss, Love Confessions, Sort Of, Arthur Has the Worst Timing Ever, First Kiss, Kissing, Hurt/Comfort, and now with, sick Merlin, in the modern day, Arthur Uses A Kettle, Post-it Notes, Merlin Leaves Post-It Notes For Arthur, Caring Arthur, Protective Arthur, Getting Together
Language: English
Published: 2016-06-01
Words: 6,166
Chapters: 4/4
Comments: 147
Kudos: 3,293
Bookmarks: 415
Hits: 40,463
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Completed: 2016-12-05

The Talk

Written for the KMM37 prompt: "Arthur/Merlin, first failed attempt at sex."
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Friendship, Uther's A+ Parenting, The Talk, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst, Canon Era, Humor, Canon Compliant, It's all Gaius' fault
Language: English
Published: 2016-06-06
Words: 1,460
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 92
Bookmarks: 9
Hits: 1,531
Relationships: Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)/Other(s), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Dragons In London

Arthur and Merlin take the kids to a fair while Gwen and Morgana are at the spa.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: Gen
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Arthur/Gwen
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-11
Words: 566
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 5
Hits: 253
Characters: 2 OC's, Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Happy Birthday Arthur!

Arthur’s birthday party turns out to be very interesting.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: F/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-11
Words: 695
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 11
Hits: 494
Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Appreciating Merlin

Whilst Merlin quietly helps Arthur with his armor, Arthur has plenty of time to appreciate his servant.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, First Kiss, One Shot, Magic Revealed, few tears, Merthur - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-13
Words: 1,906
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 17
Kudos: 1,361
Bookmarks: 108
Hits: 23,139
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Arthur's All Alone.

Merlin and Arthur have been abandoned by the rest of the knights, and Arthur feels alone. But why is he singing?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-14
Words: 779
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 21
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,120
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandoms: Monty Python's Spam A lot, Merlin (TV)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

First Fight

Merlin and Arthur have their first fight as a couple, and Arthur jumps to conclusions. What else is new?
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Schmoop, Drabble, First Fight, idk they're cute and stupid
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-19
Words: 584
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 87
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 2,493
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

(Finally) Leaning Forward

It’s easy, really.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2013-03-30
Words: 269
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 58
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,228
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Merlin worships Arthur from afar, up close

Merlin accidentally turns Arthur into a bird, and learns something about his feelings for him.
Rating: Mature
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (BBC)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur
Additional Tags: Animal Transformation
Language: English
Published: 2010-03-27
Words: 1,091
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 255
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 4,625

The Dream

Written for the kink_me prompt where Merlin is angry over a dream he's had where Arthur cheated.Disclaimer: I make no profit from this endeavor. The characters belong to BBC and Shine, along with legend.Re-worked September 2014.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: Established Relationship, One Shot, vulnerable!Merlin, Modern AU, Misunderstanding, married, Jealous!Merlin
Language: English
Published: 2013-04-15
Words: 1,173
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 12
Kudos: 290
Bookmarks: 20
Hits: 5,062
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin Emrys, Gwaine, Gwen/Lance - Character

The Crimson Thread

Morgana captures Merlin, and makes an enchanted thread that serves as Merlin’s lifeline. When Arthur receives it anonymously, he thinks it may be a clue to getting Merlin back. But what doesn’t know is that every time it’s pulled, it causes Merlin terrible pain. If it’s unraveled, Merlin dies.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Alternate Universe - Canon, its weird, I know, im sorry, Horror
Language: English
Published: 2013-04-20
Words: 6,369
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 11
Kudos: 213
Bookmarks: 31
Hits: 6,085
Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin)

Dawn of a Golden Age

For the prompt: Merlin kisses Arthur on the lips right after he says thank you. Merlin feels something pass from him to Arthur and then suddenly Arthur's body is suffused in bright light. Moments later Arthur awakens, his wound healed. Arthur doesn't realize Merlin kissed him, he just thinks he healed him somehow. At first Merlin believes he healed Arthur with his kiss, but soon he starts to suspect that what he passed to Arthur was, in fact, his immortality. Merlin worries Arthur will be angry when he finds out and deem this trespass unforgivable, an utter violation of his person, for who would want to live forever? And surely, if Arthur did want to live forever, he'd choose Gwen or even one of his knights with which to share that never-ending journey.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2013-04-21
Words: 14,539
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 99
Kudos: 3,936
Bookmarks: 728
Hits: 37,187
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Happy Birthday

Five times Arthur celebrates Merlin’s birthday, and one time he actually celebrates itonMerlin’s birthday. (Arthur is a prat.)
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Canon Era, Fluff, Crack, Drunkenness, Magic Reveal, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2016-08-28
Words: 4,193
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 153
Kudos: 6,863
Bookmarks: 997
Hits: 34,868
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

A Time and Place

He swore that he would die before he ever saw Arthur fall. He swore to protect Arthur until the day he no longer could. And now Arthur would like to kill or otherwise maim the person that told Merlin he needed to throw his life away to make sure that Arthur lived.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Language: English
Published: 2013-05-10
Words: 1,035
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 6
Kudos: 320
Bookmarks: 27
Hits: 7,491
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin)

I Break up with YOU

Despite what he wants, Balinor's voice resonates in his head, "Leave Merlin out of it." Now Arthur has to do the one thing he doesn't want to do, but Merlin turns the tables on him this time.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: mentions of balinor - Freeform
Language: English
Published: 2016-10-02
Words: 579
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 25
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 939
Fandoms: Merlin (TV), The Amazing Spider-Man (Movies - Webb)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Hunith (Merlin)

The Garland Competition

When Arthur is told he has to judge a garland competition, he knows this will be one one of those days. But who has entered the contest and what have they made?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Episode: s04e06 A Servant of Two Masters, Fluff, Humor, Competition, One Shot, Crack, Knights - Freeform, Great Dragon - Freeform, wake up
Language: English
Published: 2016-09-05
Words: 1,774
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 92
Bookmarks: 16
Hits: 829
Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Kilgharrah (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Percival (Merlin)

Under the Stars

Merlin is going to confess his feelings to someone, Arthur is jealous. (Written for prompt: undeniable)
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Additional Tags: undeniable, Slash
Language: English
Published: 2013-06-20
Words: 996
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 64
Hits: 1,615
Characters: Gwaine (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

The one with the secret relationship

"Okay you will not believe what I just saw-" Gwen started entering Gwaine and Arthur's flat. Morgana was sat on the stool by the kitchen counter completely expecting her to come by."Merlin and Arthur having sex." Morgana deadpanned."Merlin and-How did you know?" Gwen asked frowning in confusion."That's specifically why I'm here and not in there." Morgana simply said.orThe Monica and Chandler story from F.R.I.E.N.D.S but told differently and with Merthur of course!
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Modern Setting, Fluff, Secret Relationship, Mutual Pining, Both avoiding feelings, Morgana has a plan, like always, Gwaine just wants his chair back, untouched
Language: English
Published: 2016-11-21
Words: 6,128
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 224
Bookmarks: 37
Hits: 5,362
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Percival (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin), Leon/Morgana (Merlin), Gwen/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Elyan (Merlin)

Birdsong

A little crinkle of the brow, a little turn of the mouth, and Merlin was caught.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Inspired by Art, Wistful, Friends to Lovers, POV Merlin, Bittersweet, Bittersweet Ending
Language: English
Published: 2016-11-22
Words: 1,116
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 67
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,375
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Comfort from Avalon

The evening of Arthur's birthday, Merlin gives Arthur the best gift he could ever have.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Fluff, Magic Revealed, Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-03
Words: 2,118
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 10
Kudos: 214
Bookmarks: 31
Hits: 4,330
Categories: Gen, M/M
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin & Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Uther Pendragon (Merlin), Ygraine de Bois (Merlin), Freya (Merlin)

Bloodstream

Merlin is dangerous. Incredibly dangerous and it was killing Arthur and yet, at the same time, it was keeping him alive.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthurs POV, Fluff, Slight fluff, slight AU, no magic reveal
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-07
Words: 1,355
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 48
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,107
Archive Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Declaration of love

"Gaius! What happened?" Merlin came as quickly as he could, keeping his eyes on his beloved Arthur.His Prince was deadly pale, apparently unconscious and he was barely breathing."I don't have the slightest idea," Gaius said while treating Arthur's wounds. "I believe someone attacked him in his chambers... yes, I assume it was Morgana," he added when he saw the look on Merlin's face.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Additional Tags: Kiss and Cuddle Challenge, Fluffy, First Kiss, First Time, Virgin Merlin, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Boys Kissing, Neck Kissing, Merthur - Freeform, Hurt Merlin, Male Slash, Slash
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-11
Words: 1,067
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 324
Bookmarks: 27
Hits: 10,930
Fandoms: Merlin - Fandom, Merlin (TV)
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin, Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Gaius, Gaius (Merlin)

Merlin's trial

"Merlin." the hall resounded with Uther's unmerciful voice. Merlin was kneeling in front of the throne, members of the court were all staring at him. Merlin's eyes were filled with fear, searching for Arthur."Do you admit you have magic?" Uther stood up, his cold eyes right at Merlin."I do." Merlin mumbled, quietly."Speak louder." Uther was enjoying Merlin's humiliation. He was just a sorcerer and manservant after all.Merlin closed his eyes, calmming himself down. "I do.""Alright. You are adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic."
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: First Time, Arthur Finds Out, Protective Arthur, First Kiss, Flirting, Slash, Boys In Love, Declarations Of Love
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-15
Words: 739
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 2
Kudos: 554
Bookmarks: 43
Hits: 13,012
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon, Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon, Uther Pendragon (Merlin)

A Bloke (The Mansion, Part 4)

Meet Arthur's interest of the night / Warnings: PromiscuityReadPart One,Part Two,Part Three
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-17
Words: 300
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 13
Bookmarks: 1
Hits: 1,195
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin)

Shining Light

Short ficlet about Merlin and his love, Arthur, as they wake one morning, enraptured in each other. Light humor and romance. Rated for hints of sexual relations.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Established (kind of), Ignores traditions, marriage talk
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-16
Words: 1,017
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 5
Kudos: 25
Bookmarks: 2
Hits: 896
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen/Lancelot (Merlin)
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Lancelot (Merlin), Leon (Merlin)

The prophecy about Arthur's bane (The Valley of the Fallen Kings)

"Gaius! No, Gaius!" Merlin was holding Gaius' dead body in his arms. He was shaking, crying, he hated Morgana Pendragon and he wanted to see her dead."No, Gaius, wake up!""Merlin, come on. Leave." Someone was dragging him away. It was Arthur but Merlin didn't care. All he was able to see was Gaius' unconscious face. He wished it was just a nightmare. Gaius coudn't be dead..."GAIUS!" Merlin was writhing in Arthur's hands but he was too weak. He fainted after few seconds.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: Major Character Death
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Hurt Merlin, Slash, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Cuddle, Protective Arthur, Arthur Knows, Merlin is Court Sorcerer, Developing Relationship, Original Universe, Boys Kissing, Boys In Love, BAMF Morgana
Language: English
Published: 2013-07-20
Words: 1,309
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 3
Kudos: 318
Bookmarks: 30
Hits: 13,570
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin)

Heart-Stopping Envy (The Mansion Part 7)

Arthur is behaving differently with Merlin. Catch up on theSeries here
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Language: English
Published: 2013-08-07
Words: 530
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 1
Kudos: 16
Hits: 1,271
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Gwaine/Merlin (Merlin)

Roll to Me (Short Version)

Arthur had been back from the dead for five days when Merlin decided to take him roller skating. Merlin wouldn't admit it, but his primary motivation was to see the mighty Arthur Pendragon fall on his bum.
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Returns, Rollerblades & Rollerskates, Fluff, Community: camelot_drabble
Language: English
Published: 2017-02-01
Words: 998
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 22
Kudos: 138
Bookmarks: 12
Hits: 1,497
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

If you're ever in Camelot...

Coffee Shop prompt for Merlin_Writers. Arthur frequents a cafe that Merlin is working at.Warning: Some adult language used.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Community: merlin_writers
Language: English
Published: 2013-09-10
Words: 565
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 14
Kudos: 102
Bookmarks: 3
Hits: 1,667

The Truth Is Told When The Jug Is Dry

One night Arthur gets spectacularly drunk, and Merlin ends up finding out about some things that question everything he thought he knew.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Intoxication, Drunkenness, Drunken Confessions, Magic Revealed
Language: English
Published: 2013-09-19
Words: 2,480
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 15
Kudos: 812
Bookmarks: 94
Hits: 8,347
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

How Arthur Knew Merlin Was Gay

Gaius can't keep a secret and Arthur is worried about Merlin's drinking problem. Comedy.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Merlin is at the Tavern, Gaius is a Bad Secret Keeper
Language: English
Published: 2013-09-21
Words: 1,283
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 52
Kudos: 1,026
Bookmarks: 69
Hits: 13,798
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Daylight

Blood. Screams. The sound of metal on metal. Rust. Then silence.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Arthur Pendragon Returns, Nightmares, Hurt/Comfort
Language: English
Published: 2013-09-23
Words: 572
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 252
Bookmarks: 20
Hits: 2,983
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Confession

Merlin arrives late to Arthur's chambers, but when he enters he finds the prince fast asleep. What will happen?
Rating: General Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Additional Tags: Cuddling & Snuggling, Kissing, First Kiss
Language: English
Published: 2017-02-18
Words: 907
Chapters: 1/1
Kudos: 141
Bookmarks: 6
Hits: 2,576
Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)

Might As Well Face It

Merlin brews a love potion to pull a prank on Arthur and things don't go as planned.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: Merlin (TV)
Relationship: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
Additional Tags: Deus Ex Machina, well more like potion ex machina, Merlin V Arthur prank war, casual touching, Cuddling
Language: English
Published: 2017-02-21
Words: 2,386
Chapters: 1/1
Comments: 4
Kudos: 206
Bookmarks: 15
Hits: 2,671
Characters: Merlin (Merlin), Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin), Gaius (Merlin), Leon (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin)